The Challenges of Recreation and Wellness

at an Art and Design Institution

ByMichelle Puls

Coordinator of Recreation and WellnessRingling College of Art and Design

Time to Wake Up!!

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

Major Challenges

Type of School

Facilities

Space on Campus

Student Interest

Resources

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

Facilities

Recreation facilities are not a high priority.

Locations are sometimes a after thought

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

Fun Adventures

Being Creative

More Challenges

Keeping numbers of participation up!!

Building the program

Wellness

Questions