Omicron Delta Kappa is closely monitoring the novel coronavirus and COVID-19 situation. We are receiving information about the impact of this international health crisis on the campuses where we have circles.
First and foremost, we are concerned about the health and safety of our members, prospective members, families, friends, and colleagues. We urge all circles and our members to serve as leaders by following campus directives and being circumspect in communications about this national emergency.
• Institutional Membership Fees deadline extended to May 31, 2020.
• Circle Minimum Standards deadline extended to June 30, 2020.
• O∆K Circle Annual Report deadline extended to June 30, 2020.
Also, in light of the current health crisis, the Omicron Delta Kappa Society and Educational Foundation Board of Trustees made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 National Leadership Conference. Details regarding the conference cancellation are located at the link below.
2020 National Leadership Conference
O∆K has also issued statements about spring initiation ceremonies. In summary, the Society has authorized circles to conduct virtual initiation ceremonies during this 2020 spring semester. More information about this option for circles is available at the link below.
The Board of Trustees has also authorized a temporary change (through June 30, 2020) in O∆K policy to allow staff from the National Headquarters to support or facilitate the selection of new members for circles. More details about how the headquarters staff can assist with recruitment, selection, processing, and a national virtual initiation ceremony will be forthcoming.
Circle Assistance for Spring 2020
It is vitally important that circles maintain continuity with officers and circle operations. By completing the initiation process for this year and electing new officers for next year, your circle will be ready for the coming academic cycle. The recognition and development of leaders are even more important in this modern era. We encourage you to continue supporting your circle, its current and new members, and its legacy on your campus.
By now, you should have received the notice allowing virtual ceremonies for spring 2020 in response to campus changes related to the coronavirus and COVID-19. We know that many campuses are closed or have limited in-person activity. We understand that completing the selection and initiation process at this time is difficult if not nearly infeasible.
The National Headquarters staff is ready to assist you to complete your recruitment and membership process in the face of this unprecedented disruption. We have developed a number of ways in which the National Headquarters staff are prepared to help you complete the recruitment, selection, and initiation of members this spring. The details can be found at this link. For those of you still in process or just starting for spring 2020, you will receive an email this week from your circle contact about assistance.
