Sigma Tau Delta, the International English Honor Society, was founded in 1924 to recognize academic excellence in English literature, language, and writing. There are now 525 chapters of the society throughout Europe and the Americas.
Sigma Tau Delta’s central purpose is to confer distinction upon students of the English language and literature in undergraduate, graduate, and professional studies. Sigma Tau Delta also recognizes the accomplishments of professional writers who have contributed to the fields of language and literature.
One of the largest members of the Association of College Honor Societies, Sigma Tau Delta has over 600 active chapters, more than 900 faculty sponsors, and inducts approximately 7,000 members annually. Our members have the opportunity to be recognized for their outstanding achievements, enrich their education, help them make career choices, and advance their careers.
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 35 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.
The New Mexico Highlands University English program established a chapter of the society in 1997. English majors and minors are eligible for membership if they have (1) completed at least three semesters of academic work with a rank in the top 35 percent of their class; (2) completed at least two courses in English beyond English 112; and, (3) achieved a “B” average or better in English courses.
Benefits of Sigma Tau Delta Membership
• Recognition of high achievement in all areas of English studies
• Eligibility to compete for various awards, scholarships, and internships
• Opportunities to meet people with similar interests at local, regional, and international levels
• Reception of the Sigma Tau Delta newsletter and literary journal, The Rectangle
• Opportunity to submit poetry, fiction, and essays for publication in The Rectangle
For information on the Highlands chapter, please contact:
Dr. Donna Woodford-Gormley
dwoodford@nmhu.edu
Department of Humanities – English
New Mexico Highlands University
Box 9000
Las Vegas, NM 87701