What is Sigma Kappa Delta:
Sigma Kappa Delta (SKD) is the English Honor Society for Two-Year Colleges. It was founded in 1996 at Cottey College. Sigma Kappa Delta headquarters is currently located at Calhoun Community College. The society strives to:
- Confer distinction for high achievement in English language and literature in undergraduate studies;
- Provide, through its local chapters, cultural stimulation on college campuses and promote interest in literature and the English language in surrounding communities;
- Foster all aspects of the discipline of English, including literature, language, and writing;
- Promote exemplary character and good fellowship among its members;
- Exhibit high standards of academic excellence; & Serve society by fostering literacy.
Sigma Zeta (MCCs Sigma Kappa 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 more than 100 active chapters across the country, 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.
With over 100 active chapters located in the United States, approximately 2500 members are inducted annually. Sigma Kappa Delta’s central purpose is to confer distinction upon students of the English language and literature in undergraduate studies.
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 instantly qualify, for one or more of the Society’s numerous awards and scholarships.
The guiding principles of Sigma Zeta can be found in their constitution.
Students Benefits:
Academic Recognition
Members receive a personalized Sigma Kappa Delta membership certificate and the official Society pin to signify high achievement in English language, writing, and literature.
Scholarships
Members are eligible to apply for a variety of Sigma Kappa Delta scholarships valued at up to $750 each.
Writing Awards and Opportunities
Members may submit papers for publication in The Hedera helix (Sigma Kappa Delta’s annual literary magazine). Works selected for publication are also eligible for overall awards and monetary prizes.
Annual Convention
Members may submit papers for presentation at the annual Sigma Tau Delta (the four-year Honor Society) international convention. Works selected for presentation are also eligible for overall awards and monetary prizes.
Members who attend the annual convention have opportunities to hear students from throughout the U.S. and abroad present their creative and critical writing, to attend sessions on student leadership and chapter activities, and to listen to presentations by noted authors. Featured speakers at past conventions include Neil Gaiman (2009), Azar Nafisi (2010), Poet Laureate Kay Ryan (2011), Natasha Trethewey (2012), Ursula Le Guin (2013) and Nnedi Okorafor (2019).
Student Leadership and Community Services
Members compete for officer positions and take part in community service projects.
Career Advancement
Members may use their honor society affiliation as a tangible sign of academic success to help advance their professional career.
Lifetime Affiliation and Fellowship
Members have many opportunities to network with other Sigma Kappa Deltans through local chapter activities, the annual Sigma Tau Delta international convention, and online sites such as Facebook and Twitter.
Affiliation with River Voices:
As an English Honor Society, Sigma Zeta will work alongside English Honor Students (you can be a member or both groups) to solicit submittals of written work (fiction and non-fiction) and art (photography, drawings, paintings, etc.). Students will also work to select the works to publish and play the role of student editors.
Community Outreach Project:
Each year, Sigma Zeta members will take part in helping to organize the annual River Voices release party. Along with that, members will choose a project (based on Literature, reading, or writing) that will benefit either the Muskegon Community College community or the Muskegon community at large.
Membership
Student membership in Sigma Zeta is by invitation to students currently enrolled at MCC. It is an outward recognition of personal accomplishment. And most members of SKD are invited to join Sigma Tau Delta (the four-year international Honor Society) upon transferring.
Membership in SKD’s Sigma Zeta Chapter is open to two-year college students of any major who meet the following criteria:
- Are enrolled at MCC
- Have completed a minimum of one college-level course in English language or literature (excluding developmental or remedial courses)
- Have earned a grade of “B” or better in all English classes
- Have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) in general scholarship
- Have completed at least one semester or two-quarters of college course work for a cumulative of twelve semester hours
- There is a one-time $40 membership fee
