New for 2022-23

Dates and Deadlines is a Google calendar where the most recent dates for scholarships, grants, reports, and financial transactions for the period July 1, 2022-June 30, 2023, are posted.  All dates and deadlines are subject to change. O∆K will make every effort to inform the membership and circle leadership in advance of any changes to deadlines. We recommend you use the “Agenda view” for a comprehensive list of dates.

We continue to improve the MMS for your use.  We have added better functionality on the administrative page, improved options for verifying membership fee payments, and much more. Remember, as you start your recruiting process, you need to review your application and the open and close dates.

The FY 2022-23 Fees Schedule is posted.

The Circle Officer Handbook is an online publication only that combines nearly everything a circle officer needs to know.  With the rapidly changing needs of our circles, we have determined that the best way to keep up to the minute changes available is through the website.

The FY 2023 version is constantly being updated. The updated OΔK Policies and Procedures Manual is here.

Make sure all current officers are listed with the National Headquarters. Check the list on MMS or your circle’s page on the O∆K Circle Directory. All advisors (circle coordinator, faculty advisor, alumni advisor, and circle assistant) are required to submit the Circle Advisor Agreement. All student officers are required to complete the Student Officer or Circle Assistant Update Form. All new officers should complete the training available through O∆K Learn.

The O∆K Circle Minimum Standards (CMS) synthesize the various bylaws and policies that require specific action by the circles in one list and serve as the basis by which the national organization considers a circle “in good standing.”  These 13 minimum standards were revised with policy changes approved by the Board of Trustees in June 2022.  Only circles in good standing will be eligible for Clay Grants, Gift of Membership, and Circle Recognition Awards.

The O∆K National Invitation to Membership Program leverages the resources and prestige of the national organization to assist local circles with recruitment by directly contacting eligible students and their families. O∆K research indicates that many prospective members ignore recruitment notifications from local circles for a variety of reasons. Included in those reasons are 1) the lack of knowledge about O∆K at the national level and 2) the belief that there are no benefits to the student beyond the specific campus. The advantages for circles that adopt this program begins with the connection of the potential new member directly to the resources of the National Headquarters. Circles still retain complete control over the selection and initiation of new members but they are required to follow specific timelines and recruiting practices in order to achieve maximum effectiveness. OΔK National Invitation to Membership Program

Now that nearly every institution will be returning to on-campus activity, OΔK will suspend the National Virtual Initiation Ceremonies. Although they were necessary as part of our support for circles during the pandemic, we believe the connections made through a campus ceremony are crucial to the future of a strong circle and a vibrant Society. If an in-person ceremony is not possible, circles are still permitted to conduct online initiation ceremonies. We highly encourage circles to meet in person when possible. Remember, the initiation ceremony is supposed to be a significant event in the life of a member. We understand these events are a great deal of effort to plan and execute. However, you have a team of highly qualified leaders in your circle. We are confident that they can ensure a memorable experience for everyone.

Due to the overwhelming generosity of our members, we continue to have significant funds for the Gift of Membership. We currently can provide 45 gifts for FY 2022.

We have benefits for members, including BetterHelp and new insurance discounts coming later this fall.  Remind current and new members that the $94 they paid to join is paid back multiple times when they take advantage of the discounts and promotions offered.