Omicron Delta Kappa
About
Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK®) Society is the national leadership honor society for college students, faculty, staff, administrators, and alumni that recognizes and encourages superior scholarship, leadership, and exemplary character. Membership in ODK is a mark of the highest distinction and honor. Emphasis is placed on the development of the whole person, both as a member of the college community and as a contributor to a better society.
At its core, the focus is developing campus leaders who will become tomorrow's community leaders.
The purpose of Omicron Delta Kappa:
*To recognize those who have exhibited a high standard of leadership in collegiate activities (activities broadly defined)
*To bring together student leaders from all sectors of collegiate life to help foster beneficial change on campus
*To bring together members of the faculty and the student body on a basis of mutual interest and understanding to make a difference on campus as well as in the community
Omicron Delta Kappa was founded December 3, 1914 at Washington and Lee University, Lexington, Virginia, by 15 student and faculty leaders. The founders formulated the idea that leadership of exceptional quality and versatility in college should be recognized, that representatives in all phases of college life should cooperate in worthwhile endeavors, and that outstanding students, faculty, and administrators should meet on a basis of mutual interest, understanding and helpfulness.
ODK was the first college honor society of a national scope to give recognition and honor for meritorious leadership and service in extracurricular activities and to encourage development of general campus citizenship.
The Omicron Delta Kappa "mark of distinction" is well recognized by leaders in both the academic and business worlds.
ODK's Mission: Identify, honor, and develop leaders in collegiate and community life. Encourage collaboration among students, faculty, staff, and alumni to advance leadership. Promote, publicize, and enhance our ideals.
ODK has what are called the Five Pillars of Campus Life. These are general examples of leadership areas that would qualify an individual to be considered for membership.
- Academics and Research
- Athletics
- Service to Campus and Community
- Communications
- Creative and Performing Arts
Some benefits of being a member of ODK leadership honor society
Scholarships for graduate and professional study; internships; member discounts; career resources; attending the National Leadership Conference to gather, share in a leadership development experience and expand one's leadership skills; make connections with leaders across the United States; participate in leadership development programs offered by ODK.
Once initiated into ODK, you are a lifetime member.
To learn more about Omicron Delta Kappa, you can
*contact our SUNY Oneonta campus ODK representative for detailed information such as the organization, application requirements, one-time fee, initiation, activities, ways to be involved and develop leadership skills, etc. (see Contact Information email below)
*explore its organizational website: https://odk.org/
*watch a variety of informative videos and webinars from its official YouTube site:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCv2JhK5ltEU18yvMQkb1J1w