Sigma Tau Delta

What is Sigma Tau Delta?

Sigma Tau Delta is the International English Honor Society. A member of the Association of College Honor Societies, it was founded in 1924 at Dakota Wesleyan University. The purposes of the Society are (a) to confer distinction for high achievement in English language and literature in undergraduate, graduate, and professional studies; (b) to promote interest in literature and the English language on local campuses and their surrounding communities; and (c) to foster the discipline of English in all its aspects, including creative and critical writing.

There are over 450 chapters located in Canada, Europe, the Caribbean, and the United States. Some 125,000 members have been initiated over the years; among them have been such persons as Eudora Welty, James Dickey, Laurence Perrine, Howard Nemerov, Robert Bly, Frank Herbert, Walter J. Ong, S.J., and Stephen Spender. An international convention is held annually.

Who is eligible to join?

There are two categories of membership: active and associate. Active membership is available, in general, to students with a minimum of a B or equivalent average in English, who rank at least in the highest thirty-five percent of their class in general scholarship, and who have completed at least three semesters or five quarters of college work. (Local chapters may raise, but not lower, these criteria.) Full-time faculty members who sponsor a chapter are also eligible. (Specific details are listed in the Society's constitution.)

Associate membership is available to currently enrolled students, undergraduate or graduate, who have the requisite academic background but who are not majoring or minoring in English. In addition, non-sponsoring faculty members with a degree in English may be associate members.

What are the advantages of membership in Sigma Tau Delta?

Membership in Sigma Tau Delta is an outward recognition of personal accomplishment. It also serves as an incentive for continued high scholarship. It provides opportunities for those interested in English language and literature to join with like-minded persons on the local, regional, and international levels. Members receive the Newsletter while they remain active in their local chapters. They also receive and have the opportunity to contribute to the award-winning literary publication, The Rectangle , and are eligible to compete for a number of prizes for excellent writing. Student members are also eligible to compete for several $1,750 scholarships and awards.

How much does it cost?

The Iota Chi Chapter of Sigma Tau Delta at California State University, Northridge, currently has a one-time membership fee of $60.00.

Sigma Tau Delta Discussion Group at CSUN

Sigma Tau Delta has an online discussion group at CSUN. For information on joining, click here.

For further information about the Iota Chi Chapter of Sigma Tau Delta at California State University, Northridge, please contact

Chapter President
Michele Mayle
Department of English
michele.mayle@csun.edu

Chapter Advisor
Dr. Beth Wightman
Department of English
beth.wightman@csun.edu