Omicron Delta Kappa is a 100-year old national leadership honor society that has initiated more than 300,000 members since its founding. The Society recognizes not only academic achievement but also campus leadership across the five phases of campus life:
- Scholarship
- Athletics
- Campus or Community Service, Social or Religious Activities, and Campus Government
- Journalism, Speech and the Mass Media
- Creative and Performing Arts
OΔK has more than 285 active circles at colleges and universities across the United States. We remain committed to developing campus leaders who will become tomorrow’s community leaders.
Members display:
- Exemplary character
- Responsible leadership and service in campus and community life
- Superior scholarship
- Genuine fellowship
- Consecration of democratic ideals
One thing that makes the Society unique is that—in addition to undergraduate students—membership is open to faculty, staff, alumni and graduate students. We believe that a diverse cross-section of the campus community strengthens each circle and allows students to learn from people in different stages of life.
ODK was founded on Dec. 3, 1914 on the campus of Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Va. The Society was founded by a group of 15 students and faculty who believed that leadership at the collegiate level should be recognized and encouraged across all phases of campus life. This general principle—that scholarship alone couldn’t predict success, and that other intrinsic qualities had value too—became known as the OΔK Idea. The local chapter, or “circle,” was rechartered in Fall of 2016 to recognize the University of Tennessee’s elite student leaders.
Mission
Identify, honor and develop leaders in collegiate and community life.
Encourage collaboration among students, faculty, staff and alumni to advance leadership.
Promote and publicize our ideals.
Vision
As the most respected and effective leadership honor society, Omicron Delta Kappa strives for excellence in leadership and character development.
Values
Scholarship • Service • Integrity • Character • Fellowship
Five Phases of Campus Life
Scholarship
Athletics
Campus or Community Service, Social and Religious Activities, and Campus Government
Journalism, Speech and Mass Media
Creative and Performing Arts
Diversity Statement
The OΔK Idea affirms and promotes openness and inclusiveness among all people. Membership selection shall be free of bias so that all qualified will be considered equitably for membership.
Commitment to Equal Opportunity
Omicron Delta Kappa does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, biological sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran’s status, or genetic information in its programs and activities, membership, and with regard to employment.
Membership
Each year elite student leaders demonstrating excellence in any of the Five Phases of Campus Life are “tapped” by current members and the advisory team. Members must have junior or senior standing and a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2.
University of Tennessee’s Advisory Team
The UTK Circle is advised in collaboration by partners and ODK initiates from the Dean of Students, Honors and Scholars Programs, Housing, Student Media, Alumni Affairs and the Center for Leadership and Service.