The Challenges of Recreation and Wellness at an Art and Design Institution

1. The Challenges of Recreation and Wellness at an Art and Design Institution By Michelle Puls Coordinator of Recreation and Wellness Ringling College of Art and Design

2. Time to Wake Up!!

3. Why is there Recreation in higherEducation?? • 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.

4. 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

5. Major Challenges • Type of School • Facilities • Space on Campus • Student Interest • Resources

6. 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

7. Facilities • Recreation facilities are not a high priority. • Locations are sometimes a after thought

8. 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

9. Student Interest • Because of the intense academics, student engagement is difficult • Students are not involved in typical recreation activities

10. Resources • Transportation to locations • Building relationships with other off campus organizations • Collaborating with on campus organizations

11. 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

12. 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.

13. 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

14. Fun Adventures

15. Being Creative

16. More Challenges • Keeping numbers of participation up!! • Building the program • Wellness

17. Questions