The Judgeship

The original judges were recruited by word of mouth, but these days, potential judges face an extensive application process. Candidates are given an item cut from a previous list and asked to explain why or why not the item is list-worthy. Selected applicants become judges for life, unless they quit, or are removed by a unanimous vote of the other judges.

Active judges, collectively known as the ‘Hot Side Hot,’ are responsible for creating lists and must consider several factors: health and safety, the reputation of the university, and practicality of items. Just trying to make each other laugh is not enough anymore. As Scav’s rules warn: “The Judges take no responsibility for your getting thrown into the clink—be it local clink, state clink, federal clink, or Colonel Klink. If you end up there, it is your fault.”

Scav is one of UChicago’s 400-plus Recognized Student Organizations and the Scavenczar, a.k.a Head Judge, works with an advisor from the Center for Leadership & Involvement to secure space and negotiate funding from “Those Who Control the Cosmic Purse Strings” to ensure Scav runs smoothly. [126 points and counting, Your Honor]