Omicron Delta Kappa circles should plan and implement a minimum of one Signature Leadership Program and one Signature Service Program each academic year. The purpose of Signature Programs is to make the circle synonymous with leadership and service by allowing the circle to contribute to campus and the community through meaningful programming. These programs should have longevity, helping OΔK become known for the events over time and minimizing the effort required to create new programs each year. With very few exceptions, these should be separate programs.
Signature Program Criteria
To qualify as a Signature Program, it must meet these criteria:
- OΔK members must have an active role in the planning and implementation. Members of the circle cannot simply be attendees at another event. The program can be collaborative and hosted in partnership with other organizations or departments.
- The program must be open and actively marketed to non-members. Events that are only available to members of the circle do not qualify.
Signature Leadership Programs
To qualify as a Signature Leadership Program, the leadership development of attendees must be the primary focus of the event(s). The program should include structured activities or curricula focused on areas vital to leadership-related skills, such as communication, decision-making, ethical reasoning, goal setting, collaboration, or strategic thinking. The program must involve active engagement, such as workshops, mentorship, experiential learning, or project-based components. Experienced facilitators should lead the program. Events featuring speakers or panels should include opportunities for attendees to engage with the speakers or panelists. Programs that showcase the achievements of leaders in the campus community are also encouraged.
Examples of Signature Leadership Programs can be viewed here.
Signature Service Programs
To qualify as a Signature Service Program, the event(s) must involve organized efforts that address community needs and contribute to the public good. Eligible programs include direct service, advocacy, or capacity-building activities that benefit individuals, groups, or organizations beyond the participants themselves. Active participation is essential, and the service provided should be meaningful, sustained, and aligned with both the sponsoring organization’s mission and values, as well as those of Omicron Delta Kappa.
Examples of Signature Service Programs can be viewed here.
Best Practices
Collaboration and Inclusivity
- Signature Programs encourage circles to collaborate with other student organizations, university departments, and community groups. Circles should consider collaborating with others who will help the circle reach underrepresented populations on campus or in the community. These collaborations can also help boost event attendance.
Engagement and Brand-Building
- Signature Programs are intended to engage the circle more actively with campus programs, student organizations, and/or community partners beyond the campus. By engaging with these populations, these programs will help enhance the image, reputation, and exposure of the circle on campus. Signature Programs should be viewed as recruitment opportunities and be open to the entire campus when possible. Circles should be strategic about identifying participants who could be future OΔK members and scheduling their programs at advantageous times to enhance recruitment efforts.
Evaluation
- Circles are strongly encouraged to embed an evaluation tool into the program to determine what went well and how the program could be improved for the future. This could be a survey, focus group, or other means of gathering feedback.
Engage with Your Circle Contact
- Each circle has a circle contact at OΔK National Headquarters. These staff members, former circle advisors and higher education professionals with years of programming experience, are happy to meet with circle leaders to brainstorm ideas and suggest areas for improvement, as well as ensure that planned programs meet OΔK’s stated criteria.
Program Reports
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 Standards. Program reports are due no later than June 30 each academic year. 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.
Download a PDF of Signature Programs Guidelines here. For questions or more information, email [email protected].
