English Departent Student Groups

The Department of English offers two official social and academic outlets for students, the English Club and Sigma Tau Delta, a national honors society.

English Club

The English Club is the campus organization designed for the benefit of English majors and others interested in writing, reading and thinking (not to mention talking about almost anything).

It exists not only to enhance intellectual and social interaction for students and faculty but also to improve the quality of life on campus and in the community. The English Club initiates:

• Social activities for English majors to help build friendships and promote a stronger sense of camaraderie;
• Literary events, such as readings and lectures for the university; and
• Service projects designed to contribute to the well being of the community at large.

Of course, the specific activities each year depend on student interest. First and foremost, the English Club belongs to students, and the department encourages all students to accept the challenge join in on the fun.

The club meets periodically and would welcome anyone interested to attend. If you are interested, call or e-mail the club advisor, Dr. Jeff Melton (334-244-3882; jmelton@aum.edu) If you are on campus, check for information at the bulletin board outside of Dr. Melton's office (Rm 330-LA).

Sigma Tau Delta

The official purposes of the International English Honor Society are literary, educational, and charitable. The Society seeks: to confer distinction for high achievement in English language and literature in undergraduate, graduate, and professional studies; to provide cultural stimulation and to promote interest in literature and the English language in the surrounding community; to foster the discipline of English in all its aspects, including creative and critical writing; to promote good fellowship among its members; and to exhibit high standards of academic excellence.

A candidate for membership in Sigma Tau Delta must have a minimum of two college courses in English language or literature beyond the usual requirements of freshman English. The candidate should have a minimum of a B or equivalent average in English, should rank at least in the highest thirty-five percent of his/her class in general scholarship, and should have completed at least five quarters of college course work.

Membership

Membership consists of two categories -- Active or Associate. Active membership is limited to currently enrolled students, graduate or undergraduate, who have the requisite academic background and who major or minor (or the equivalent) in English. The faculty sponsors are also considered active members. Active members may vote, hold office, and contribute to The Rectangle, the society’s journal.

Associate membership is open to currently enrolled students, graduate or undergraduate, who have the requisite academic background, but who do not major or minor in English. Associate membership is also open to non-sponsoring faculty who have a degree in English and to alumni who have the requisite background. Associate members may vote, but may not hold local or international office; they may also contribute to The Rectangle.

Membership in Sigma Tau Delta requires payment of a one-time initiation fee of $20. In exchange, members will receive a permanent membership card, a certificate of membership, a society lapel pin, and a subscription to The Rectangle and any newsletters published during the year. Members of STD are entitled to compete for scholarships and enter contests sponsored by the Society, and they may also attend the Society's annual conventions.

AUM's Omicron Psi chapter has seen periods both of vigorous activity and of relative inactivity, depending largely on student interest. During active periods the local chapter has held regular meetings, sponsored talks, discussions, and workshops, held fund-raising events, donated books to the university library, and sponsored social or celebratory events. In the past, AUM students have been published in The Rectangle, and the activities of the local chapter have been publicized in the international newsletter. Students interested in taking an active, hands-on role in organizing and leading the local chapter should contact the sponsor, Dr. Michael Aaij, at 334-244-3280 or maaij1@aum.edu.