Do you recall that overwhelming feeling in your first weeks at UT Austin? The campus has more than 1,300 student organizations, and finding the right ones feels like searching for a longhorn in a haystack.
The good news is – we’ve been there too. Our years of involvement in UT Austin clubs and countless chats with fellow students showed us that the right ut austin student organizations can reshape your college journey. These ut austin extracurricular activities are a great way to get everything from resume boosters to lifelong friendships.
This carefully curated list features 4 outstanding organizations that make their mark on campus. These groups blend community spirit, leadership opportunities, and professional growth perfectly – whether you’re a freshman trying to find your place or an upperclassman looking for new adventures.
Texas Orange Jackets
Students in burnt orange vests with white “T”s lead campus tours and host university events at UT Austin. These students belong to Texas Orange Jackets (OJs), the university’s oldest honorary service organization.
Orange Jackets History and Legacy
The Red River Rivalry game of 1923 marked the beginning. A group of determined women made their first appearance in signature vests they bought with money from selling sandwiches. Dorothy Ann Fisher worked with Professor Anna Hiss to establish this community at a time when UT had only 1,500 female students. Their steadfast dedication led to their official recognition as university hosts by 1937.
Orange Jackets Membership Requirements
The organization has grown substantially in its 100-year existence. Modern membership now includes women and nonbinary individuals. New members complete a “Tappee year” initiation that spans 12 months. During this time they:
- Design and execute unique service projects
- Support fellow members’ organizational events
- Serve the community, especially when you have The Settlement Home for Children
- Represent UT at official university functions
Orange Jackets Leadership Opportunities
Orange Jackets have left an indelible mark on campus life. Their pioneering initiatives include:
Family Weekend creation in 1924, campus police call box installation, and fundraising leadership to support Voices Against Violence. The organization achieved a historic milestone by leading efforts to install UT Austin’s first female statue – honoring Barbara Jordan.
Orange Jackets stands apart from other UT Austin student organizations through its approach to leadership development and mutual support. Members create an environment that enables others to discover their potential. “For Texas I Will,” their motto, shows their commitment to building a better university for current and future generations.
Student Government
Image Source: The University of Texas at Austin
Want to make a difference on campus? The Student Government at UT Austin stands out as one of the best ways to shape university policies and enhance student life. This organization has been the voice of students since 1902 and ranks among the most influential ut austin student organizations.
Student Government Structure
The organization works through three distinct branches. The executive branch has the president, vice president, and Executive Board who drive various initiatives. The Assembly in the legislative branch reviews and votes on bills that affect student life. Five Supreme Court justices make up the judicial branch and interpret the Student Government Constitution.
Student Government Initiatives
Student Government has launched several projects to improve campus life. The projects that stand out are:
- Mental health resource expansion
- Sure Walk safety program
- Lyft Night Rides program
- UT Outpost food insecurity initiative
The organization aims to enhance campus life through student services while keeping UT Austin’s traditions alive.
Student Government Application Process
Students can get involved in many ways. The organization welcomes participation through:
- Elected positions in the Assembly
- Appointed roles in various committees
- Volunteer opportunities in agencies
Any UT student can take part in the legislative process by writing or speaking about Student Government legislation. This makes it one of the most available ut austin clubs and organizations for students who want to develop leadership skills.
The organization puts students first and works with university stakeholders to create change. Students who join develop leadership skills and help create meaningful changes on campus.
Texas Blazers
Image Source: www.texasblazers.com
The Texas Blazers has evolved into one of UT Austin’s most respected student organizations since 1994. Their unique blend of service, leadership, and academic excellence stands out. We admire their distinctive approach to campus involvement as fellow students.
Texas Blazers Mission and Values
The Texas Blazers distinguishes itself from other UT Austin clubs through its three-fold mission. Their dedication shows in active volunteerism that serves both UT Austin and Austin communities. They uphold university traditions and promote leadership while achieving high academic standards consistently.
Texas Blazers Service Projects
The Ember Projects program truly showcases their spirit. Each new class creates its own service initiative that leaves a lasting mark on our community. Recent achievements include:
- Mental Health Awareness Week at Eastside Early College High School
- Blood drives that raised $150,000 for We Are Blood
- Support for Caritas of Austin, with over $180,000 raised
Their partnership with Eastside Memorial High School deserves special mention. The Blazers have stayed connected longer than any teacher or organization at the school. They provide mentoring, tutoring, and career guidance to students.
Texas Blazers Selection Process
The Blazers’ selection process stands out among UT Austin’s extracurricular activities. It balances thoroughness with inclusivity. Prospective members should know these requirements:
- Minimum 3.0 GPA requirement
- Two completed semesters at UT Austin
- Open to men and non-binary students
- Transfer students qualify after completing two semesters
The organization’s dedication to diversity and inclusion makes it exceptional. They have fostered an environment where members from all backgrounds can succeed since their founding. New members become equal participants right away, unlike other campus organizations that require a “pledgeship” period.
The Daily Texan
Image Source: The Daily Texan
Students passionate about journalism will find that The Daily Texan stands out among ut austin student organizations. This student-run publication has served as UT Austin’s voice since 1900. The largest college newspaper in the United States prints roughly 12,000 copies daily during fall and spring semesters.
Daily Texan Departments and Roles
The newspaper’s diverse departments create amazing opportunities for students. More than 300 staff members work across 15 unique departments. Students can work in:
- News reporting and investigative journalism
- Sports coverage and game analysis
- Life & Arts features and reviews
- Photography and multimedia production
- Social media and digital content
- Design and technical operations
Daily Texan Application Timeline
The application process stands out for its simplicity compared to other ut austin clubs and organizations. Students can apply during the first three weeks of each semester. Most positions welcome newcomers without prior experience – passion and commitment matter most.
Daily Texan Professional Experience
The Daily Texan’s track record sets it apart from other ut austin extracurricular activities. The newspaper’s alumni include 26 Pulitzer Prize winners. No other college publication has won more national, regional, and state awards.
Students gain ground experience beyond writing articles here. The hands-on work develops professional skills that lead directly to careers in media, photography, writing, editing, advertising, and public relations.
The HSM building’s basement houses the newsroom. This space serves as a training ground where students meet deadlines, collaborate, and create content that impacts the university community.
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