Omicron Delta Kappa Society and Educational Foundation, Inc.

In consideration of the changing higher education environment, the impact of the COVID-19 crisis, and a planned leadership transition, the Society’s Board of Trustees authorized the development of a new strategic plan in early 2020. The plan itself was shared with various stakeholders in early 2021 for additional feedback. It has been further revised and edited to provide greater focus and definition to the goals and objectives based on the extensive feedback received. The plan was approved by the Board of Trustees in March 2021.

Goal One: Provide an excellent, relevant campus member and circle experience
Goal Two: Build a more diverse and inclusive organization
Goal Three: Champion, recognize, and celebrate collaborative and inclusive leadership

Goal One: Provide an excellent, relevant campus member and circle experience

A. Provide greater support for advisors
B. Unify and standardize circle programming
C. Invest in a targeted redevelopment plan for underperforming circles in order to develop a sustainable culture that offers a premium and relevant experience
D. Redevelop extension practices to ensure new circles establish a sustainable culture and the desired reputation on campus
E. Develop strategies to assess and encourage high-level circle performance

Goal Two: Build a more diverse and inclusive organization

A. Create incentives for circles to recruit, induct, and engage more graduate, professional, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members including, honorary members
B. Develop and implement policies that ensure equitable access to membership for historically marginalized and underrepresented individuals
C. Establish new pathways for non-campus individuals to join Omicron Delta Kappa

Goal Three: Champion, recognize, and celebrate collaborative and inclusive leadership

A. Develop strategies for greater celebration and engagement of individual members
B. Develop a national marketing campaign to clearly communicate the Society’s mission and impact among all audiences, including those not on campus
C. Develop a national communications program (free and paid media) on the topic of collaborative and inclusive leadership
D. Sponsor events, prizes, and activities that celebrate and recognize collaborative leadership

This plan is specifically intended to guide Omicron Delta Kappa over the next three fiscal years (through the end of FY 2024). The plan has been crafted with an intention to stabilize and develop the organization in preparation for leadership transitions. The next round of strategic planning will commence in early FY 2024 to guide the next five years of activity.

• Committed board leadership
• Visionary President/CEO and highly motivated and skilled staff
• Recently improved technology for analytics and communication
• Leading in the 21st Century, a road map for the next three years, clearly sets out metrics and objectives

Goal 1: Provide an excellent, relevant campus member and circle experience
Objective: Provide greater support for advisors

As COVID-19 precautions allow, our staff will begin visiting circles on campus, in addition to continuing with virtual visits. An extensive in-person orientation program is being planned for new advisors. The formal position of an alumni advisor has been established. If you may be interested in serving in this role, contact Vice President for Membership and Operations Tim Reed at [email protected]

Goal 2: Build a more diverse and inclusive organization
Objective: Develop and implement policies that ensure equitable access to membership for historically marginalized and underrepresented individuals

In FY 2022, the Society will collect demographic data for the first time in its history. This data will be helpful to the members of the Board of Trustees and our National Headquarters staff as we work to better understand our current collegiate population. In addition, we will expand our gift of membership program supporting all students, during this academic year. We hope to award at least 30 memberships to deserving student leaders this year.

Goal 3: Champion, recognize, and celebrate collaborative and inclusive leadership
Objective: Develop strategies for greater celebration and engagement of individual members

One tactic that has already been implemented is the acquisition of a system called Merit. This platform allows Omicron Delta Kappa the opportunity to send notices to hometown newspapers when new members are initiated. It also facilitates the distribution of press releases about Society news and volunteers. A great feature of the program is that it also shares member achievements that are outside of O∆K activities. I encourage you to check odk.meritpages.com to learn about some awards and honors presented to our members.

Much of what we have accomplished and will work on in the future has been funded through your philanthropy.