LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS

Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK)

Omicron Delta Kappa is the National Leadership Honor Society that recognizes and encourages superior scholarship, leadership, and exemplary character. Membership in OΔK® is a mark of highest distinction and honor. Student membership candidates must rank academically in the upper 35 percent of the student body, and must have junior or senior standing.

ODK® recognizes achievements in the following areas:

• Scholarship
• Athletics
• Campus/Community Service
• Social/Religious Activities
• Student Government
• Journalism
• Speech and Mass Media
• Creative and Performing Arts

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. OΔK® 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 OΔK® “mark of distinction” is well recognized by leaders in both the academic and business worlds.

The purpose of Omicron Delta Kappa is threefold:

First, to recognize those who have attained a high standard of efficiency in collegiate activities and to inspire others to strive for conspicuous attainments along similar lines;

Second, to bring together the most representative students in all phases of collegiate life and thus to create an organization which will help to mold the sentiment of the institution on questions of local and intercollegiate interest;

Third, to bring together members of the faculty and student body of the institution as well as other Omicron Delta Kappa members on a basis of mutual interest, understanding, and helpfulness.

Towson University ODK Circle

Membership Benefits
National Level
• National Summits and Regional Conventions
• Opportunity to serve on National Advisory Council
• Scholarships and awards towards graduate studies
• Recognition

Local Level
• Networking with faculty/staff, alumni, and professionals
• Exec-board and programming experience
• Honor cords and stoles for commencement
• Recognition and Leadership Awards Ceremony

Activities
• Awards – ODK Outstanding Sophomore Awards
• Campus-Wide Events - Spring Leadership Conference
• Circle Events – Prospective Member Information Session, Networking Workshops
• Community Service – Adopt-a-Campus, National Day of Service, Breast Cancer Walk
• Homecoming Involvement
• Social Awareness – Civility Event Series
• Tapping ceremony

Applying for Membership
• Go to www.odk.org and complete the online application
• Email your class schedule with group meetings included to odk@towson.edu
          Please note, by completing the online application and emailing your schedule to the above email, you are     agreeing to participate in ODK’s tapping ceremony. This is an ODK tradition in which current members of ODK enter your class or meeting to make a brief announcement stating your acceptance into ODK and pin you with an ODK ribbon. Exceptions will be made in special cases such as scheduling conflicts.

Membership Expectations
In order to receive your honor cords/stole for graduation, Juniors must earn 50 points and Seniors must earn 25 points before graduation. You can start obtaining points as soon as you attend your FIRST event! No need to wait until inductions! Below is a breakdown of the point system. Please note, exceptions can be made for special cases.

For more information, contact:

Beth Steiner, Assistant Director of Student Activities

Email: bsteiner@towson.edu

Office of Student Activities
University Union, Room 217

Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Phone: 410-704-3307
Fax: 410-704-2219