MyODK Updates
MyODK reached the one-year mark recently. As with any new complex system, MyODK presented unanticipated challenges. We learned a great deal in the first year.
Throughout the process, we have listened to and catalogued your comments, suggestions, and criticisms. We surveyed applicants who did not complete the process to learn their concerns. By compiling all this information, O∆K was able to make numerous changes to the system; however, we will also need you, the circle officers, to implement some changes to practices.
Changes to the Circle Executive Dashboard
- Officer Listing: Officers are now listed by start and end date. These dates will help the team know when student officers are timing out. All student officers automatically time out after one year. To extend their role, please reach out to your circle contact. Remember, MyODK Training is required for access. If your officers do not appear on the Circle Executive Dashboard, we have not received their Student Officer Agreement, or they have not completed the required training. Contact [email protected] if you have questions about officer listings or dashboard access.
- Application Dates: Application Open and Close dates now show the time the application opens and closes. Please make sure your student applicants are aware of this. All times are Eastern.
New Emails to Applicants
After learning that some circles did not contact applicants to remind them to complete the application or submit payment if accepted, O∆K will begin sending monthly emails.
- STARTED APPLICANTS: At the beginning of each month, MyODK will send an email to all individuals with an application in the STARTED status and an initiation ceremony scheduled in the future. We heard from many applicants who thought they had submitted their application. The email will be a reminder to complete the application for consideration. Circles should also run reports of STARTED applicants and reach out as well.
- ACCEPTED APPLICANTS: The circle is required to send acceptance emails and payment instructions to applicants. However, to assist circles, MyODK will send an email to all individuals in the ACCEPTED status who have not paid their initiation fees once a month. We heard from many applicants that they were not aware they had been accepted. The MyODK email is a reinforcement process.
MyODK Videos
The instructional videos for MyODK are being updated to incorporate information received from applicants and circles.
- APPLICANT VIDEOS: We highly recommend including the link to the Steps to Apply video in all emails to potential candidates. If you are using the national payment portal, please include the Steps to Pay video in your communication. Applicants who viewed these videos generally found them helpful, stating they were able to complete either the application or the online payment process easily.
- OFFICER VIDEOS: In addition to the MyODK Officer Training Videos, we are developing short training videos for various MyODK functions. Videos will include “How to Run Reports and Lists”, “How to Use the Member Directory,” “How to Search the Applicant Dashboard,” and “Best Practices for Managing Selection.” If you have suggestions about videos that would be helpful to you as an officer, please send them to MyODK ([email protected]).
Financial Operations for Circles
- FY 2026 FEES: The O∆K Board of Trustees decided not to include the planned increases in the National Initiation Fee and Institutional Membership Fee for FY2025-26. The National Initiation Fee remains at $94, and the Institutional membership fee remains at $200. Unless we see significant increases in both the initiation and renewal of members, these numbers are expected to increase for FY 2027.
- MyODK PAYMENT PORTAL: O∆K highly recommends that all circles move to the MyODK payment portal for National Initiation Fees and Local Dues. The process is easy for the circle to set up with a few clicks, making financial processing more efficient for both the circle and the O∆K National Headquarters. Many other national organizations have moved solely to online payments. O∆K is considering moving all initiation fees to the online portal starting in July 2026.
If you have any questions about MyODK or need assistance with managing the Circle Executive Dashboard, email [email protected].
