Distinguished Lectureships Program

Since 1937 Sigma Xi has presented its Distinguished Lecturers. This is an opportunity for chapters to host visits from outstanding individuals who are at the leading edge of science. These visitors can thereby communicate their insights and excitement to a broad range of scholars and to the community at large. Each year thousands of Sigma Xi members, students and the public have an opportunity to hear exceptional talks and to ask questions of experts.

Click here  for the list of current Distinguished Lecturers.

 Questions?  Contact lectureships@sigmaxi.org

 

Hosting a Sigma Xi Distinguished Lecturer

Potential chapter hosts should contact lecturers directly to book events.  In making arrangements, hosts should be specific about dates, lecture topic, scope of the lecturer's visit and any special accommodations that may be called for.

Chapter hosts are required to provide an honorarium of $300. Chapters are encouraged to schedule multiple activities for a lecturer during his/her visit, so it may be appropriate to increase the honorarium based on the extent of the itinerary and length of the visit. Any additional honorarium should be decided between the chapter and the lecturer.  However, lecturers should not refuse an invitation based on the amount of the honorarium.

 Financial Support

• Consider asking the institutions affiliated with the chapter for support for the lecture. Other support may come from academic societies, businesses or industry that are particularly interested in the topic.
• Applications for a subsidy through the Sigma Xi Administrative Offices are due by March 1. If you have any questions, please e-mail lectureships@sigmaxi.org

Make Arrangements

• Arrangements should be confirmed with the lecturer in writing through either U.S. mail or e-mail.
• Arrangements should be made as early in the fiscal year (July - June fiscal year) as possible. The Distinguished Lecturers frequently have busy travel schedules and early planning will optimize the chapter's chances of getting their first choice for lecturer.
• The Committee on Lectureships, through the Sigma Xi Administrative Offices, should be informed of the arrangements as soon as they are confirmed. Please contact the offices through mail, phone 800-243-6534 x 206 or chapters@sigmaxi.org

Cosponsor Visits

When making the initial arrangements for the lecturer's visit, contact nearby chapters about co-sponsoring the lecture or having the lecturer visit both chapters. Because airfare is typically the largest expense in hosting a Distinguished Lecturer, this can significantly lower the cost. Chapters that are able to be flexible on the dates of the lecture can save money. 

Expectations for Lecture

Review with the lecturer the expected length of the talk and question and answer period. Also ask what audio/visual equipment the lecturer will require.

Advertising

Be sure to adequately advertise the lecture. This includes notifying the public affairs office of the institutions affiliated with the chapter. Copies of the Distinguished Lecturer's C.V. can be obtained from the lecturer. Announcements should be made to appropriate classes as well as on the institution's calendar. If it is a public lecture on a topic that could be understood by K-12 students, contact the local schools with information about the lecture. Contact lectureships@sigmaxi.org for a high-resolution photograph of the lecturer to use in advertising.

Maximize the Opportunity

While the lecturer is at the chapter, consideration should be given to having the lecturer engage in additional activities such as speaking to a class, having a meal with students and/or faculty, meeting with the local press or visiting an area school. Many lecturers have commented that meeting students and faculty members and seeing campuses they might not otherwise see is the greatest reward of being a Distinguished Lecturer.

Strong consideration should be given to having a public lecture. If the lecture is part of the chapter banquet, consider opening up the lecture to the public after the meal function. Consideration should be given as well to including populations that might not otherwise have access to high quality speakers.

Each Sigma Xi member should invite a nonmember to the lecture. This is an EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITY to introduce colleagues to Sigma Xi.

Don't forget to invite senior administrative staff to the lecture.

Logistics

Every effort should be made to ensure that the lecture proceeds smoothly. This includes the standard checks of room readiness, projection equipment, etc.

Assist the lecturers in confirming plane reservations and related travel arrangements. Inform the speaker whether a member of the chapter will provide transportation to and from the airport.

Shortly after arrival at the institution, the lecturer should be shown the auditorium or room where the lecture will be held. At this time double-check audio-visual equipment.

The lecturer should be given the honorarium and expense reimbursement as promptly as possible.

Unless otherwise requested by the lecturer, the host is responsible for all local arrangements including transportation, lodging, meals, etc.

Click here (link to checklist pdf) for a handy Lectureship checklist.

Chapter Subsidy

Sigma Xi offers a modest subsidy for chapters in need of financial assistance to host a visit by a Sigma Xi Distinguished Lecturer. In awarding such funds, the Committee gives priority to those chapters that show evidence of being able to derive the greatest possible benefit from a visit by a Distinguished Lecturer. In determining which chapters should receive subsidies, the Committee carefully reviews each chapter's application including budget information, location, institution size and opportunity to coordinate the visit with other chapters.

Application Process

The lectureship subsidy application deadline is March 1 annually. Chapters must apply for a subsidy by March 1 of the fiscal year prior to fiscal year they wish to receive disbursement. Awards can only be given to chapters who submit a timely application.

To Apply for a Chapter Lectureship Subsidy:

• Review the listing of 2014-15 Distinguished Lecturers.
• Open the PDF Application form (requires Adobe Acrobat 9.0 reader or higher) and complete sections I, II, III and IV.  NOTE: The PDF application may not work with some browsers but will work with Internet Explorer.
• Select a submission option from section V. (email submissions preferred).
• Print a copy of the form for your records.
• Deadline for Submissions is March 1 for approval for the fiscal year beginning July 1.

Disbursement Requests

Chapters must request disbursement of their subsidy before the visit by a Distinguished Lecturer. Please note that submissions to the Chapter Lectureship Report form are not considered disbursement request.
Requests for disbursement must be sent to lectureships@sigmaxi.org

Chapter Lectureship Report Submissions

 Click here to access and submit a chapter lectureship report.