Circles must host one signature leadership program and one signature service program each academic year. Not only does this meet the requirements of the Circle Minimum Standards (CMS), but these programs help to build awareness of the circle and help make Omicron Delta Kappa synonymous with leadership and service on campus. These programs should be open to the campus community and can be utilized as a recruitment tool for the circle. These should be separate programs.
Signature leadership programs should provide an opportunity to improve individual leadership skills and abilities within the circle, campus organizations, community organizations, or personal life. Examples of signature leadership programs can be viewed here.
Signature service programs should be a volunteer initiative that brings together members of the circle and campus community for the benefit and betterment of their community without any form of compensation. Examples of signature service programs can be viewed here.
Review the Signature Leadership and Service Programs Guidelines here. Circles are encouraged to collaborate with college or university departments and other organizations, but members must play an active role in the planning and implementation of signature programs. Members simply participating in another organization’s program is not sufficient for inclusion as a signature program. Ideally, these programs are hosted each year so the campus anticipates these activities, and they can grow over time.
Per O∆K policy, circles must complete the program report within 60 days of the program’s completion for these to be counted toward Circle Minimum Standards. Photographs are strongly encouraged for these events, and they may be featured on the O∆K website, in The Circle magazine, or on social media.
For questions or more information, email programs@odk.org.
