The Widener chapter was established in the spring of 1994. Sigma Pi Sigma is the only national physics honor society. Its chapters are restricted to colleges and universities of recognized standing that offer a strong physics major. The chapters receive into membership undergraduate and graduate physics students, faculty members, and a few others in closely related fields, irrespective of their membership in other organizations. Students elected to membership must attain high standards of general scholarship, outstanding achievement in physics, and show promise of professional merit.
Membership is conferred upon no basis of selection other than scholastic or professional record.
Both men and women students are eligible for membership, which is not restricted to physics majors. Sigma Pi Sigma is part of the Society of Physics Students. Although a major purpose of the society is the recognition of high scholarship in physics, emphasis is placed upon the objective of maintaining the chapters as working organizations throughout the academic year. Each chapter is expected to be a self-governing organization that will function as an integral part of the physics department in the promotion of a number of worthwhile extracurricular activities. Sigma Tau Delta confers distinction in English in order to foster the discipline in all of its aspects, particularly the study of literature and language and the craft of creative and critical writing.