Anthony Doer Convention Event Review

by Christina Thompson
Southern Student Representative, 2012-2013
Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, LA

At the 2012 Sigma Tau Delta International Convention, Anthony Doerr began his talk by sharing a short work of prose he had just composed on the plane ride to New Orleans. With an easy wit and endearing charm, Doerr crafted a caricature of his younger self, piecing together a Halloween costume with duct tape, cardboard, and black magic marker. Marking every peculiar nuance, Doerr translated emotive images of a young boy standing alone at a party, separated from the other kids by his faded, rain-soaked homemade costume. While the life lesson confused him at the time, the gift of a “Most Original Costume” prize from a friend’s mother planted the freedom-seed of individual expression within his heart.

That free expression found its voice through the creative process of short-story writing. Doerr also read a short story originally titled “Oranges.” Beginning with a meet-cute on a plane, he followed a singular stranded orange peel through the couple’s adventures of love, loss, and little personal idiosyncrasies that formed their life together. Doerr covered bone with flesh with the subtle inflections in his voice, sharing the couple’s interior reflections of one another while whispering the secret of the oranges.

Doerr delivered his talk with a gracious tone, repeatedly remarking “thanks for clapping” with a genuine gratitude that revealed his sheer pleasure in his life’s work. Through his readings, he continually echoed the sentiments of his childhood self, remaining true to his own originality. Anthony Doerr’s unique voice and ability to translate the small details in our everyday world will surely leave a lasting impression on attendees, affirming the free expression of individual art.

Review: The Lens of Natasha Tretheway

by Joe Nelis
Eastern Student Representative, 2012-2013
Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Indiana, PA

We’re lucky to live in a world where diversity is more widely celebrated than it is condemned.  It’s not perfect by any means, but it is closer to equal today than during the time depicted in Natasha Trethewey’s Bellocq’s Ophelia, our Common Reader for the 2012 International Convention in New Orleans.  Bellocq’s Ophelia received the 2003 Mississippi Institute of Arts and Letters Book Prize and was named a 2003 Notable Book by the American Library Association.  Trethewey herself won the Pulitzer Prize in 2007 for her more recent poetry collection, Native Guard.  Trethewey treated us Sigma Tau Deltans to a historically and contextually grounded reading that should open our eyes to the depth and complexity of life, culture, and race during any time period.

With Bellocq’s Ophelia, Trethewey performs a poetic retelling of the photographs of a mixed-race prostitute taken by the historically renowned E. J. Bellocq of New Orleans in the early twentieth- century.  Through the creative-critical lens of Trethewey’s text, we see a recreation of the historical context in which this woman, Ophelia, lived and worked.  Through the poems she shared with us, including “Countess P-’s Advice for New Girls,” “Photograph of a Bawd Drinking Raleigh Rye,” and parts of the “Letters from Storyville,” Trethewey gave the audience significant insights into the life of women like Ophelia.

Even living in an oppressive time, Ophelia was a woman with personal growth in mind, always educating herself.  Trethewey experienced her share of racism and sexism growing up as a woman of mixed race in Gulfsport, Mississippi.  During her reading, Trethewey elaborated upon issues close to her that any Deltan could appreciate.  She discussed important factors from her past that fuel her passions and creative drives now.  She gave us a deeper insight into the research and work done to write Bellocq’s Ophelia, from studying Bellocq’s actual photographs to her archival dig through historical records. She revealed her frustrations as she tried to break away from writing in a set form, and how, through her challenges to herself, she came to embrace her historically-oriented, character-driven style.  From the readings, to her commentary, to her Q & A, Trethewey spoke with clarity and strength that kept her Deltan audience captivated.  We were lucky to have her share her work with us in New Orleans.

Convention 2012 Top 10

by Allie Reznik
Student Advisor, 2011-2013

10. Strolling the oil lamp lit streets of NOLA.

9. Enjoying Cafe du Monde twice a day, everyday.

8. Lauren informing us that one of the Twitter contestants asked @EnglishCon out on a date.

7. Seeing brilliant deltans struggle with those tricky smart elevators.

6. Learning at the board meeting that Sigma Tau Delta is now the second largest honor society in the nation!

5. "Feast!"

4. "Honing ones empathy from the personal to the collective" -Anthony Doerr on literature

3. Networking in all of the fantastic Student Leadership workshops!

2. "Poetry allows us to not only touch the intellect but also the heart." -Natasha Tretheway

1. Toss up between "Show me your wits," "I like big books," and Bil Johnson scandalously exposing his leg!

Twitter Contest Winners

Most Popular Winner ($50 amazon card):
Joe Nelis
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
@JMNelis

Most Popular Runner Up (Cafe Du Monde mug):
Heather Etelamaki
Kansas State University
@hetellama

Most Prolific Winner ($35 amazon card):
Caitlin Yimet
Xi Delta
AngelOfThursday

Most Prolific Runner Up (Cafe Du Monde mug):
Daniel Kasper
Southern Arkansas University
@wickedcoolghost

Top Ten Tips for a Twitter Triumph

The Tweet the Convention Contest is a fun and easy way to connect with other Convention attendees and learn about all of the excitement Convention has to offer. Whether you are a Twitter veteran or a first time user, this handy guide will help you navigate the contest and come out a winner. (NOTE: Twitter tips listed can be done from the twitter.com website. If you are using a Twitter app on your computer or mobile device, it may not support all of these features).

1- Get a Twitter account. Sorry to state the obvious, but you will need a Twitter account to play. Sign up for free at Twitter.com. You do not need to link any personal information to your account.

2- Enter the contest. You can’t win if you don’t play. The full rules for the contest can be found here, but all you really need to know is that to be officially entered in the contest you must send your name, school, email, and Twitter handle to lbrandeberry@niu.edu. We need email addresses to contact the winners and send out prizes. We will not share your email with anyone or use it for any other purpose.

3- Follow @EnglishCon on Twitter. We will be tweeting tips and announcements throughout the convention. You can also ask us questions and we will try to answer.

4- Follow other contestants. The Twitter contest is a social game. You have to interact with other convention attendees to win. You will want to respond to things they say and share their most interesting tweets, in addition to tweeting yourself. See the official List of Contestants and start following the other people on the list. Bonus Tip: If you don’t see your name on the list, we have not gotten your entry and you need to send us a message right away. We will not penalize you if you entered late or if we lost your original entry, but you won’t get as much out of the contest if people can’t find you, so you want to be on the list.

5- Use lists to sort tweets. If you create an account just for this contest and don’t follow anyone but other contestants, this tip won’t help you. But if you are already a Twitter user, or if you quickly discover some of the other fun and interesting Twitter accounts to follow, you will soon notice that your Twitter feed fills up very fast. When you are busy, such as during the convention, you can’t possibly read every tweet to pick out the ones about the contest. Thankfully, there is an easier way.

Twitter allows users to create lists of people they want to follow and then sort your feed by list, so that you can only see tweets by your friends or, in this case, only tweets by convention attendees. You can also follow entire lists created by other people. We have already created a list of contestants that you can follow, or you can create your own custom lists. Go to your Twitter profile and click on “lists” to make a list and to see lists you are subscribed to, lists you have created, and lists other people have added you to. Click on someone else's profile to see and follow any good lists they have made. Master lists, and you are half way to mastering the contest.

6- Get the right app. Yes, you can use Twitter on your computer if that is your only option. But to really get the most out of the Twitter contest, you need to be carrying Twitter around with you and checking it throughout the day. This means you that if you have a mobile device, you will want to install an app that will let you use Twitter on it. There are tons of free and paid apps available to put Twitter on your smart phone, tablet, ebook reader, iPod Touch, and probably just about any other portable device. To find the best options, do a web search for the name of your favorite device and the words “best twitter app.” Set it up, play with it and become comfortable with how it works so that once the contest starts, you can tweet on the fly like a pro.

7- Master the Retweet. Part of the contest involves contestants “voting” for their favorite tweets. How do you vote? With a Retweet! Retweeting means quoting someone else’s tweet in your tweet, as a way to share it with more people.

Twitter has a built-in retweet function that will make the original tweet appear in your feed exactly as it originally looked, but with “retweeted by” at the bottom. This is the fast and easy way to retweet. Check out @EnglishCon for an example. If you see tweets that appear to be from other people in the @EnglishCon feed, those are things we retweeted.

But suppose you want to modify the tweet? What if you want to add a comment such as “sounds like fun!”? Or what if you want to add the names of some of your friends so it will catch their attention? In that case, just copy the tweet and then paste it into a new tweet by you. Use “via @username” to show where it originally came from.  Example:

Orignal Tweet from @EnglishCon:  Come check out bad poetry night, Acadia 15 min!

Retweet by another contestant: Sounds like fun @AllieBGoLightly @allielyrica @Allye001  Come check out bad poetry night, Acadia 15 min! via @EnglishCon

8- Don’t forget the photos! We love to hear about what you are doing and seeing throughout your stay in New Orleans. We love it even more when we can SEE what you are doing. Please remember to share your photos of the convention and your trips around town. The twitter.com website and most Twitter apps will have a built-in way to upload and share photos quickly--just look for the little camera icon. There are also several free services such as Twit Pic.

9- Tweet early, tweet often. The contest actually starts on Monday, February 27, two days BEFORE the convention, and ends two days after the convention, on Monday, March 5. This is because we want to hear about the whole experience, from packing and planning to reflecting and decompressing. Get started bright and early Monday morning to iron out all the kinks, find your Twitter groove, and start amping up the excitement.

10- Have fun! The whole point of this contest is to give people a fun way to interact and document their convention experience. Yes, there is a $50 Amazon.com gift certificate on the line, but the most important thing is to connect with people and have a good time. If everyone does that, we will all be winners.

Midwestern Student Leadership Candidate

Emily Elizabeth Scott
Candidate for Midwestern Associate Student Representative, 2012-2013
Junior, Alpha Nu Pi Chapter, Western Michigan University, MI

Positions, other memberships, offices, etc., currently or recently held:

Chapter President

Explain why you are running for office and comment on any skills, experience, or personal qualities you possess that would contribute to your performing the following duties: promoting communication among chapters other than your own, producing official publications, assisting your Regent, serving on the Student Leadership Committee. Further comments or ideas are encouraged. Include your region and your first and last name at the top of the page. Please do not include sensitive personal information in your essay. Candidate essays will be displayed publicly before the election. Do not exceed 500 words:

As the president of my university's chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, I am familiar with how the organization works on a local level, and am committed to forming strong relationships with other regional chapters in order to learn ways to better improve upon our own chapters. My experience as an editor for a student run publication "The White Goat," as well as my two years of interning for WMU's graduate literary magazine "Third Coast," have prepared me well to work on our region's publication "Ex Medio." I know that as ambitious leader, effective communicator and creative student I am an excellent candidate for this position.

Southern Student Leadership Candidate

Ginger King
Candidate for Southern Student Representative, 2012-2013
Senior, Alpha Mu Iota Chapter, Louisiana State University at Alexandria, LA

Positions, other memberships, offices, etc., currently or recently held:

Interim President of Sigma Tau Delta, Treasurer of Student Government

Explain why you are running for office and comment on any skills, experience, or personal qualities you possess that would contribute to your performing the following duties: promoting communication among chapters other than your own, producing official publications, assisting your Regent, serving on the Student Leadership Committee. Further comments or ideas are encouraged. Include your region and your first and last name at the top of the page. Please do not include sensitive personal information in your essay. Candidate essays will be displayed publicly before the election. Do not exceed 500 words:

I am running for Student Representative so I can learn how to encourage others to become part of an organization that rewards its members by increasing confidence and pride in one’s future. I admire the commitment to learning and intellectual growth which Sigma Tau Delta represents. I would very much like to be part of the greater world of Sigma Tau.

As Interim President of my campus chapter of Sigma Tau Delta (interim because our chapter had a changeover in faculty sponsorship, and because of student graduations), my goal has been to increase our campus community involvement, and increase membership. The first step toward reaching these goals was selling valentines with quotes from famous love poems. The fund raiser received a great response and seemed to give us a place in campus organizations. We are in the middle of planning an in-house conference for presenting papers. We hope to build upon that next year by inviting area schools to participate as well. I want my enthusiasm for involving more students (and fostering growth) in the society to help our chapter increase its membership while allowing opportunities for student leadership, which is what I enjoy about being a Sigma Tau Delta member.

A part of my responsibility as an officer in my campus’s Student Government Association (SGA) is serving as a voice for students. The number of non-traditional students entering colleges has increased greatly. As a non-traditional student, I realize I offer a unique perspective and provide valuable insight into student needs and wishes. Another advantage to being a non-traditional student is amount of life experience I can bring to the role of Student Representative. I have acquired important skills in organization, communication, and collaboration which will be beneficial to performing the duties required of a Southern Regional Representative.

I am literate in the use of computers and other technologies—I am currently interning at the Arna Bontemps Home and Museum, where I write press releases and update the Website.
Campus activism has intrigued me since I first understood that speaking up and empathizing can help change intolerable situations, or just make life generally better. Applying what I already know to the work of this prestigious honor society, and learning more from it, is what I can bring to the position of Southern Representative. Membership in Sigma Tau has helped me expand the horizons I’ve dreamed of reaching; the chance to offer my excitement to other Sigma Tau members is a wonderful opportunity—and one I absolutely want to take advantage of!

Southwestern Student Leadership Candidate

Katherine Williams
Candidate for Southwestern Student Representative or Associate Student Representative, 2012-2013
Senior, Omicron Tau Chapter, Arkansas Tech University, AR

Positions, other memberships, offices, etc., currently or recently held:

Chapter Vice-President, 2009; Chapter President, 2009-2011; Southwestern Region Associate Student Representative, 2011-2012

Explain why you are running for office and comment on any skills, experience, or personal qualities you possess that would contribute to your performing the following duties: promoting communication among chapters other than your own, producing official publications, assisting your Regent, serving on the Student Leadership Committee. Further comments or ideas are encouraged. Include your region and your first and last name at the top of the page. Please do not include sensitive personal information in your essay. Candidate essays will be displayed publicly before the election. Do not exceed 500 words:


I am running for Student Representative or Associate Student Representative for the Southwest region because I enjoyed holding the ASR position for this region last year. Because of my previous experience as an ASR, I believe that I have much to offer as a Student Rep, or again as an Associate Student Rep. One central reason why I want to continue my role as a student leader, other than enjoying the company of other leaders at conventions, is because I believe that my participation in Sigma Tau Delta at the national level helps my small chapter at Arkansas Tech University; what I have learned about this organization has helped me be a better officer and has shown members and nonmembers the benefits and possibilities they can achieve. My experience as a student leader would benefit the Southwest region's role in interchapter relations, and my experience as an editor in a student-run literary magazine would be beneficial when discussing student publications.

Overall, I believe that my role as a Student Representative or Associate Student Representative would benefit Sigma Tau Delta with my input and experience, and I would be happy to serve another year as a student leader.

Things To Do In NOLA

by MeKoi Scott
Southern Region Student Representative, 2011-2012
Auburn University, Montogomery

With all that New Orleans has to offer, convention attendees may appreciate a starter list of activities to enjoy while in the city. Granted, you could walk around the French Quarter and the immediate area beyond and discover spots and attractions, but given the limited free time attendees have at the convention, this list can help point you in the right direction. Or at the very least, it may help you form your own list.

Below, points of interest are divided into three categories: Food; Music; Tours, Trips, and Museums.

FOOD
Restaurants in this category have either been patronized by me personally, or New Orleans locals or a notable chef have recommended them to me. All are relatively inexpensive and none require dressy attire.

Cafe du Monde
800 Decatur St.
-Located in the French Quarter
-French-style doughnuts topped with powdered sugar
-Open 24-7
cafedumonde.com

Mother’s Restaurant
401 Podrays St.
-Located in the Central Business District
-Po-boys, ettouffee, jambalaya, gumbo, and more
-Expect a line, but it moves quickly
mothersrestaurant.net

Lüke
333 St Charles Ave.
-Located in the Central Business District
-Combines Franco-German cuisine
-A little pricey, but if you are in a mood to treat, you may want to consider Lüke’s
lukeneworleans.com

Port of Call
838 Esplanade Ave.
-Located in the French Quarter
-Steaks, hamburgers, baked potatoes, and salads; despite the lack of variety, if you enjoy a well-made burger, then you might want to give them a try.
portofcallnola.com

Coop’s Place
1109 Decatur St.
-Located in the French Quarter
-Cajun/Creole
coopsplace.net

Red Fish Grill
115 Bourbon St.
-Located in the French Quarter
-Seafood; decadent double chocolate bread pudding
-May be a little pricey
redfishgrill.com


MUSIC
All of these music venues are located on Frenchmen Street, which is just outside the French Quarter, past Esplanade Ave. Within the French Quarter live music can be found at various locations, but the venues on Frenchmen Street offer notable and renowned artists and bands. Not all admit persons from 18-20, but a few do.

The Spotted Cat
623 Frenchmen St.
-Music ranging from blues to jazz to Latin to various fusions
-Two bands nightly: first starts at 6pm, the second at 9:30pm
-Small area, mostly standing room only

Snug Harbor
626 Frenchmen St.
-Jazz music
-Two bands nightly: first starts at 9pm, the second at 11pm
-Restaurant also on premise
snugjazz.com

d.b.a
618 Frenchmen St.
-Jazz and Blues
-Sometimes a $5 cover
dbabars.com/dbano/

The Maison
508 Frenchmen St.
-Jazz, Blues, Electronic, Hip Hop, Rock
-Comedy Showcase Fridays 8-10:30pm; Latin Dance Party Fridays at 11pm; Dance Party Saturdays 10pm
-Restaurant on premises
maisonfrenchmen.com

The Apple Barrel
609 Frenchmen St.
-Jazz and Blues

Blue Nile
532 Frenchmen St.
-Jazz, Blues, Rock, Funk
-Sometimes a $10 cover
bluenilelive.com

The Three Muses
536 Frenchmen St.
-Jazz and Blues
-Gastro Pub, more of a restaurant with live music
thethreemuses.com


TOURS, TRIPS, AND MUSEUMS
These activities offer a taste of New Orleans’ charm and culture, past and present.

Spirit Tours New Orleans
601 Royal St.
-Starts every night at 8:15pm
-Two-hour walking tour to the “dark edges” of the historic French Quarter
-$16 per person
neworleanstours.net/ghost.htm

Steamboat Natchez
1 Toulouse St.
-Mississippi Riverboat with dinner and live jazz music
-Sails daily, three time a day: 11:30am, 2:30pm; 7pm; boarding begins 30min. prior
-Day Cruises: $25 w/o lunch, $36 w/ lunch; Evening Cruise: $41 w/o dinner, $68 with dinner
-Two-hour cruise
steamboatnatchez.com

St. Charles Streetcar
-Runs through the Central Business District to Uptown
-See antebellum mansions, historic monuments, the Audubon Zoological Garden
-One-way fares: $1.25 (exact change)

Voodoo Museum
724 Dumaine St.
-Experience the curios, relics, and artifacts of one of New Orleans’ religions
-Open 10am-6pm daily
-$7 General; $5.50 Students
voodoomuseum.com

The Presbytere
751 Chartes St., Jackson Square
-Houses a collection of Mardi Gras artifacts and memorabilia
-Open 9am-5pm Tuesday through Sunday
-$5 General, $4 Students
crt.state.la.us/museum

The Backstreet Cultural Museum
1116 St. Claude Ave.
-Houses an assortment of memorabilia indigenous to Mardi Gras, jazz funerals, and other New Orleans’ traditions
-Open 10am-5pm Tuesday through Saturday
-$5 admission
backstreetmuseum.org

Prepare for the Big Easy with Natasha Trethewey’s Bellocq’s Ophelia

by Jessica Reyes
Chapter Preseident
Kansas State University

I have a confession: I’m an English major who isn’t fond of poetry. So when I found out that the common reader for convention this year is a collection of poems, I was less than eager to read it. But then I found out Natasha Trethewey’s Bellocq’s Ophelia is a prostitute living in turn-of-the-century New Orleans, and I was smitten.

In the collection, Trethewey uses a series of historical portraits by E.J. Bellocq to invent a life for her main character, whom she names Ophelia. Each poem reveals an episode of Ophelia’s life, picking up with her arrival in New Orleans as a naïve and hopeful young girl. Unable to find work, Ophelia takes up residence in a brothel for colored women. The poems feature a variety of speakers writing in an array of forms, including diary entries and letters. Each entry provides the reader a glimpse into Ophelia’s struggles to shape her own life despite the invisible forces of race and gender that organize society in the still heavily segregated south. Trethewey writes in a way that is accessible and yet still stunningly complex. Ophelia’s story is riveting, and I found myself drawn into it despite my initial hesitance.

There is another great reason to read Bellocq’s Ophelia: everyone at the convention will be talking about it. Several conference sessions will feature either critical or creative work on Trethewey’s poetry (including a roundtable facilitated by yours truly on Friday afternoon).  Reading the common reader is a great way to join the conversation. Also, if you’ve peeked at the convention schedule, you know that Natasha Trethewey is one of this year’s featured speakers. We’ll have a chance to hear her talk and have our books signed Friday evening, followed by a question and answer session with the author on Saturday.  

P.S. If I still haven’t convinced you to read Bellocq’s Ophelia yet, there are two other things you should know. First, you can get a used copy online for as low as $5.95. And, if you’re busy with school and feel like you won’t have time to read it before convention, just tuck it in your carry-on and read it on the plane. With only 48 short pages, it’s the perfect book to get you in the mood for the Big Easy.

Get the Most Out of Your Convention Experience

by Lauren Brandeberry
Associate Alumni Rep, 2011-2012

The Sigma Tau Delta Annual International Convention is an incredible experience, but it can also be overwhelming. The convention features exciting events:
-Three outstanding and often surprising featured speakers who will give presentations, answer questions, and sign their work
-Informative workshops and discussion panels by and for students, faculty, and alumni
-Hundreds of presentations of poetry, short fiction, creative non-fiction, drama, and critical essays covering every aspect of literature, popular culture, critical theory, film and media studies, and English education
-Social events every night
-Society business
-Regional and Society-wide elections
-Ceremonies and awards.

Clearly the convention has something for everyone. Add in the fact that this year’s convention site, the French Quarter of New Orleans, has tons of fun and interesting things to do, and it becomes easy for people to run out of time to do everything they want.

With so many options and so little time, many people miss out on some of the best the convention has to offer because they didn’t hear about an event until it was too late, or worse, they never learned about it at all. Whether this is your first convention or you are a convention veteran, here are some handy tips for getting the most out of your convention experience.

1. Take the time to do it right.

Yes, I know the convention is longer than most undergraduate conferences, and many people balk at spending so much time out of town in the middle of the school year. If the convention falls during your Spring Break, you may be reluctant to spend so much of it on a school-related event. If it doesn’t, you may be even more reluctant to miss that many classes.

I know most of you work, I know staying in a hotel and eating out is expensive, and I REALLY know how busy you are because I am just as busy. But the convention is not your average conference; it’s a unique and rewarding experience. Everyone I know who has ever gone agrees that spending time surrounded by so many other people who love the same things you love is incomparable. Convention is worth it.

Make as much time as you can; stay for as many events as possible. If you can manage it, come early Wednesday (or even Tuesday). Don’t leave until late on Sunday. Make sure there is time to see the sights, time to relax (or work on homework), and still time to attend as many convention events as possible.

2. Location, location, location.

Convention can be expensive, and I understand the desire to cut costs. Read my article on saving on convention costs, and also read these articles on fundraising for some good ways to manage convention costs. But be aware of the trade-offs of saving money, and don’t scrimp in the wrong places.

The convention hotel and overflow hotels in the area can be expensive, though we work hard to negotiate the best group rate possible. It can be tempting to cut costs by staying in a budget motel, but don’t just jump on the cheapest rate in town. Traveling back and forth from one hotel to the other becomes complicated, especially if the hotels are far apart, if you lack a convenient mode of transportation, or if there are a lot of people in your group. When possible, stay in the convention hotel. If you stay elsewhere, consider walking distance, public transportation options (a few trolley lines run right by this year’s hotel), and the impact on scheduling. Discuss in advance how people will be getting back and forth, who wants to be where when, and if people will be required to travel in groups. Use our Facebook page and Twitter account to find out if other chapters are staying at your hotel, and talk to them about sharing rides and making sure everyone has a buddy when they want to travel somewhere.

3. The more, the merrier.

Convention is a great bonding experience for a chapter, and a great personal experience for everyone who goes. It’s also a smorgasbord of experiences and information, and it can take several people splitting up, taking great notes, and reporting back to the group later for a chapter to get all of the information and inspiration it can. Convention can also be intimidating for people attending alone or in a small group, particularly if this is their first time.

Encourage as many of your members to attend as possible, even if they aren't presenting a paper. Do everything you can to raise money to help cover their costs, and assure all of your members that the convention is a worthwhile experience. Encourage your Sponsors to attend with you. If you’re really ambitious, encourage prospective members or even NEHS members to attend with you (be aware of any requirements that you secure parental permission and/or provide a chaperon for travel, particularly if you are traveling as a chapter or with younger students).

If you are traveling alone or in a small group, contact me and the other members of the Student Leadership Committee. We will help you meet people at convention, figure out what events to attend, and negotiate the trickier aspects of traveling alone. We can also help you find roommates to cut down on hotel costs.

4. Make a plan in advance.

The schedule is already available. Everyone attending the convention should read the schedule before hand, make note of what each one wants to do, and co-ordinate with each other to make your own tentative schedule. Make sure to leave time for sight seeing and group meals.

It can be good to pair up so that you don’t have to go to a presentation alone and you can compare notes afterwards, but it’s also good for your chapter to split up and take in as many different presentations as possible.

Events you should take special note of:

-Presentations by your chapter: Provide moral support to members of your chapter by making sure there are friendly faces in the audience. The entire chapter doesn’t have to attend each and every one of the chapter’s presentations, but there should be at least a few people at each one if at all possible.

-Presentations by the featured speakers: Every year we have speakers that I have never heard of, and they are always as good as or better than the speakers I have heard of. Every one of our featured speakers is excellent and insightful, and their presentations and Q&A sessions are some of the best chances to learn about authors, projects, and issues you never knew about.

-The Student Leadership Workshops and Chapter Sponsor Workshop: These events are a major part of the convention experience. They are jam-packed with quality advice about a variety of subjects that matter to Sigma Tau Deltans, from recruitment and retention to applying to grad school, and they are a must-attend for members at every stage of their Sigma Tau Delta experience.

-The Informal Regional Caucuses, the General Business Meeting, and the Formal Regional Caucuses: These events are where you learn about what is going on with Sigma Tau Delta at the regional, national, and international levels, where you can meet and vote for the candidates for office (or run for one yourself), and where you can get all of your questions answered about this large and multifaceted organization.

-The social events: From Open Mic Night to the Bad Poetry Contest, the evening social events are a great way to cut loose, make new friends, and even win a little something.

-The Twitter Contest: Make new friends and network with other convention attendees, get
insider tips and tricks on the best convention events, and compete to
win fabulous prizes! Even if you don’t plan on trying to win, participating in this contest is a great way to meet people and stay “in the know.” Never miss out on free pizza or an impromptu flash mob again, follow @EnglishCon today!

For more information on what to do at convention, check out our Facebook page. Become a fan, join in the discussion, and then share your experiences when it’s over. See you in New Orleans!

Final Convention Schedule Revision

A revised version of the 2012 Sigma Tau Delta International Convention program schedule has been posted on the website. It contains the names of Session Chairs and Moderators.

This is the final version of the tentative schedule before we put the program to bed. And that means that the Convention Chair must hear from you no later than Wednesday, February 1 if you want to have even a glimmer of hope that a problem can be addressed.

Once the program is finalized and sent to the printer, we will not be able to make any changes, so check the program carefully for any errors.

Leadership Positions Available

by Lauren Brandeberry
Associate Alumni Representative, 2011-2012

Next year's student and alumni leaders will be chosen at the the Sigma Tau Delta 2012 International Convention. These leaders are fundamental to shaping the direction of Sigma Tau Delta, and these positions represent a great opportunity for students to network, gain valuable leadership skills, and learn how Sigma Tau Delta functions at the regional and international levels. All active student and alumni members attending convention should be eligible to run for one or more
of these positions.

January 31 is the deadline for applications for Student Advisor. This is Sigma Tau Delta's most prestigious and challenging student position, a two-year term as a full voting member of Sigma Tau Delta's Board of Directors. Student Advisors guide and mentor all of the other student leaders and serve as advocates of student interests.

Student Advisor Duties and Application

In addition, Student Representatives and Associate Student Representatives will be elected to represent each of Sigma Tau Delta's six regions, and an Alumni Representative and Associate Alumni Representative will be elected to represent alumni members. These representatives attend Board meetings, serve on committees, provide resources and leadership for their regions, produce the Student Leadership Blog, organize regional events, and help organize the annual convention. These positions are one-year terms, though incumbents may choose to run for a second term.

Elections for Student and Alumni Representatives will be held at the convention during the Formal Regional Caucuses on Friday, March 2. Applications to run for any of these offices will be accepted until Thursday, March 1, however candidates are encouraged to send them in before February 22 in order to take advantage of opportunities for online promotion.

Student Representative and Associate Student Representatives Duties
and Application

Alumni Representative and Associate Alumni Representative Duties and
Application

All chapters attending convention will have a chance to vote for their region's student leaders and can earn $200 by attending both regional caucuses and the General Business Meeting. More information on the candidates can be found at
http://sigmataudeltastudentleaders.blogspot.com/p/leadership-candidates.html

For more information about running for office, or general information about the open positions and election procedures, contact
lbrandeberry@niu.edu

Prizes Announced for the Tweet the Convention Contest

For the Most Prolific competition, first place will receive a $35 Amazon.com gift certificate. Second place will receive a Cafe du Monde coffee mug.

First place for the Most Popular competition will receive a $50 Amazon.com gift certificate. Second place will receive a Cafe du Monde coffee mug.

Twitter Contest Rules

Tweet the Convention

The Tweet the Convention Contest is back, and it's better than ever! Simpler rules! Better prizes! Contestants help pick the winners! Don't delay, sign up today!


http://sigmataudeltastudentleaders.blogspot.com/p/blog-convention-contest.html

What is a Roundtable?

Lauren Brandeberry
Associate Alumni Representative, 2011-2012

Ever since submissions opened for the 2012 Sigma Tau Delta International Convention, many people have been asking, “What happened to panel submissions, and what are these new roundtables?” Roundtables are the same thing as what used to be called “panels.” They have simply been renamed to help clarify their purpose.

At many other academic conferences, the term “panel” refers to a group of papers presented at the same time in the same room. At our conventions, these are called paper sessions. Panels at our conventions were not for papers but for topic discussions. But many people were confused. So, this year panels have been re-branded to better reflect what they were always supposed to be: roundtable discussions.

Roundtables are not the place to present papers, even if a chapter has 4 or 5 papers on the same topic. Roundtables are a way for people to share their expertise or experience and then to facilitate a dialogue with the audience members.

Roundtables can be presented by one chapter, or, even better, by members of several chapters working together. For example, a roundtable could be made up of all the officers from one chapter talking about their experiences publishing a journal, or it could be the chief editors of four different chapter journals comparing notes.

The people submitting the roundtable should be prepared to answer in-depth questions about a particular topic and to stimulate conversation by asking thought-provoking questions of the audience and to invite the audience members to contribute to the discussion. Roundtables might start off with a short presentation, but the main goal is not to give a one-sided presentation. It is to encourage engaged and productive discussion and collaboration between the presenters and the audience.

Roundtables are evaluated separately from papers, so members are eligible to submit a roundtable proposal even if they have already submitted two works (critical paper or creative work) as well. As a result of fewer than usual presentation rooms in our 2012 hotel, competition will be fierce for getting a roundtable proposal accepted. So it is imperative that you read the instructions closely. They can be found at http://www.englishconvention.org/sigmatd/conv/roundtables.html

One other thing that is different is that, starting this year, roundtable submissions require both a short abstract and a longer description of the topic. So don’t wait until the last minute. Make sure you know exactly what you want to talk about and why you think it would be a good addition to the convention program.

Special consideration will be given to roundtables that discuss the common reader and to roundtables that involve members of more than one chapter, so those are some things to keep in mind if you want to give your proposal that extra push.

Roundtables are always interesting and engaging, and I look forward to seeing what great ideas people come up with this year. If you haven’t done it already, start talking to your friends about creating a roundtable submission today. The deadline is November 1, 11:59 p.m.

Board Meeting Reflection 5

MeKoi Scott
Southern Region Student Representative, 2011-2012
Auburn University, Montgomery

Participating in and contributing to the Board meeting in New Orleans increased my appreciation for Sigma Tau Delta as an organization. This meeting was my first opportunity to experience firsthand the internal decision-making process of an organization. I was pleased and impressed by the effort and enthusiasm that went into the discussions over the three-day period. The Board truly does its best to provide Sigma Tau Delta members with as many rewarding opportunities as possible, from increasing available awards and scholarship amounts to facilitating unique experiences. I look forward to continuing to work with other regional representatives as we do our best to contribute to Sigma Tau Delta's mission.

Board Meeting Reflection 4

Sarah Faulkner
Far Western Region Student Representative, 2011-2012
Chapman University

The Big Easy, NOLA, Nawlins, and The Crescent City: all different names for one amazing city! The people are incredibly friendly; the minute I got off the plane everyone was asking me how I was and if I needed anything.  The Marriott is a gorgeous hotel, with the swanky lobby and high-tech elevators, beautiful pool and spacious rooms! After the amazing work done by the Board, I was thrilled to see the city! Bourbon Street, Frenchmen Street, the St. Charles Streetcar, Seafood Festival, it was all fantastic!  It is a perfect spot for our convention, very literary and full of character and inspiration! I'm looking forward to going back soon for more beignets and coffee, and, of course, more time with the wonderful people of Sigma Tau Delta!

Board Meeting Reflections Part 3

Janine, the High Plains Student Representative, wrote a creative response to her experience at the Fall Board meeting. While she used this for class, it is also a great example of what you could submit for convention (more on that later). We really like Janine's references to the music of New Orleans -- something you almost take for granted while you're there, but that is so central to the energy of the city.

We hope you enjoy! --Allie and Kelsey

Janine Brooks
High Plains Student Representative, 2011-2012
University of Nebraska, Omaha

Reawakened, New Orleans’ Way

My feet, already exhausted from the never-ending tread across sidewalks made of roughly laid redbrick and fractured sections of weathered slate, are eager for something new to attract my attention that would require me to sit down. I am in the midst of a large group of student leaders from Sigma Tau Delta. We are wandering the streets of New Orleans in our efforts to find a trolley stop so we can see the Garden District.

As we near Charles Street, we stop to orient ourselves with where we are. Faintly, in the distance, the sound of Dixie beckons us forward to join in its excitement. One of the girls says, “Hey all, let’s go see what is going on!” Not one of us objects to the idea, so we all head in the direction of the noise.

“Oh when the saints go marching in, when the saints go marching in.”

The words, uplifting and refreshing, yank at my heartstrings. My body willfully stirs about bending occasionally at the knees, permitting the arms to wave freely, and granting the fingers permission to snap in response to the beat. Little left that my feet can do, so sore and tired, yet they dance forward in anticipation. I am eager to immerse myself into this culture—I wish to be caressed into the sweetness of all those trumpets, trombones, clarinets, and drums that are filling the air with their rhythmic romance.

The park, bulging beyond capacity with people, is vibrant in its multitude of colors. As we push our way through the crowds, a wild man suddenly emerges before us. Dressed fully from head to toe in minute seed beads of sanguine colors, his body sways back and forth in motion to the music. Upon his face is a magnificent mask made of hundreds of feathers dyed in shades of deep purple, blood red, and pitch black. Laughing, he looks at me as he invites me to join him in his dance. I shake my head: “No.” Afraid of being alone, I hurry away to catch up with the group who has already walked away.

“And when the sun refuse to shine, And when the sun refuse to shine.”

People pack themselves about the stage swaying to the song of the South; the sound seems to permeate their souls. A dark man, shirtless with streams of sweat rolling down his back, has thrown his spirit fully into the music. He flips himself forward and then backward through the air, in a variety of somersaults. He then throws his body to the ground as he squats in preparation for a giant leap straight up as high as he can go. The crowd roars and he lets the jazz move him further to repeat those same crazy steps.

Trudging forward with my friends, we stand in line to purchase something cold to drink at a margarita stand. While waiting for everyone, I look about at the variety of food and liquor stands, craft booths, and tarot reading stations. Above the stage is draped a white banner laced in black letters that says “Seafood Festival.”

Sadly, I walk away with my group while regretting the fact that time always pushes one forward, and never permits an individual to languish. That sweet Dixie sound draws a tear from my eye as I reluctantly leave the event. As I move further away from the park, I am drawn to a scene before me that leaves me the helpless witness; I cannot move. A somewhat squat figure, half-covered in cherry dreadlocks running down to the buttocks, seems preoccupied with something possibly sitting on a marble ledge.

A voice calls out to me: “Janine, hurry up. We all want to get on the trolley.”

I shake my head and walk forward towards the group ahead of me, but I keep my eyes on the oddity. And then I see the truth. It is not a creature of the night confused and walking about in the daylight, but rather a female clown who is face-painting a child’s face. Her deft fingers move quickly as she decorates the boy’s cheek with a handful of balloons. The boy grins as he awaits the finished product, his head tilted willingly to the right to permit the clown to do her magic.
A man stands next to the boy, a twinkle in his eyes as he patiently whistles: “Oh Lord, I want to be in that number, when the saints go marching in.”

Board Meeting Reflections Part 2

Amy Woody
Eastern Region Student Representative, 2011-2012
Westfield State University

All that Jazz

What happens at a Board meeting? It's a legitimate question. I had never been to a Board meeting before. Will I have to speak? Will I get to vote? These were all questions I had on my mind when I boarded the plane to go to the Sigma Tau Delta Board meeting in New Orleans.

As it turns out, Board meetings are kind of awesome. The first portion of our time in New Orleans was spent attending committee meetings. This was one of my favorite parts. I remember a moment at the Pittsburgh convention when someone was explaining how being a student leader really gives you the opportunity to have a say in important matters regarding the organization. This is without a doubt true! Every committee chair was so interested in what the students had to say and so eager to hear if the students had any ideas. Students really do have a voice in this organization; realizing that was pretty incredible.

New Orleans, by the way, is full of personality. The food's delicious, the people are hospitable, and the jazz is everywhere. We spent time riding the street car through the city, meeting locals and other tourists, and just looking at houses so characteristic of New Orleans.

Though I am happy to be home with my family, I miss New Orleans because there is something electric about being with a group of like-minded individuals who want to work with you to achieve common goals. There is also something comforting about being with fellow English nerds. Who else is willing to chat with me about Baudrillard while sauntering down the streets of New Orleans? No one.

Is it February yet?