Guidelines for Establishing a Pi Delta Sigma Chapter
Alignment With the Mission
A new chapter should demonstrate that it understands and supports the purpose of Pi Delta Sigma.
Pi Delta Sigma exists to promote truth-seeking, responsible journalism, and the defense of free expression. A prospective chapter should show a commitment to:
- Ethical journalism and responsible reporting
- Intellectual independence and academic integrity
- The protection of press freedom
- The development of student journalists as leaders in media
A brief statement explaining how the proposed chapter will advance these goals should be submitted with the application.
Minimum Founding Membership
A chapter should begin with a core group of committed members.
Recommended minimum:
- Five to ten founding members
Founding members should typically be:
- Students involved in journalism, media production, or communications
- Students with demonstrated interest in news, reporting, commentary, or media ethics
- Individuals in good academic standing at their institution
Chapters may also allow membership from related fields such as political science, writing, or media studies.
Faculty Advisor Requirement
Each chapter should have a faculty advisor.
The advisor should ideally be:
- A faculty member in journalism, communications, media, or a related field
- Someone committed to the principles of press freedom and ethical journalism
The advisor’s role is to provide guidance and continuity while allowing the chapter to remain student-led.
Campus Recognition
The chapter should obtain official recognition from the host college or university.
This usually includes:
- Registering as a student organization
- Submitting a constitution or bylaws
- Identifying officers and advisors
Campus recognition ensures legitimacy and helps chapters access meeting spaces and student activity resources.
Chapter Constitution
Each chapter should adopt a basic constitution or set of bylaws consistent with Pi Delta Sigma principles.
Key elements should include:
- Purpose and mission
- Membership requirements
- Officer roles
- Election procedures
- Meeting expectations
- Standards for conduct and ethics
The national organization provides a model constitution that chapters can adapt.
Core Activities
A Pi Delta Sigma chapter should be active in advancing journalism and media literacy on campus.
Recommended activities include:
- Hosting speakers from journalism or media fields
- Organizing discussions about press freedom and media ethics
- Supporting student media outlets
- Producing commentary, analysis, or campus journalism projects
- Promoting responsible reporting practices
The chapter should demonstrate a commitment to regular programming, not simply nominal membership.
Leadership Structure
Each chapter should elect student officers.
Suggested positions include:
- President
- Vice President
- Secretary
- Treasurer
- Events or Programming Coordinator
Leadership should rotate regularly to give students opportunities to develop management and organizational experience.
Ethical Standards
Members should uphold strong ethical standards.
Chapters should affirm commitments to:
- Accuracy in reporting
- Fairness and intellectual honesty
- Respect for free expression
- Responsible use of media platforms
Members who repeatedly violate these principles may be subject to disciplinary action under chapter rules.
Annual Activity Requirement
To remain in good standing, a chapter should demonstrate active engagement each year.
Suggested expectations:
- Hold regular meetings
- Host at least two public events or programs per academic year
- Maintain communication with the Pi Delta Sigma national organization
Inactive chapters may be asked to reorganize or renew their charter.
Chapter Application Process
To form a chapter, students should submit a charter request that includes:
- List of founding members
- Faculty advisor information
- Proposed chapter constitution
- Statement of mission alignment
- Brief plan for first-year activities
All materials should be submitted electronically via email to membership@pideltasigma.com
Once approved, the chapter will receive an official Pi Delta Sigma charter.