Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK)—one of the nation’s most prestigious leadership honor societies—is now accepting applications for the Fall 2026 semester. The Sigma Circle of ODK at the University of Maryland was founded in 1927 and has since initiated over 4,000 students, faculty, staff, alumni, and honorary members. The society has recognized proven leaders across academics, athletics, service, and campus involvement for decades, including President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Senator Joe Tydings, and ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt. Current members include Goldwater Scholars, national champions, founders and presidents of campus organizations, and leaders who actively advocate for the campus community through SGA, RHA, advisory committees, and steering groups. The names of all of these outstanding leaders, along with many others, are engraved on the ODK Fountain on
McKeldin Mall.
ODK brings together junior, senior, and graduate students with UMD’s most outstanding faculty and staff members to recognize campus leaders and to encourage other students to achieve. They seek accomplished leaders in five areas of campus community life:
- SCHOLARSHIP
- ATHLETICS
- CAMPUS OR COMMUNITY SERVICE, SOCIAL, RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES AND CAMPUS GOVERNMENT
- JOURNALISM, SPEECH, AND THE MASS MEDIA
- CREATIVE AND PERFORMING ARTS
Omicron Delta Kappa requires a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.690 for juniors (60-89 credits), 3.710 for seniors (90+ credits), and 3.800 for graduate students to be considered for membership.
ODK needs your help to identify talented and deserving leaders for consideration! Applications are available ONLINE now! Students should visit www.odk.umd.edu to begin the application process. Applications must be received electronically no later than 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 17, 2026.
ODK Information Sessions
Event Dates: Monday, September 14th at 8 p.m. and Tuesday, September 15th
at 12:30 p.m.
Event Location: Zoom –
https://umd.zoom.us/j/91302699863?pwd=N2REbkxETjBmMW9oRjlIQmRCaHhwdz09
Post expires at 11:59 pm on Thursday, September 17, 2026.
