About the Circle
The National Circle is a circle (chapter) of Omicron Delta Kappa (OΔK) that seeks to engage collegiate leaders at institutions where the Society does not have a campus-based circle. The National Circle is open to students, faculty, and staff who are not eligible to join Omicron Delta Kappa because they are enrolled in or work at a college or university without a chartered and active circle. Check here to see if your campus has an OΔK circle.
The National Circle will be recruiting in spring 2026. Check this page for dates and deadlines.
Current OΔK members can recommend someone for membership in the National Circle by completing this form.
Qualifications for Membership in the National Circle
- Prospective collegiate members must be students at a four-year, accredited college or university, enrolled in a degree-seeking program for at least one full academic term, and have sophomore standing (30 hours) or higher. Undergraduate students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.5/4.0 or higher. Graduate/professional students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.75/4.0 or higher.
- Prospective faculty and staff members must have at least one degree and be employed by a four-year college or university.
- All prospective members must have proven leadership in at least one of the Five Pillars: Academics, Arts, Athletics, Communications, and Service.
- National Circle membership is open only to individuals enrolled at, or who work at, institutions based in the United States, although membership is open to international students enrolled in US-based campuses. The National Circle does not initiate alumni members.
Fees
All individuals invited to join Omicron Delta Kappa through the National Circle must pay the Lifetime National Membership Fee by the established deadline. No individual shall participate in the National Initiation Ceremony or be provided the emblems of membership (certificate and pin) until they have paid the National Lifetime Membership Fee.
Fees for Fall 2025
- National Lifetime Membership Fee= $94.00
- National Circle Operational Dues= $10.00
- Membership Emblem Shipping, Handling, and Processing Fees = $20.00
- Total Fees= $124.00
Initiation
The National Circle Initiation Ceremonies are a live-stream broadcast where each initiate must sign a digital record book at the start of the program. After the initiation ceremony, the new initiates will be sent their membership certificate, lapel pin, and any graduation regalia ordered. Applicants must attend the ceremony and sign the record book to be considered members and receive the membership emblems.
Immediately following their official initiation, members will be eligible for all benefits, including scholarships, discount registration to conferences and online programs, and discounts on merchandise and services.
Programs
The National Circle offers its Teach Out webinar series a few times per year. Members of the National Circle present these events, which are free and open to the public.
- Teach Out #2 | The Transition Home
- 7 p.m. Eastern | November 11, 2025
- Click here to register.
- Description: This teach-out explores the reintegration process for service members transitioning into civilian life through an adapted “Hierarchy of Transition Needs.” Drawing from doctoral research, professional practice, and lived experience, the session identifies four foundational pillars: housing, income, healthcare, and leisure and examines how their intersection creates purpose and belonging. Participants will gain insight into evidence-based strategies and community resources that promote sustainable reintegration for veterans.
- Speaker Bio: Regina Lopez is a Board-Certified Human Services Practitioner and U.S. Marine Corps veteran dedicated to improving the lives of homeless veterans in Los Angeles County. With over a decade of experience in nonprofit leadership, accreditation, and compliance, she has advanced impactful programs that promote stability and wellness for underserved communities. Regina holds a Doctor in Law and Policy from Northeastern University and is passionate about creating sustainable, compassionate systems of care for those who served.
- Teach Out #1 | Good Meeting Governance
- Presented in February 2024 – watch the recording
Honors and Awards
The National Circle was awarded a $1,000 Maurice A. Clay Leadership Development Grant to support implementing its 2025 Teach Out webinar series.
