The Sigma Delta Chi chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists was founded at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill on November 23, 1958. It is a professional journalistic fraternity serving the UNC-CH campus. In 1998, UNC SPJ received the Outstanding Campus Chapter Award for Region II.

       The Society is dedicated to stimulating high standards and ethical behavior in the practice of journalism and perpetuating a free press. SPJ sponsors a variety of educational programs, workshops, socials and service events.

 The National Society of Professional Journalists was founded in 1909 as Sigma Delta Chi. It is the largest, most broad-based membership organization for journalists in the world.

UNC SPJ also sponsors the annual Mark of Excellence Awards. The competition honors the best student journalists in television, radio, magazines, newspapers, photography and online. Entries must have been aired or published within the current year.