Introduction
The Omicron Delta Kappa Policies and Procedures Manual provides for the establishment of awards to “reward the local circles for their adherence to national standards and for initiating activities that promote the O∆K Idea on campus as well as to recognize circles who sustain excellence over time.”
Each year, the Mission Committee reviews and approves awards. In June 2017, revisions were approved for the Circle Recognition Awards program, and two new awards were added.
Circle Standards – Basic criteria for awards
A circle must meet the Circle Standards to be eligible for circle recognition awards.
The Circle Standards can be tracked through the MyODK Circle Executive Dashboard portal. Circles should regularly check their status on the to ensure they are meeting all criteria. The final deadline to meet all Circle Standards is June 30, 2026.
Circle Recognition Honors (Revised 2025)
A circle must meet the Circle Standards to be eligible for circle recognition awards. The Circle Standards can be tracked through the MyODK Circle Executive Dashboard. Circles should regularly check their status on MyODK to ensure they meet all criteria. The final deadline to meet all Circle Minimum Standards is June 30, 2026.
Awards
I – Circle of Distinction
This award honors circles that have met the Circle Standards.
II – Superior Circle
This award honors circles that have fulfilled all the requirements to be recognized as a Circle of Distinction and have done two of the following:
1. Selected and submitted the nomination for a Circle Leader of the Year
2. Applied for the Maurice A. Clay Leadership Initiative Grant
3. Met Membership Growth and Stability – Collaboration in leadership is one of the essential elements of the O∆K Idea. In order to encourage more collaborative efforts on campus, circles should constantly seek out initiates from across campus life and bring as many diverse leaders to the table as possible. This recognition acknowledges circles that have accomplished one of the following:
-
-
-
- Consistent membership growth over the past four years
- Increased membership by more than 10% in the past two years
- Maintained ideal circle size as defined by the National Headquarters
-
-
4. Met the criteria for Circle Stewardship – This recognition acknowledges circles that have fulfilled at least one of the following:
-
-
-
- Raised funds, goods, or provided in-kind services to benefit a local community organization.
- Raised funds to benefit the local circle
- Raised funds to benefit Omicron Delta Kappa
-
-
To qualify for the Circle Stewardship, submit a Program Report that describes your stewardship efforts.
III – Presidential Award of Excellence
This award honors circles that have:
-
- Circle of Distinction for five consecutive years; or,
- Superior Circle for three consecutive years; or,
- Been recognized with some combination of both (Circle of Distinction or Superior Circle) every year for five consecutive years.
The deadline to meet all criteria is June 30, 2026.
Revised by the Mission Committee, December 17, 2025
