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.
Awards
Circle of Distinction
In addition to the Circle Standards, this award honors circles that have completed at least three of the following:
- Selected and submitted the nomination for the Circle Leader of the Year
- Sponsored a circle-driven signature event on campus
- Participated in the National Day of Service (or an equivalent service project) (submit a Program Report)
- Applied for the Maurice A. Clay Leadership Initiative Grant
- Submitted a nomination for a national award (Hogle, Roark, etc.)
Superior Circle
This award honors circles that have done the following:
- Fulfilled all the requirements to be recognized as a Circle of Distinction;
- Sent delegate(s) to the 2023 or 2024 National Leadership Conference.
- Qualified for one of the supplementary recognitions (Membership Growth and Stability or Circle Stewardship)
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.
To encourage the ongoing health of our circles, O∆K annually will recognize circles in the following two categories:
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 two biennia
- Maintained the ideal circle size as identified and reported by the circle
Circles that receive Circle Initiation Incentive Awards automatically qualify for Membership Growth and Stability credit in the Circle Recognition process. The circle should also include membership growth and sustainability efforts in its Circle Annual Report or submit a Program Report to receive credit in the annual circle recognition process.
Circle Stewardship Award
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 Award, submit a Program Report that describes your stewardship efforts.
The deadline to meet all criteria is June 30, 2025.
