Three student members elected by the collegiate circle delegates during annual national conference will serve as student trustees. The Board of Trustees of the Omicron Delta Kappa Society and Educational Foundation, Inc. meets four times a year: two times a year in person and two times a year via conference call. Trustees are expected to participate in all meetings. One student trustee, the National Student Vice President-Elect, will be elected from a slate of three student trustee candidates each year. Student trustees serve a three-year term beginning on July 1 of the year elected to the board. Student trustees are divided into three staggered classes based on their terms of service. Student trustees must be enrolled in a degree program at the time of election to the Board. In the second year of service, the student trustee shall serve as the National Student Vice President and as chair of the Student Advisory Board. All student trustees will serve as members of the Mission Committee.
General Qualifications
Student candidates for membership to the Board shall demonstrate sound judgment, as well as understanding and appreciation of the Society’s activities. Members should be articulate, provide evidence of leadership skills and capabilities, and demonstrate personal skills such as integrity, enthusiasm, communication skills, critical thinking, decision-making, and follow-through.
Nominees will be evaluated on the basis of the aforementioned qualifications as well as their (a) local, regional and/or national visibility in the Society, (b) participation in the Society at the local, regional, or national level, and (c) other contributions to the Society that relate to the advancement of O∆K’s mission and ideals.
Duties and Responsibilities of Student Trustees
Student trustees will support the work of O∆K and provide mission-based leadership and strategic governance. While day-to-day operations are led by President/CEO, the Board and President/CEO relationship is a partnership.
Specific responsibilities of student trustees include:
• Advocating on behalf of the collegiate members of the Society;
• Serving as a trusted advisor to the President/CEO as he or she develops and implements O∆K’s long-range plan;
• Reviewing outcomes and metrics created by O∆K for evaluating its impact and regularly measuring its performance and effectiveness using those metrics;
• Reviewing agendas and supporting materials prior to board and committee meetings;
• Approving O∆K’s annual budget, audit reports, and material business decisions; being informed of, and meeting all, legal and fiduciary responsibilities;
• Contributing to an annual performance evaluation of the President/CEO as conducted by the Executive Committee with a formal written evaluation completed on a biennial basis;
• Partnering with the President/CEO, National Headquarters staff, and other trustees to ensure that board resolutions are carried out;
• Serving on committees or task forces and taking on special assignments;
• Representing O∆K to stakeholders and acting as an ambassador for the organization;
• Ensuring O∆K’s commitment to a diverse board and staff that reflects the communities O∆K serves; and
• Making an annual contribution that is commensurate with an individual’s capacity.
Preferred Qualifications and Additional Information
Ideal candidates will have the following qualifications:
• At some level, past or current service to O∆K;
• A commitment to and understanding of O∆K’s stakeholders, mission, and ideals, preferably based on experience;
• A sense of tact and diplomacy and a natural affinity for cultivating relationships and persuading, convening, facilitating, and building consensus among diverse individuals; and
• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and a passion for improving the lives of O∆K’s beneficiaries.
Service on the Board of Trustees is without remuneration, except for administrative support, travel, and accommodation costs in relation to the duties of trustees.
Recommended Timeline for Nominations and Elections
January 2
Call for nominations and self-nominations distributed by email to collegiate initiates from the three preceding calendar years; nominees required to submit a nomination form; personal statement (500-700 words) about the nominee’s interest in serving Omicron Delta Kappa, leadership philosophy, purpose for running, and goals for the Society’s future; resume/curriculum vita (in PDF format with personal contact information removed); and professional headshot digital photograph
March 1
Second call for nominations (three preceding calendar years plus January/February initiates)
March 15
Nominations close
April 1
Preliminary candidates identified; initial screening interviews (by phone) between April 1 – 15 (candidates must agree to attend conference if slated by committee)
May 1
Slate of three student candidates (one to be elected) announced and conference participation and enrollment status confirmed; personal statement, resume/curriculum vita, and photograph for each candidate posted on the website; circle delegates informed of secured procedure for election including the opportunity to write-in a candidate
TBD
During the annual national conference, candidates are introduced and make presentation in person and via the web on first day with electronic vote on the second morning of the conference; election results announced at closing banquet; if there is a tie, a run-off election will take place after lunch on the second day
