"It was an incredible experience to interact with others who share the same love of language and literature that I do."Student Events
2014-2015 Student Leaders
Wednesday, March 18
Abecedarians Unite! - 5:00 p.m.
(Pavilion IV-V-VI)
Abecedarian: "a person who is inexperienced in a particular subject; a novice" (OED)
It's not unusual for us to be reluctant to get out of our comfort zones when we're at a new place surrounded by hundreds of other new people. It can be pretty overwhelming, especially when there are tons of activities to choose from while at convention, not to mention a brand-new city just outside the hotel!
At past conventions, lone and first-time attendees have told us how sometimes, through a series of lucky happenstances, they may have been "adopted" by a larger chapter or found a convention buddy on their own (like a student they've presented with in a panel or someone from his/her region or home state). To ensure that all lone or first-time convention goers have a chance to meet others who are also attending the convention solo, especially those who would like to explore the convention and the city of Albuquerque in the safety and security of others, the Student Leadership Committee of Sigma Tau Delta is offering a quick and informative get-together for convention attendees, a special event just for our "Abecedarians."
At the Abecedarian meeting on Wednesday from 5:00 - 6:00 p.m., the Student Leaders will introduce themselves and make themselves available for questions about the convention programs and activities, as well as offer advice on exploring the city; and all attending will have a chance to introduce themselves, exchange contact information, and find convention buddies. We want to offer something for the solo and first-time attendees that will equip them with enough knowledge of the convention and all its various opportunities to make the most of this great event, and we think "Abecedarians Unite" will do just that!
Open Mic - 9:30 p.m.
(Pavilion IV-V)
Attendees are invited to share their short original creations at Open Mic Night. Bring your best poetry, flash fiction, and other short pieces to perform for the friendliest audience you will ever find. This event is sponsored by the Student Leadership Committee and is open to all attendees.
Thursday, March 19
Student Leadership Workshops - 8:30 a.m.
(Pavilion IV-V-VI)
Open to all student members, including SKD students, these workshops provide a chance to interact with the current Student Leaders of Sigma Tau Delta. Attendees will be able to choose to attend 45-minute sessions on two of the following four topics:
- Member Resources and Fundraising
- Recruitment and Chapter Activities
- Future Leadership Development
- Student Leadership at Large
Led by Student Representatives (SRs), Associate Student Representatives (ASRs), and Student Advisors (SAs), this is a great opportunity for students to give advice, communicate with other chapters, learn about resources available to members, and discover how in the future they can contribute to the Society. The goal of these workshops is to offer the tools and tips chapters can use to become a bigger and better part of their campus. Due to time constraints, students from the same chapter are encouraged to split up in order to attend as many workshops as possible.
Regional Networking - 5:40 p.m.
(Pavilion IV-V-VI)
Attend the Regional Networking meeting to meet with your Regent and your Student Representative. Learn what is going on in your region, meet the candidates for regional office (or decide to run yourself), network with other chapters, and have a chance to give your input. This event is sponsored by the Student Leadership Committee and is open to all attendees.
Student Leadership Position Duties and Applications
Bad Poetry Contest and "Dry T-shirt" Merchandise Skits - 9:00 p.m.
(Pavilion IV-V)
Get ready for some side-splitting fun as chapters with merchandise to sell present funny, English-related skits. Props and costumes are encouraged. All chapters are invited to create a skit. There will be awesome prizes for the best skit AND the best merchandise.
Afterward, convention attendees bring you the best and worst in bad poetry. Whether it's a sincerely bad poem written in middle school, or a comedy poem lampooning annoying poetic trends, members present the worst original poetry they have ever written in this fiercely funny competition. Members take this competition very seriously, and there are more and better prizes this year than ever before, so come prepared to laugh until you cry.
This event is sponsored by the Student Leadership Committee and is open to all attendees.
More Skits From the 2012 Convention
Friday, March 20
General Business Meeting and Regional Caucuses - 11:00 a.m.
(Pavilion IV-V-VI)
Don't miss this opportunity to participate on the regional and Society levels of Sigma Tau Delta. The General Business Meeting and Regional Elections are where our chapters elect Sigma Tau Delta's next generation of leaders and discuss the present and future of the Society. To encourage your chapter to participate, every chapter with an official voting student delegate present at Friday's General Business Meeting and Regional Election is eligible to receive a $200 reimbursement ($400 for non-continental U.S. and international chapters).
This event is open to all attendees but only student members of Sigma Tau Delta may serve as voting delegates.