Omicron Delta Kappa is a leadership honor society that is dedicated to recognizing students who are leaders in various aspects of campus life. Its members are well rounded individuals who establish a presence among their campus communities. The University of Delaware Circle, Beta Sigma, was founded in 1949. Omicron Delta Kappa recognizes outstanding students in the areas of scholarship; athletics; campus and community service, social and religious activities, and student government; creative and performing arts; and journalism, speech, and the mass media.
The five pillars of ODK are:
- Scholarship
- Athletics
- Campus/ Community Service, Social/Religious Activities, and Campus Government
- Journalism, Speech and the Mass Media
- Creative and Performing Arts
The Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK) founders stated that leadership of exceptional quality and versatility in college should be recognized, that representatives of all phases of college life should cooperate in worthwhile endeavors, and that outstanding students and faculty members should meet on a basis of common interest, understanding, and helpfulness. The success of The OΔK Idea, an essential part of which is its joint student-faculty character and a determination to maintain a consistent and high standard of leadership recognition, led to the establishment of chapters, which are called Circles, at other colleges.