Department of English

Sigma Tau Delta

International Honor Society

What is Sigma Tau Delta?

Sigma Tau Delta is the International English Honor Society, which was founded in 1924 at Dakota Wesleyan University. This acclaimed academic organization proudly boasts 750 chapters internationally with members in the United States, Europe, and the Caribbean. Approximately 8,500 members are inducted annually. Noted members include authors Edward Albee, Saul Bellow, Gwendolyn Brooks, Frank Herbert, and Suzan-Lori Parks.

What are the benefits of joining?

Members of Sigma Tau Delta have the opportunity to be part of an academic student organization encouraging the study of English literature, composition, and creative writing at both the undergraduate and graduate level. Members have the opportunity to publish their academic writing in the organization’s academic journal, The Sigma Tau Delta Review, and creative writing in its literary publication, The Rectangle.

Student members may receive international recognition through academic and writing scholarships (up to $2,500), professional internships, and teaching awards. At regional conferences and the annual international convention, students may present original creative and analytical work and meet other like-minded students, faculty, and professionals from both the United States and other countries.

What does SIUC’s chapter of Sigma Tau Delta do?

SIUC’s Sigma Tau Delta chapter, Rho Delta, holds three to four meetings a semester in the Student Center. Each meeting features a member of the English or Fine Arts faculty as a guest speaker. Speakers will discuss a special topic in their area of interest; share how they got interested in their academic field; and answer questions.

Meetings typically last an hour and are open to both members and non-members. Come to learn something new and participate in an informal discussion outside the strictures of the classroom. Members are encouraged to come to all meetings and show their appreciation to those faculty members who have volunteered their time and effort. Meeting times and dates are posted on the Sigma Tau Delta bulletin board across from the English Humanities Lounge and on various flyers around the English Department.

What are the requirements?

Sigma Tau Delta is open to both undergraduate and graduate students. All students wishing to join must be beyond freshman English writing courses; possess an English major or minor; and a GPA of 3.0 or above.

The cost is $55 (one-time, lifetime membership). Note: $37 goes to the Sigma Tau Delta main headquarters and the remaining $18 goes to our local Rho Delta chapter, so we can fund future events and membership benefits.

What do you receive?

For the $55 membership fee, members receive a Sigma Tau Delta membership certificate, lapel pin, newsletter, and complimentary copies of the organization’s two journals, The Sigma Tau Delta Review (academic writing) and The Rectangle (creative writing). Members who come to, at least, one meeting a semester will also receive graduation chords recognizing their participation in the organization.

Whom do I contact for more information?

Marsha Griffiths, Chapter President. Office: Faner Hall 2236, marshalgriffiths@siu.edu.

Professor Mary Bogumil, Faculty Advisor. Office: Faner Hall 2243, mbogumil@siu.edu.

Links

Sigma Tau Delta national website

Membership Application Form