Sigma Tau Delta

Saint Martin’s local chapter of the international English honor society Sigma Tau Delta, Kappa Upsilon, promotes interest in literature, writing and the English language on campus and in nearby communities and confers distinction for high achievement in the discipline of English. Kappa Upsilon is one of over 800 active chapters around the world.

Membership

Students of all majors are welcome to apply for membership to Sigma Tau Delta. Saint Martin’s typically takes applications once each semester. Applicants must have maintained a B average in their coursework and taken two English courses beyond the first-year writing sequence.

As a member, you will receive a certificate, copies of the two Sigma Tau Delta journals (the Review and the Rectangle), an official society pin, eligibility for scholarships, an honor cord to be worn at commencement, and the opportunity to submit works for consideration to the annual convention, the two journals, and various online publications.

Projects and programs

Saint Martin's local chapter was founded in 1968 by the late English professor Dr. Les Bailey. Over the years, our members have organized a variety of literary events on campus, including a marathon reading honoring Charles Dickens' bicentenary, creative writing workshops, and public readings by such authors as Lucia Perillo, Ngozi Achebe, and Bruce Beasley. Our students fundraise to support the chapter’s own activities, including the literary journal SMUniverse, and to make donations to charities. Members have also been involved in community service, such as reading stories to children at local bookstores.

Nearly every spring, one or more members present papers at the society's annual convention, which in recent years has been held in St. Louis, Philadelphia, New Orleans, and Portland. In 2013, Saint Martin’s chapter was honored with a plaque commemorating the 45th anniversary of our founding. In 2015, Saint Martin’s student Amy Pollard was one of two students nationwide to receive the E. Nelson James Junior Scholarship.

Become a member

Download an application form.

Contact Jeff Birkenstein, Ph.D. for details.

Have questions? Contact the faculty advisor!