Academic Catalog

Omicron Delta Kappa

Are you a leader? Join us at Omicron Delta Kappa. 

The unique mission of O∆K is to recognize and encourage collaboration among collegiate leaders. Our Society seeks to identify, celebrate, and engage collegiate and community leaders from different backgrounds, perspectives, and generations. Members enjoy scholarship opportunities, leadership development programs, access to a national network, and much more.

Members are invited to join from review by the Initiated Faculty and Staff of the Kentucky State University Circle. Selected students must be in the top 25% or higher of their class based on course hours completed. Prospective Members will be tapped and need to complete their membership application and pay the Lifetime Membership fee to the headquarters in Virginia prior to Initiation. The one time fee is $94.00. 

Member Benefits:

Omicron Delta Kappa helps leaders improve their skills, share their ideas, and continue to make a difference in their communities. You have the opportunity to expand those leadership skills through the National Leadership Conference, continue your education through post-collegiate scholarships, share your ideas through a variety of internships and experiences, and much more with our member benefits.

Read about how the members of the Student Advisory Board describe the value of membership in OΔK.

Selective Membership: O∆K only accepts sophomores, juniors, seniors, and graduate student members.  Undergraduates must be in the top 25% of their class. Graduate students must meet stringent criteria set by each circle. Faculty, staff, and alumni must be leaders in their field, on-campus, or in the community. Less than 5% of eligible students will ultimately receive an invitation to join. This is an honor that will serve you throughout your life.

Leadership Development: As a member of O∆K, you will be among a select group of leaders from your institution. You have the opportunity to expand those leadership skills through the National Leadership Conference and the growing number of leadership development programs offered by O∆K.

National Network: With more than 340,000 members, the O∆K network spans higher education, business, entertainment, sports, mass media, and many other fields. The O∆K name or symbol on a resume is instantly recognizable to fellow members as the certification of accomplished collegiate leadership. Our LinkedIn groups for lifetime and collegiate members offer connections across generations.

Scholarships: O∆K members have the opportunity to apply for more than $50,000 in scholarships for graduate and professional study. Want to take a year or two off after the undergraduate year? No problem. O∆K members have five years of eligibility after they graduate to apply for scholarships.

Awards: The National Leader of the Year program recognizes six members, one for each of the five pillars of campus life and one of who is selected as the Gen. Russell E. Dougherty National Leader of the Year. All six recipients receive a monetary award, recognition at the annual National Leadership Conference, and national recognition through social media.

Internships and Experiences: O∆K partners with organizations and corporations to offer opportunities for internships, fellowships, and unique employment. Programs such as Silicon Valley Academy, Absolute Internships, Outward Bound Costa Rica, and many others are all open to O∆K members with special admission procedures or discounted application fees.

Member Discounts: As a lifetime member of O∆K, you have access to dozens of discount programs that can save you many times over the cost of your one-time membership fee. Member receives discounts on insurance, travel and entertainment, professional services, and office/home supplies.