Pillars of the Forty Acres

Pillars of the Forty Acres is a recognition program for student organizations whose activities embody the University's six Core Values. The program has six categories that align with the Core Values. Organizations receive points for completing the criteria within each category to earn recognition status and rewards.

There are two levels of recognition status: Distinguished and Exemplary. To achieve Distinguished Status, an organization must achieve six (6) additional points in one Core Value category. To achieve Exemplary Status, an organization must achieve Distinguished Status in five of the six Core Value categories. Organizations that complete the program are eligible for monetary prizes awarded at the Evening of the Stars ceremony in spring 2022.

To participate in the Pillars of the Forty Acres program, each organization must:

1. Be in good standing with the Office of the Dean of Students. If your organization is not listed in HornsLink, then it is frozen. Contact Student Activities at 512-471-3065 to speak with a staff member and learn how to resolve the issue. (required)
2. Select one officer of your organization to be the Pillars contact and Pillars submitter. Officer must be listed on the organizations HornsLink roster with one of following position titles:
   • President
   • Officer 1
   • Officer 2
   • Officer 3

   Officers without the proper position title, will not be able to access the Pillars Submit portal. (required)

3. Have the designated officer attend a Pillars of the Forty Acres information session during the fall to officially enroll. The deadline to attend and enroll in the program is Thursday, December 2, 2021. Visit the Student Activities Hornslink page for fall 2021 session dates and times. (required)
4. Confirm your intention to participate in this year's program by logging in and submitting at least one completed criteria in Pillars Submission portal by Friday, January 22, 2022. (required)
5. Update the student organizations HornsLink profile to become "HornsLink Official" by 11:59 p.m. on Monday, February 28, 2022. (required)
6. Complete and submit all criteria via the Pillars Submission Portal by 11:59 p.m. on Monday, February 28, 2022. (required)

If you have questions about the Pillars of the Forty Acres recognition program, please schedule Pillars Consultation with a staff member or email our office awards@austin.utexas.edu.