For the first time, Fraternity and Sorority Life (FSL) will recognize chapters and individuals in the university’s Greek community with awards.

Based on the activities of the 2013 calendar year, the award judges will collect information about Greek involvement on campus and in the community in order to honor each group’s achievements.

“As a community, we don’t recognize organizations doing good as well as we should,” said Gaius George, the coordinator of Fraternity and Sorority Life.

While applying for the awards is not mandatory for chapters, George emphasized the importance of groups communicating with FSL about their work.

“We can’t brag on you unless you tell us what you’re doing,” he said.

AnneMarie Martin, a graduate assistant in the FSL office, said the awards were proposed to “show off chapters that are excelling and have everyone feel motivated by their own success and the success of others.”

“We knew that organizations were excelling but wanted to have a way for them to let us know and be rewarded,” Martin said.

Chapters and members can fill out applications on FSL’s OrgSync page for 16 different awards, such as the Chancellor’s Award for Chapter of the Year, Outstanding New Member Development and Chapter Alumni of the Year.

The awards are sponsored by five different groups, including the Order of Omega and the Collaborative Greek Alliance, all of which will assist in selecting the winners of their awards.

The FSL staff will also be part of the committee that determines the winners. Chancellor Victor Boschini will select the “Chapter of the Year” and Kathy Cavins-Tull, vice chancellor for student affairs, will choose the “Service Award.” The presentation of the awards will occur on March 30 at a reception in the Dee J. Kelly Alumni and Visitors Center.

While the only reward this year is recognition, George said he hopes there will be additional prizes in future years. He also said FSL hopes to expand the committee to include members of the Fort Worth community since some of the awards consider philanthropic activities that reach beyond campus. 

Applications for all awards must be turned in by 5 p.m. on Feb. 26.

Editor’s Note: This story was updated on Tuesday, Feb. 18 at 1:07 p.m.