A Sigma Tau Delta chapter is more than just another college club. It is a unique entity that opens the doors of opportunity for its members and facilitates academic, professional, and personal growth. There are hundreds of active chapters across the world, each defined by its location and membership, yet bound to the rest by the common goal of promoting excellence in the disciplines of the English language.
Members of every chapter have the opportunity to share their love of literature and linguistics with like-minded peers, participate in rewarding activities, and be recognized for their accomplishments. They may also apply, or in some cases automatically qualify, for one or more of the Society’s numerous awards and scholarships.
Sigma Tau Delta chapters can be established at colleges and universities that grant baccalaureate or higher degrees and are accredited by the appropriate national or regional accrediting agencies.
If you would like to start a chapter at your college or university, download and complete the petition for new charter application.
A complete charter application must include:
- the official charter petition form signed by the college or university president (or respective dean), the department chair, at least six students who meet the requirements for membership, and the faculty member who will serve as Chapter Advisor;
- a letter of endorsement and approval from your college/university president or dean; and
- a $100 chartering fee.
To submit your charter application, please email your complete application, along with the president’s or dean’s endorsement letter, to sigmatd@niu.edu. Once the Central Office receives your application, an invoice will be issued allowing you to pay via credit card or check.
If you prefer to mail your application and a check for your chartering fee (payable to Sigma Tau Delta) you may send it to:
Sigma Tau Delta
Department of English
Northern Illinois University
DeKalb, IL 60115-2863
It takes approximately three weeks to review and approve a petition to charter a chapter.
If you have any questions about chartering a chapter at your school, please email: sigmatd@niu.edu.
Reactivating Inactive Chapters
A chapter is considered to be active if it enrolls at least one new member in a two-year period. Chapters that have not enrolled any new members for one academic year receive reminder letters in September. Chapters that have not enrolled any new members for two consecutive academic years receive notification letters in September that the chapter is considered inactive.
To reactivate a chapter, a faculty member must petition for reinstatement and submit a reactivation fee of $25.
To initiate the reactivation process for your chapter, please download and complete the reactivation form. Once you have filled out the form, please submit it to the following email address: sigmatd@niu.edu. The Central Office will review your submission and guide you through the next steps of the reactivation process.
Other English Honor Societies
ELA Honor Society for middle schools
National English Honor Society for high schools
Sigma Kappa Delta for two-year colleges
