Sigma Tau Delta: Southwest Regional Conference 2025

Call For Papers

As the armorial statement of Sigma Tau Delta International English Honor Society is "Sincerity, Truth, Design" the mission statement of the Delta Delta Chapter at Sam Houston State University is "Service, Tenacity, Dedication." Our chapter is focused on serving the student population with tenacious creativity, with over 45 years of STD dedication through membership leaders. We are honored to also be cohosted by The University of Texas at Dallas, whose chapter focuses on academic excellence and literary tenacity. The theme for this years Southwest Regional Conference is "Second Lines & New Beginnings". We hope to provide a chance to students a firsthand experience in curating panels, presenting research, and learning about the conference experience, as well as an opportunity for graduate students and faculty to showcase their scholarly work and share their expertise with all Sigma Tau Delta English students of the Southwestern Region.

Sigma Tau Delta: Southwest Regional Chapter Conference

“Second Lines and New Beginnings”

November 1, 2025

Evans Complex, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Texas AND Remote

Eligibility

Eligible Sigma Tau Delta, Sigma Kappa Delta, and National English Honor Society student and alumni members are invited to submit one (1) original critical essay OR one (1) creative work (creative nonfiction, poetry, fiction, flash fiction, drama, or screenplay) to be considered for presentation at the regional conference. Critical essays on any topic of interest in the discipline are welcome; papers on the works of our featured speakers or on the Convention theme are especially encouraged.

"The concept for the 2026 Convention theme stems from the ideas of inclusion and resilience that are embodied in the tradition of the Second Line. Like the Second Line, Sigma Tau Delta, and the profession of language and literature that it represents, is inclusive. We invite anyone to join our profession and join the celebration of voices and stories it represents. It offers a place where one can find a new beginning.

We also celebrate the resilience of the community. At a time when our profession is under attack in many parts of the country, we will remain resilient and make sure that those voices and stories are preserved and heard. The people, culture, and geography of New Orleans exemplify the spirit of resilience, and provide a perfect backdrop to celebrate this theme. The Second Line embodies the New Orleans philosophy of transforming hardship into celebration. We hope to see you in New Orleans, and “Laissez les bon temps rouler“—Let the good times roll!"

This year’s theme, “Second Lines & New Beginnings”, stems from the ideas of inclusion and resilience that are embodied in the tradition of the Second Line and offers a place where one can find a new beginning. While submissions will be accepted in a wide range of categories, those wishing to engage with the convention theme might consider the following:

Featured convention speakers and their works, themes, or genres
A writer’s place in society or in the literary canon
“Belonging” to a particular group or culture
Identity
Physical space and place in literature
Banned books / Threats to literature and education

Important Dates

Submission Opens: September 1, 2025

Submission Deadline: October 19, 2025

Acceptance and Denial decision date: October 24, 2025

Confirmation of acceptance reply: October 29, 2025

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