eNews: November 4, 2009

It recently came to our attention that the short story entitled “Broken Silences” (The Rectangle, Vol. 83, 2008, pp. 84-91) and attributed to Michael Ferrier is, in fact, the work of Matthew Vollmer. Originally published in Fugue (summer, 2004) as “Second Home,” the story has recently been reprinted in Mr. Vollmer’s first collection of stories, Future Missionaries of America (MacAdam Cage, 2009). Sigma Tau Delta regrets the misrepresentation of “Broken Silences” as the work of Matthew Ferrier and apologizes to Mr. Vollmer. As an honor society, we accept in good faith the works submitted for publication in our journals; unfortunately, in this instance we were deceived.

New Constitutional Bylaw: Removal of Members

At its 2009 fall meeting, the Sigma Tau Delta Board of Directors added a constitutional bylaw concerning the removal of members from the Society. Induction into Sigma Tau Delta carries with it lifetime membership; however, duly-inducted members now may be removed from the Society for just cause. For details, see BYLAW VII: SUSPENSION OR TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP.

Extended Deadline for Scholarship and Award Applications

Refer to Upcoming Dates in the left column for specific due dates and application information links.

Because of recent health concerns at many universities, the Scholarship and Academic Awards Committee has voted to extend the 2009 deadline for scholarship and award applications (previously October 30) until Friday, November 6. Applicants who have not yet turned in all materials will also be able to use the extension to complete their packets. Electronic applications will also be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on November 6.

2010 Convention Call for Papers and Panels

Students, here is your opportunity to tell your story at the 2010 International Convention. Carefully read through all applicable guidelines and submission instructions prior to submitting your work.

Paper Submission Guidelines and Instructions
Panel Submission Guidelines and Instructions

In our efforts to become more sustainable, 2010 Convention paper and panel submissions will only be accepted online. The submission deadline is Friday, November 20, 2009.

Regional and Alumni Newsletters

For the first time, Student Representatives, Associate Student Representatives, and their Regents have produced regional newsletters as Google websites. This format provides direct links and allows members to post their comments.

Regional newsletter links are listed in the left column and on the www.english.org website.

Each issue features chapter and regional activities, creative writing submissions, and in-depth articles about the 2010 St. Louis Convention and other Sigma Tau Delta opportunities.

Alumni Epsilon Chapter members also have an inaugural newsletter website courtesy of our Alumni Representative, Andrew Moser, Alumnus of Metropolitan State College of Denver. The Alumni Epsilon Newsletter link is listed in the left column and posted on the www.english.org website.

Special thanks go out to our two Student Advisors, Stephanie Schiefelbein and Lauren Brandeberry, for their outstanding work in coordinating the inaugural newsletter websites.

Regional Journals Offer Writing Opportunities

Three regional journals have recently issued calls for submissions:

The Open Ear of the Universe - Southwestern Region
Submissions due December 21, 2009

Mind Murals - Eastern Region
Submissions due January 1, 2010

Far Western Horizon: A Journal of Contemporary Criticism and Literature - Far Western Region
Submissions due January 31, 2010
The 2010 inaugural issue is open to all Sigma Tau Delta members.

Better World Books - Lead the Drive!

Run a chapter fundraiser and earn extra cash for your chapter.

Better World Books (BWB) will partner with every Sigma Tau Delta chapter to host an “on campus” book drive to benefit literacy initiatives worldwide.

BWB covers all shipping costs, provides posters and flyers, AND calculates the environmental impact of your book drive on campus!
The current book drive runs through January 31.
Participating chapters have the opportunity to earn cash for chapter use. $500 is an achievable goal. A $100 additional donation will be given in the name of the chapter that collects the most accepted books by January 31.
Students participating in leading one successful book drive may apply for a paid six-week 2010 summer internship at BWB in Alpharetta, GA.

Email: campus@betterworldbooks.com to start your book drive today.

December Graduation Merchandise Orders

If your chapter plans to order merchandise for a December graduation, allow three weeks for delivery and follow these guidelines:

Send one check, payable to "Sigma Tau Delta."
Do not send individual student checks; there is an additional delay of 2 to 3 more weeks for student checks.
Allow sufficient time for your school to process payment if you are paying by college or university check. (Some schools take up to 3 weeks to issue a check.)
Pay by Visa or MasterCard to expedite your order.