Post on 02-Jan-2016
description
The Challenges of Recreation and Wellness
at an Art and Design Institution
ByMichelle Puls
Coordinator of Recreation and WellnessRingling College of Art and Design
Why is there Recreation in higher
Education??
University of Michigan and The Ohio State University first established intramural athletics in 1913 for the recreational enjoyment of students.
NIRSA was established in 1950 to bring some structure to Recreational and Intramural sports. NIRSA is the leading resource for professional and student development, education, and research in collegiate recreational sports.
Title IX implementation in 1972
Overall the services provided by recreation programs are broad and, because they offer accommodations for those with disabilities, enable all individuals to participate.
Why is Recreation and Wellness good for students??
Integral part of the out of the classroom experience.
Student development, recruitment, and retention. Improves overall well-being Reduces stress Improves self-confidence Helps build character Helps build community Enhances diversity Improves social life Teaches important team-building skills Improves time management skills Improves leadership abilities Teaches life skills
Type of School
Academically intense environment. Rigorous curriculum engages innovation and tradition through a strong, well-rounded focus on the liberal arts. Its teaching model encourages its students to become globally aware scholars who are well prepared to enter the job market and be successful in their chosen careers.
Small student body population
Space on Campus
Locations in urban settings, space is pricey
Can only build up, so field space or green space is hard to come by
Open space will usually goes to new labs and other needs RCAD has no field or green space
Student Interest
Because of the intense academics, student engagement is difficult
Students are not involved in typical recreation activities
Resources
Transportation to locations
Building relationships with other off campus organizations
Collaborating with on campus organizations
Overcoming some of the Challenges
Fall inline with the school’s mission statement
Listening to the students
Hiring a great mix of students to work in the Fitness Center
Be creative with what you have
Be flexible
Mission Statement
The Recreation and Wellness program is committed to engaging students, faculty and staff in recreation, health, and wellness through an environment that promotes awareness, understanding and opportunities for a healthy lifestyle. The program strives to give a holistic approach to campus health by offering diverse programming and exceptional learning environment to meet the needs of today’s students.
Listening to students
Extending the Fitness Center hours to accommodate students in labs
Adding programs and classes that students want
Having the classes and programs at times the students want
Adding equipment if possible
Past three years we have had a steady increase in users