The Omicron Delta Kappa
Omicron Delta Kappa, the National Leadership Honor Society, recognizes and encourages superior leadership and exemplary character. O∆K encourages collaboration among members across the five phases celebrated by O∆K: scholarship, athletics, service, communications, and arts. Founded in 1914 at Washington and Lee University, O∆K honors and develops leaders through scholarships, workshops, career opportunities, leadership resources, and a lifelong connection to other members.
The Iota Circle of O∆K, the 8th Circle of the Society, was founded at The University of Alabama on February 21, 1924. New members are inducted into the Iota Circle every spring as part of the Honors Day Tapping Ceremony on the Mound, a tradition at UA since the early 1900s. A formal initiation into O∆K and the Iota Circle is held at the end of the spring semester.
Membership in O∆K is a mark of the highest distinction and honor, with an emphasis placed on the development of the whole person, both as a member of the college community and as a contributor to a better society. Membership in O∆K is granted to those who demonstrate leadership achievements in one of five phases of campus life:
- Athletics
- Campus or Community Service, Social and Religious Activities, and Campus Government
- Creative and Performing Arts
- Journalism, Speech and Mass Media
- Scholarship
Selection Criteria
Undergraduate students who are juniors or seniors and rank in the upper 35 percent of their class, graduate students, faculty and staff, or alumni who graduated more than five years ago are invited to apply for membership.
- Class and standing required: Junior (rising senior), senior (current), graduate, and law
- Rank required: Upper 35 percent of student body
- Selection timeline: Spring
Additional Information
For more information, please visit the Omicron Delta Kappa website.
Phi Eta Sigma
Phi Eta Sigma is a national honor society inspired by the past and dedicated to the future whose goal is to encourage and reward academic excellence among freshmen in institutions of higher learning. The oldest and largest freshman honor society, Phi Eta Sigma was founded at the University of Illinois on March 22, 1923, and now has more than 375 chapters throughout the United States and more than 1,000,000 members. Phi Eta Sigma was established at The University of Alabama in 1931.
Membership in Phi Eta Sigma is limited to those freshman students who achieve a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher at the end of any one full-time curricular period during their freshman year at The University of Alabama. Induction for Phi Eta Sigma is offered by invitation only in the fall and spring semester for eligible students. Membership offers students opportunities for local and national leadership positions as well as access to a national scholarship program.
Selection Criteria
- Class standing: Current freshman
- GPA: 3.5 cumulative
- Timeline: Fall and spring
Additional Information
For more information, please visit the Phi Eta Sigma national website.
Sigma Alpha Lambda
Sigma Alpha Lambda is a national leadership and honors organization dedicated to promoting and rewarding academic achievement and providing members with opportunities for community service, personal development, and lifelong professional fulfillment. Service is the foundation of our leadership development model as well as the leadership of the organization itself. Through service, individuals look outside themselves and lives are changed, not only for the one being served but even more so for the one serving. As a result of this process, the individual learns more about who they really are and what they value.
Our Statement of Purpose and organization’s Shared Values provide the foundation upon which the organization carries out its mission. There are a variety of ways to take advantage of your membership in Sigma Alpha Lambda. From individual service opportunities to chapter and national leadership positions, Sigma Alpha Lambda is committed to helping you make the most of your undergraduate experience.
Additional Information
For more information, please visit the Sigma Alpha Lambda website.