Omicron Delta Kappa places emphasis upon the development of the whole person, both as a present member of the college community and as a prospective contributor to a better society. The society believes that while good scholarship and intellectual development are the chief objectives of the college years, the life of the mind is not the only life students will have to cope with as the result of their college experience. There are also important lessons and personal qualities, which one learns and develops through an integrated program of academic and extracurricular education. The founders of ODK formulated the idea that leadership of exceptional quality and versatility in college should be recognized, that representatives in all phases of college life should cooperate in a worthwhile endeavor, and that outstanding students, faculty, and administration members should meet on a basis of mutual interest, understanding, and helpfulness.