From the minute they arrive to the time they leave, students are making an impact on the Hays County community through service - and we want to recognize that! This award is designed to celebrate Bobcats who have demonstrated a commitment to community service throughout their college careers.
About the Champion of Service Award
The Champion of Service Award is a new recognition initiative that aims to highlight and celebrate students who have shown consistency and a dedication to engage with the local community through service, and have shown the ability to continue a legacy of service outside of Texas State University. With this initiative, our goals are the following:
- Encourage meaningful engagement in the local community through impactful service
- Highlight Texas State's commitment to graduating engaged, socially responsible citizens
- Promote the practice of tracking community service hours through the Bobcat Organization Hub
- Celebrate the impact our students are making throughout their time at Texas State
Distribution
The Champion of Service Award is distributed to eligible students based on a three-tiered system that defines the total amount of approved service hours submitted for review. Students who meet the minimum requirements based on a select tier will receive one of the following awards:
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Tier 1: Emerging Champion of Service
Hours Required: 100-199 approved service hours
Students who meet this tier are awarded a framed certificate signed by the Associate Director for Leadership & Service and the Coordinator for Community Service & Volunteer Programs. This certificate recognizes students who have made meaningful contributions through service, and are seen as changemakers at Texas State.
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Tier 2: Spirit of Service Cord
Hours Required: 200-299 approved service hours
In Tier 2, Leadership & Service honors students who have made a substantial and noticeable impact on their communities through service. Recipients of this tier will be given a maroon and gold commencement cord, representing students' dedication to service, civic engagement, and leadership throughout their time at Texas State. Recipients of this honor have not only served, but inspired others to do the same, exemplifying the heart of a Bobcat leader.
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Tier 3: Legacy Medallion
Hours Required: 300+ approved service hours
Students who meet our highest tier showcase an exceptional dedication to leadership in service, making a lasting impact on the local and campus communities they are a part of. Recipients of this tier will receive a medallion that can be worn at graduation as a symbol of their commitment to serving and uplifting their community, while serving as a model to others of impactful leadership and lifelong service.
All recipients of the Champion of Service Award will be recognized on our website and communications, and at the Leadership & Service Awards in the Spring semester.
How to Apply
To receive a Champion of Service Award, students must complete the following:
- Submit all completed service hours with detailed description through the Bobcat Organization Hub for verification and approval. Scroll below to see what qualifies as approved service hours.
- First time submitting service hours? Visit our walkthrough for detailed instructions.
- Complete an application to provide your contact information and a brief reflection about your experiences in community service.
After review and approval by our Leadership & Service team, eligible students will be contacted to pick up their award from the Student Involvement & Engagement office.
Deadline to apply for Fall semester recognition is November 2025. Students can only apply one time per academic year.
Examples of Approved Service Hours
The following can be classified as approved service hours:
- Volunteer work done with a community partner or non-profit organization, including direct service through mission trips (faith-based or secular)
- Community- or service-based internships with a non-profit organization
- Civic engagement initiatives, such as voter registration efforts
Participating or holding certain roles within Leadership & Service also grants students a set amount of volunteer hours. See the list below:
- Bobcat Break
- Participant: 20 hours
- Trip Leader: 40 hours
- Bobcat Build's Big Event
- General Volunteer: 4 hours
- Job Site Leader: 8 hours
- Committee Member: 30 hours
- Leadership Member: 60 hours
- Service Saturdays
- Participant: 3 hours (per project)
- Site Leader: 5 hours (per project)