As someone who was involved in as many clubs as I could reasonably, or sometimes not-so-reasonably, fit into my schedule in high school, it was only natural that I wanted to get involved the second I set foot on campus. I had to look for community all over again, and I found it in the Williams Common Room with Sigma Tau Delta, or FSU’s International English Honor Society.
That is, I found this sense of community after getting lost trying to find the Williams Common Room, which is pretty much an English major canon event. Whether you’re an English major or even a finance bro trying to reconnect with the humanities, this might just be the place for you, too.
Sigma Tau Delta & International English Honor Society
First, what’s the difference between Sigma Tau Delta and the International English Honor Society? International English Honor Society (IEHS) is an umbrella term for Sigma Tau Delta. It’s completely free to join and open to all students. IEHS members have access to everything from book club and movie nights to writing workshops and other fun social events.
Sigma Tau Delta at FSU is a club within the club, so to speak. You can be a member of IEHS without joining Sigma Tau Delta, but it’s an extra opportunity offered to IEHS members who are English majors and meet the academic requirements.
The FSU chapter is an official chapter affiliated with the national Sigma Tau Delta organization. There’s a one-time dues payment, and then you’re a member for life.
Academic Conventions
Being a member of Sigma Tau Delta means having support for your academic and career goals. From priority internship applications to scholarships, there are so many unique opportunities. I’ve never presented at an academic convention before, so I’m most excited for the opportunity to hopefully attend this year’s national academic convention!
Last year, it was hosted in New Orleans, LA. This year, Sigma Tau Delta members will come together in Milwaukee, WI, to share research, literary insights, and get to know like-minded students from all over the country.
The 2027 theme is “A Celebration of Technê (Craft).” In the age of AI, this discussion of craft seems more important than ever. Attendees will present their critical or creative work, listen to and discuss ideas from their peers, and hone their craft. We’ve even had FSU students win awards for their work in the past.
The lineup for 2027 includes respected guest speakers, such as experts on Jane Austen. The keynote speaker is Angie Cruz, author of the book How Not to Drown in a Glass of Water, which was selected to be the common reader for all chapters of Sigma Tau Delta this year.
Beyond the formal academic aspects, you also get to see the sights of another city with students from FSU and other parts of the country. The convention, therefore, provides an opportunity to make connections with people that you might never meet otherwise.
Building a Community
The best part of my experience with Sigma Tau Delta and IEHS has been, without a doubt, the people. There’s nothing like going to book club every week and sipping hot cocoa or tea while you process the main character’s flabbergastingly dumb decisions or that crazy plot twist together.
In my freshman year, I went to the Gone Girl Book Club, and it was so much fun. This fall, we’ve already read Madonna in a Fur Coat, and now we’re on a vampire read with Carmilla, something spookier for October.
It’s much more than reading the same book at the same time; it’s building connections. Still, if book club doesn’t sound like your thing, IEHS offers movie nights, craft nights, writing groups, and other experiences where you can make new friends or get insights into your career path.
I helped plan our fall book swap, which included good books and good conversations, bookmark-making, and delicious pumpkin-flavored treats. Another recent event was Murder Mystery Night, tailor-made by our president. She put her skills from the creative writing track to good use and got the whole room laughing and completely invested in every clue.
My experience with this organization has been nothing short of amazing. I can’t wait for our upcoming events, and if you’re anything like me, you should check it out. New members are accepted at any point in the year. With Sigma Tau Delta and IEHS at FSU, I know I’m on the write track!
Want to see more HCFSU? Be sure to follow us on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and Pinterest!