Swing Out Awards - Award Categories

PRIMARY CATEGORIES

There are nine (9) primary Swing Out Award categories. Each organization must apply for at least one primary category.

BEST ACADEMIC/DEPARTMENTAL ($300)
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.

BEST ARTISTIC ($300)
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.

BEST CULTURAL ($300)
The Best Cultural Award is open to all registered organizations. Cultural interest as defined by your organization is eligible for this award. Best Cultural Award will acknowledge an organization that promotes awareness and education about the culture(s) it exemplifies. This organization should demonstrate how it enriches the cultural experiences of its audience.

BEST POLITICAL/ACTIVIST ($300)
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).

BEST PROFESSIONAL ($300)
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.

BEST RECREATIONAL ($300)
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.

BEST SERVICE ($300)
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.

BEST SOCIAL ($300)
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.

BEST SPIRIT ($300)
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.

SPECIAL CATEGORIES

There are six (6) special Swing Out Award categories. Each organization may apply for multiple special categories. Certain categories may have additional eligibility guidelines.

BEST NEW ORGANIZATION ($1000)
This award is given to 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 has overcome obstacles in early stages of development and has a strong plan to ensure their organization is sustainable and continues to grow on campus.
*Eligibility: To be eligible for the Best New Organization award, an organization must have first registered with Student Activities in the following semesters: spring 2020, fall 2020, spring 2021 or fall 2021.

BEST GRADUATE ORGANIZATION ($1000)
This award is given to an organization that works to have a positive impact on its members and broader graduate and professional student community. This organization uses their resources to clearly promote the academic success, enrichment opportunities and beneficial out-of-class experiences of graduate and professional students.
*Eligibility: To be eligible for the Best Graduate Organization award, 51% of the organization's active members must be graduate and/or professional students.

MOST IMPROVED ORGANIZATION ($500)
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.

MOST OUTSTANDING ADVISOR ($500)
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 is nominated by the organization with which they work.
*Eligibility: To be eligible for the Most Outstanding Advisor award the advisor must meet requirements in Sec. 6-101 (8) and (9) of the Institutional Rules AND be listed in the organization's HornsLink roster as a 'University Advisor.' Only one individual may be submitted even if the organization has multiple advisors.

HEALTHIEST ORGANIZATION ($500)
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.

MOST OUTSTANDING ORGANIZATION ($1500)
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.
*Eligibility: Only organizations that win a primary category will be considered for the Most Outstanding Organization award.