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Chapter Annual Report/Survey

All Sigma Tau Delta chapters are required to complete an annual online report/survey. A link to the survey is emailed to Lead Advisors.

The annual survey provides members a snapshot of the best practices of active, successful chapters. The results provide Society leaders and Central Office staff with feedback about how best to support and serve our members and chapters. View complete 2019-2020 Survey results.

Survey Trends

Now with several years of comparable data, a pattern has emerged that paints a picture of the "typical" Sigma Tau Delta chapter. Some notable chapter characteristics are highlighted below.

Chapter Administration

In general, our chapters:

  • Elect new officers and hold induction ceremonies every spring;
  • Are comprised of undergraduate students;
  • Hold meetings on a weekly or monthly basis; and
  • Have a positive reputation on campus.

Chapter Membership

  • Chapters typically induct between 1 to 10 new members each year.
  • 24% of members have non-English related majors or minors.
  • Virtually all chapters have undergraduate members; 20% also have graduate students, 18% have associate or social members, and 8% have active alumni members.

Chapter Activities

Almost all chapters conduct activities during the year, creating engagement, providing enrichment, developing fellowship, and generating incentives for others to join.

  • Most chapters hold a new member induction ceremony at least once a year, however due to COVID-19, many chapters postponed their spring induction ceremonies.
  • 40% of chapters hold readings or open mic events.
  • Events to recruit new members are also very popular.
  • Popular service projects include mentoring/tutoring (16%) and volunteering on campus/in the community (26%).
  • 55% of chapters engage in writing and publishing, the most popular activities are producing a campus literary journal; submitting papers to the Sigma Tau Delta journals, regional conferences, and annual convention.
  • 47% of chapters went on at least one field trip. The most popular destination for 2019-2020 was an academic point of interest, such as a museum, library, author birthplace, etc.

For more information about popular chapter activities, visit the Chapter Life section of this website, and in particular the Noteworthy Activity Database, which showcases the most interesting and original activities undertaken by chapters over the last few years.

Information and Communications

  • 76% of chapters obtain information about Sigma Tau Delta events and opportunities from the English.org website.
  • 48% of chapters also get information from Sigma Tau Delta emails, including Footnotes..
  • Many chapters also obtain information from Society social media channels including Facebook (24%), Instagram (8%), LinkedIn(2%), and Twitter (7%).
  • The top four means of communication for chapters to their members include email (96%), meetings (53%), department/campus communication (47%), and social media (35%). Other means of communicating with members include the apps GroupMe and Slack.

From Ordinary to Outstanding

The survey also reveals some interesting facts about Sigma Tau Delta's most outstanding chapters—they are not necessarily large or well-funded, but they routinely go above and beyond to stay informed, remain active, and take advantage of the opportunities and resources available to them. In addition to the standard practices highlighted above, outstanding chapters generally: