The Unexpected Benefits of Joining Student Leadership

If you’ve been a member of Sigma Tau Delta for any length of time, you’ve likely seen emails and posts and other blogs encouraging you to apply for Student Leadership. These communications likely highlighted what a good resume line being part of Sigma Tau Delta is and laid out the logistics of applying to join the committee. While all of this is crucial and informative, I hope to share a more individual experience that centers the personal and social aspects of being a part of Sigma Tau Delta Student Leadership.

I first joined Student Leadership in 2016 as the Eastern Region Student Representative and then went on to serve as the 2018-2020 Student Advisor. When my year as Senior Student Advisor was cut short by the COVID-19 Pandemic, and when I made the decision to prolong my time in school by pursuing a PhD, I realized I wanted the chance to come back and continue my work with the Board of Directors. I was fortunate enough to be appointed to the role of Student Advisor once again from 2022-2024. During my five years as part of Sigma Tau Delta’s Board, I’ve gained incredible professional experiences, but I’ve also met amazing people who have taught me more than any other group of people I have encountered.

The 2022-2023 Student Leaders enjoying Denver, CO, attractions.

Every group of Student Leaders is unique. Since new leaders are appointed every year, the workings of each cohort are dynamic and constantly changing. One group picks up where the last left off with new goals and ideas prepared for the coming year. Because Student Leaders only have a year to work together—and because they only meet in person twice for the fall and spring Board Meetings and the annual convention—they have to get to know each other through monthly virtual meetings and intermittent Teams communications. Because of this, one might think it would be hard to form connections throughout the year when working with people from around the world that you’ve never met. But I can assure you that this has not been the case in my experience.

During my time as a Student Leader, I have watched virtual strangers come together to do amazing things. We have donated money to service projects, including to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. We have been part of conversations that helped to set up new internship and scholarship opportunities for students. We have put on events at convention like open mic nights and trivia nights, introduced featured authors, assisted at the registration desk, and presented papers and roundtables. And we have explored new cities together and made countless memories. Student Leaders choose to run for volunteer positions that throw them into a year of working with people around the world that they don’t know and every time, without fail for five years I have watched those people become friends and work toward the betterment of the Society. The conviction that students bring to these roles and their willingness to do the work for Sigma Tau Delta is what has kept me coming back. It is what makes me believe in Sigma Tau Delta as an organization and what makes me work to ensure that the next cohort of Student Leaders will have a strong starting place.

If you believe in Sigma Tau Delta, if you have been a leader at your chapter level, if you have benefited from a scholarship or internship, if you have attended convention and fallen in love with the people and the atmosphere, I encourage you to consider running for Student Leadership and expanding your knowledge of the workings of Sigma Tau Delta. I can promise you will meet new people, learn about how a nonprofit honor society runs, and gain incredible professional experiences. As Sigma Tau Delta enters its 100^th year, it is looking for its next group of leaders. Are you ready to be part of that group?

Kaitlynn Sass
Student Advisor, 2022-2024
Xi Xi Chapter
Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Indiana, PA

Student Leadership Opportunities

Sigma Tau Delta offers a number of opportunities for members to take part in the leadership of the Society. Participants gain firsthand information on the Society’s operations as well as play a part in the governance of and planning for Sigma Tau Delta.

Student members interested in expanding their Sigma Tau Delta experience beyond the chapter level are encouraged to volunteer for leadership opportunities at the Society’s regional and international levels.

Spring 2024 Opportunities

Application Deadline: April 11, 2024
Apply for Leadership Opportunities

Student Advisor (SA)

One of the two Student Advisors (SAs) is selected by the Board of Directors each spring. SAs serve for two years and provide the student voice as voting members of the Board of Directors. They also chair the Student Leadership Committee. SAs advocate for the needs and concerns of the student members of Sigma Tau Delta. The two SAs work together promoting the goals of the Society among its members.

Eligibility:

Must be a Sigma Tau Delta member at a school with an active chapter; and
Must plan on attending a school with an active chapter, through the end of appointed two-year term (June 2024 – April 2026).

SA Duties and Application Requirements
SA Application

Student Representatives (SR) / Student Associate Representatives (ASR)

The 2024-2025 Student Representatives (SRs) and Associate Student Representatives (ASRs) will be appointed by the corresponding Regent. There will be one SR and one ASR appointed for each of the six Regions. Please refer to the Chapter Directory to determine which region your chapter is in.

Eligibility:

Must be a Sigma Tau Delta member at a school with an active chapter; and
Must plan on attending a school with an an active chapter, within the Region you apply for, through the end of appointed one-year term (June 2024 – April 2025).

SR/ARS Duties and Application Requirements
SR and ASR Application