Beginning Nov. 1, the Oakland University Dean of Students Office and Oakland University Credit Union are coming together to help students involved in club sports, residence hall association and other student organizations give back to their community with the third annual Dean’s Choice Awards.

In the past, the Dean’s Choice Awards have been awarded based on an individual project or essay submission, however this year the criteria has changed as an effort to encourage student groups to help the greater Oakland community.

“This year our goal for the Dean’s Choice Awards is to provide student groups with an incentive to give back to the university community and beyond,” Jean Ann Miller, Director of the Center of Student Activities and Leadership Development said. “This competition is also giving them a chance to give back through their student organization and gain a positive reputation for their group in the volunteer community.”

Groups may register online at www.oakland.edu/studentaffairs/deanschoice by Nov. 1 in order to participate. Once registration has been completed, individuals may log hours for their organization using the VIP Program link on the website.

Additional points will be awarded to groups who post photos holding a student organization, Oakland University or OUCU sign at their event.

The winners will be determined based on the number of volunteers, number of currently enrolled OU students who participate and the impact the organization has on the community. This will be based on type of service, overall originality and the OU community.

Winners will receive cash prizes deposited into their student organization’s account. First place will be awarded $1,250, second will receive $750 and third will receive $500.

“It’s really a win-win situation,” Miller said. “Those who need the assistance are receiving it, and the student organizations have the opportunity to earn money to use for their events and activities with the student body. We thought moving away from individual involvement and focusing more on student organizations would allow for a larger, more positive impact on the university community.”

For more information about the official rules and deadlines, as well as details about the VIP program, visit www.oakland.edu/studentaffairs/deanschoice. Winners will be announced in early December following the competition’s wrap-up on December 1st. Official competition announcements will be made through the Center for Student Activities and Leadership Development. Your organization will not want to miss out on this chance to give back to the OU community.