Omicron Delta Epsilon was founded by Professor John R. Commons in 1915 at the University of Wisconsin. The intent was to encourage a closer relationship between exceptional students and faculty. The Department of Economics at Ithaca College sponsors the Alpha Upsilon chapter.
Currently, Omicron Delta Epsilon has 535 chapters in 10 nations. Potential members are selected based upon either grade point average (GPA) or the recommendation of a faculty member. Members are expected to maintain a 3.3 GPA in their economics courses and an overall GPA of 3.0. Economics majors and minors may become members. In order to graduate with honors in economics, students must qualify for Omicron Delta Epsilon.
There is a $30.00 initiation fee. In return, students receive a membership scroll and a one-year subscription to the American Economist. The initiation fee entitles the student to lifetime membership in ODE; there are no annual membership fees.
For more information, contact William Kolberg, the faculty adviser to ODE.