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Swing Out Awards

The Tradition
Award Categories
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Past Winners

Become part of the Swing Out Awards Tradition! The Swing Out Awards are presented by the Office of the Dean of Students to student organizations that have demonstrated excellence in leadership on campus. Organizations can apply to different categories that best fit their student group. Award recipients will be recognized at the Evening of the Stars ceremony each spring. Winning organizations receive a banner and, depending on the award, anywhere from $300 to $1,500.

Eligibility

To be eligible, registered and sponsored student organizations must 1) be in good standing with the Office of the Dean of Students and 2) update their organizations HornsLink to be HornsLink Official. (Participation in the Pillars program is not a pre-requisite) and 3) complete the online application by the deadline.

If your organization is frozen in HornsLink, that means it is not in good standing. Please email Student Activities with the full name of your organization to learn how to resolve any issues.

The 2022 Swing Out Award Timeline

February 1: Application opens via HornsLink at 8 a.m. CST
February 28: Deadline to submit HornsLink application is 5 p.m. CST
April 4: Organizations notified of their status (finalists or non-finalists)
May 3: Winners announced at the annual Evening of the Stars ceremony

2021 Categories and Finalists

Best Academic/Departmental Organization

This award is for an organization founded within an academic or departmental community. It is given to an organization that goes above and beyond to contribute to their academic community and overcome challenges inherent in an academic setting. This organization utilizes their resources to promote educational success.

2021 Finalist

Best Artistic Organization

This award is for an organization dedicated to artistic expression. It is given to an    organization that positively impacts members, the UT Austin community and the greater Austin community through artistic programs. This organization effectively showcases its creativity throughout the coordination of artistic programs.

2021 Finalists

Best Cultural Organization

This award is for an organization founded within a cultural community. It is given to an organization that works to promote awareness and education about the culture(s) it represents to the UT Austin community. This organization advocates for cultural appreciation among all people and enriches the cultural experiences of its audience.

2021 Finalists

Best Political/Activist Organization

This award is for an organization founded within a political or activist community. It is given to an organization that educates others about the issues(s) that it stands for and advocates tirelessly for its cause(s). This organization effectively organizes and engages the UT Austin community in their cause(s).

2021 Finalists

Best Professional Organization

This award is for an organization that focuses on professional vocation. It is given to an organization that encourages networking with professionals in the members' field and offers opportunities that will contribute to the members' success after graduation. This organization teaches members useful skills that will translate well into a professional career.

2021 Finalists

Best Recreational Organization

This award is given to an organization that promotes and provides recreational outlets for members. This organization offers the UT community a unique and impactful experience through recreation.

2021 Finalists

Best Service Organization

This award is for an organization dedicated to service. It is given to an organization that positively impacts members, the UT Austin community, and the greater Austin community through programs and service opportunities. This organization coordinates projects that have a significant impact on both the communities it services and its members.

2021 Finalists

Best Social Organization

This award is given to an organization that promotes both camaraderie among members as well as social unity on the UT Austin campus. This organization provides social opportunities that foster community and contribute to the development of leadership within members.

2021 Finalist

Best Spirit Organization

This award is given to an organization that brings spirit to the UT Austin campus on a regular basis and strives to improve areas where UT Austin spirit is lacking. This organization brings out and enhances the school spirit in UT students.

2021 Finalists

Best New Organization

This award is for an organization that has brought a new and important community to the University of Texas at Austin that did not exist before. The organization must have been founded within the past two years. This organization is sustainable and continues to grow on campus.

2021 Finalists

Best Graduate Organization

This award is given to an organization that works to have a positive impact on its members and broader graduate student community. This organization uses their resources to promote the academic success and beneficial out-of-class experiences of graduate students.

2021 Finalists

Most Improved Organization

This award is for an organization that has shown tremendous improvement in the past year. It is given to an organization that recognized the areas where improvement was most needed and worked to make changes to better fulfill its goals.

2021 Finalists

Healthiest Organization

This award is for an organization that creates a social environment that helps members be active and healthy. This organization is a leader in providing enjoyable programming that establishes healthy activities as a core part of having an outstanding Longhorn experience.

2021 Finalists

Outstanding Advisor

This award is for an organization advisor who has gone above and beyond the call of their duties with the organization. It is given to an advisor who exhibits outstanding qualities and provides vital services for the organization. This advisor exceeds expectations on all fronts and was nominated by the organization with which they work.

2021 Finalists

Most Outstanding Student Organization

This award is given to one of the nine winners of the primary category awards. This award goes to an organization who has positively impacted the UT campus and has a strong connection to the university core values. This organization shines as an exemplary group of students who strive to be the best they can be and give back to the UT community in their own way.

2021 Finalists

*Indicates winning organization awarded $300 for their accomplishment.
**Indicates winning organization awarded $1000 for their accomplishment.