Campus Recreation Facilities Research Articles

Initial Development and Validation of the Campus Recreation Constraints and Negotiations Questionnaire

Despite the known benefits of campus recreation participation, many students do not engage with the programs and services offered on college campuses. College students report factors that constrain leisure time physical activity within the context of campus recreation. Examining the constraints and negotiation strategies of college students specific to the use of campus recreation facilities and programs is understudied and lacks validated instruments. The purpose of this study was to develop and report initial validity and reliability of the Campus Recreation Constraints and Negotiation Questionnaire. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were used to evaluate two independent scales. Psychometric properties including construct validity, internal structure, and reliability are reported from two different samples of college students. Practical implications for campus recreation programming and marketing efforts are discussed.

Campus Recreation Amenity Use Differences by Sexual Orientation Among US College Students

College years are a formative life stage; however, students who identify as a sexual minority participate in insufficient physical activity. This study examined differences in level of comfort 1) with/in campus recreation facilities overall, and 2) using specific amenities, by sexual orientation. Students at four public universities completed online surveys assessing perceived comfort using their campus recreation facility. Among participants ( n = 160), Kruskal-Wallis analyses showed comfort using campus recreation facilities, free weights, non-intramural sports,and intramural sports was significantly higher among heterosexual students compared to sexual minority students (all p < 0.005). These findings highlight inequities in comfort using campus recreation facilities and provide evidence of the need for inclusive recreation spaces for all students regardless of sexual orientation. Future research is needed to assess LBGTQ+ student's health disparities related to campus recreation facility use and how to increase perceived comfort for all students.

Exploring Campus Recreation Employees’ Work Experience During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The global COVID-19 pandemic made vulnerable work environments, and campus recreation departments could not avoid its influence. Previous studies focused on strategies and policies for reopening campus recreation facilities and the impacts of recreation programs on students and participants during the pandemic. Relatively little research has explored employees’ perceptions about campus recreation departments’ challenges and solutions, and employees’ work experience during the pandemic has not been fully explored. This study explored employees’ work experience related to burnout during the pandemic through semi-structured interviews with campus recreation employees ( N = 10). The findings revealed stressors, including extra workload, and lack of interaction, and burnout symptoms, including exhaustion, and cynicism. The findings also revealed that employees utilized individual strategies to manage stressors, and the department made efforts to reduce employees’ stress. The findings of this study will provide campus recreation practitioners with a better understanding of employees’ experience related to burnout.

Transgender and Nonbinary College Student Inclusivity in Campus Recreation: Perceptions of North American Staff

In this study of North American campus recreation staff, we examined staff perceptions of transgender and nonbinary student inclusivity, and explored differences in perceived inclusivity based on institutional characteristics, policies, amenities, and staff characteristics. Staff were recruited to participate in an online survey that assessed: institutional characteristics, amenities, and policies; personal characteristics; and, their perception of their campus recreation facilities’ inclusivity of transgender and nonbinary students. Perceived inclusivity was greater at nonreligiously affiliated institutions, and at institutions that had antidiscrimination/antiharassment policies and/or all-gender locker/restrooms within the campus recreation department. Men and heterosexual staff reported greater perceived inclusivity than women and sexual minority staff. In summary, antidiscrimination and antiharassment policies and all-gender locker/rest rooms appear to contribute to creating the perception of a more inclusive campus recreation environment. Continued work on staff awareness/knowledge relating to inclusion of transgender and nonbinary students appears to be necessary, and application of policies that support inclusivity should be a priority.

Physical Activity Behaviors and Campus Recreation Use of Students Enrolled in Summer Transition Programs at a Large Northeastern United States University

The purpose of this study was to examine the physical activity behaviors and campus recreation use of students enrolled in a summer transition (high school to university) program. The physical activity behaviors and socio-demographic characteristics of summer transition program students from a large Northeastern United States university were collected via an online survey. Descriptive statistics were computed, and disparities between genders were examined using independent samples t-tests. Women participated in less aerobic and muscle-strengthening activity compared to men ( p < .05); and, among those who used the primary campus recreation facility, women reported lower use of both weights and informal sports areas, and higher use of group exercise compared to men ( p < .05). Cardio area and indoor running track use did not differ between men and women. In summary, there appears to be an opportunity for university summer transitional programs to address disparities in physical activity by expanding coverage to address a currently unmet need for physical activity promotion.

If You Build it Will They Come? The Mediating Roles of Human Resource and Program Capacities

The amenity arms race among post-secondary institutions is driving the new development or expansion of campus recreation facilities. However, investing in new and larger campus recreation facilities may not necessarily translate into usage and ultimately provide the associated benefits to students. This study explored whether human resource capacity and program capacity are mechanisms that help explain the conditions under which facility capacity translates into facility usage. Secondary data were obtained from NIRSA's research and assessment initiative from post-secondary institutions in the United States ( n = 103) that contained measures of relevance to this study. Regression analyses with bootstrapping were conducted to examine the hypothesized relationships including mediation. Results identified that an indirect only mediation model (full mediation) was present, such that greater facility capacity translates into increased facility usage through human resource capacity and program capacity. Therefore, recreation professionals and programs are indicated as pivotal to making the most of facility capacity.

Examining physical activity in users of campus recreation during campus closure due to COVID-19

Campus recreation facilities are a critical resource to encourage physical activity at universities. COVID-19 closures in 2020 led to the shutdown of many campuses, which included campus recreation facilities. Little is known about how the closures impacted the physical activity levels of students, faculty, and staff who relied on campus recreation for physical activity opportunities. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine if individuals who were users of campus recreation prior to campus closure continued to be physically active when campus closed. The survey was completed by 282 previous users (students, faculty, and staff) of campus recreation. Results indicated that 85.8% of participants were meeting physical activity recommendations following campus closure. To support physical activity off campus, survey respondents suggested online exercise classes via social media and allowing equipment rentals. Future efforts should continue identifying ways campus recreation can support physical activity both on and off campus.

Factors contributing to gender inequities in physical activity and campus recreation facility use

Objective: Examine college women’s perceptions of factors contributing to gender inequities in physical activity and campus recreational facility use. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with female undergraduate students at a large university located in the Northeast of the United States. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analyses using the socio-ecological model as a conceptual framework. Results: Women (N = 18; 6 non-Hispanic White, 5 Black, 7 Asian American; 20.6 ± 1.2 years old) cited intrapersonal, interpersonal, and environmental factors impacting their physical activity and campus recreation facility use due to their gender. Built environmental factors included facility proximity, facility layout and equipment, and crowdedness. Male peers impacted women by making them feel uncomfortable/intimidated and harassed. Intrapersonal factors included a perceived lack of skills/competence/knowledge, lack of confidence, and self-consciousness. Conclusions: Findings demonstrate the need for institutions to implement and enforce policies that achieve a cultural shift in the social environment to provide equitable physical activity participation opportunities.

Gender Differences in the Relationship Between Exercise, Sleep, and Mood in Young Adults.

Insufficient sleep is a serious public health problem in college students. Exercise is a widely prescribed behavioral treatment for sleep and mood issues; however, more focused and gender-specific prescriptions are needed. The present study examined relationships between exercise, sleep, and mood in undergraduate men and women. Students (N = 866, 19.6 ± 1.4 years, 38.7% women) were recruited from campus recreation facilities and completed demographic, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, mood (Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System), and exercise questionnaires. The Department of Health and Human Services Physical Activity Guidelines were used to dichotomize those who did and did not meet weekly aerobic and strength training exercise recommendations. In men, greater exercise frequency associated with less daytime dysfunction (β = 0.147) and less depressive mood (β = -0.64, ps < .05). In women, greater exercise frequency associated with earlier bedtime (β = -12.6), improved sleep quality (β = 0.17), increased positive affect (β = 0.91), less depressive mood (β = -0.71), and less anger (β = -1.24, ps < .05). Compared to men, women reported earlier bedtime, poorer sleep efficiency, and more anxiety and depressive mood (ps < .05, range: 0.01-0.04). Compared to individuals who met physical activity guidelines, those who did not meet the guidelines reported later bedtimes, less positive affect, more anxiety, and more anger (ps < .05 s = 0.01). Among men, those who met physical activity guidelines reported falling asleep more quickly than those who did not meet guidelines ( = 0.01, p = .007); however, no relationship between guideline adherence and sleep latency was observed in women. Adhering to physical activity guidelines may be important for optimal sleep and emotional health. Clinicians should consider gender when creating exercise prescriptions for sleep issues.

Recreate and Retain: How Entrance Into a Campus Recreation Facility Impacts Retention

This study explored the rates of retention among students who entered a campus recreation facility. The purpose of the study was to determine the statistical significance of the rates of retention within several commonly studied demographic categories. Recent research in the field reported that student participation in campus recreation programs contributes to student retention. The researchers in this study also sought to determine whether there was a significant impact on campus recreation participants to return not only to the campus recreation center but to the university during the following fall term. Data were collected during a specific spring and subsequent fall semester to determine whether those who entered the recreation center during the spring enrolled in the fall term. Student entries were initially categorized by the number of visits 1–30, 31–60, 61–90, and 91–120 and were compared to students who did not enter. A χ2 analysis was conducted to compare the data collected from spring to fall terms and the results were separated by gender and overall participation. This suggests a positive relationship between entry into the recreation center and student retention from the spring to fall terms.

The Relationship Between Campus Recreation Facility Use and Retention for First-Time Undergraduate Students

This study examines the relationship between campus recreation facility access and first-year retention of full-time, first-time undergraduate students at a public university for 2014–2015 through 2016–2017. Authors examine differences between facility users and nonusers by pairing facility swipe card data with student records. Statistical analysis includes logistic regression and matching approaches, controlling for student demographics, academic preparedness, academic goals, family characteristics, and various environmental factors. Results show a positive and significant relationship between recreation facility use and retention, including 7.1 to 8.4 percentage points higher retention for users versus nonusers, holding other variables constant. Subsample analysis suggests the relationship between recreation facility use and retention differs across student subgroups. Key study contributions include linking card swipe data on facility usage with extensive student records, clearly defining facility users and nonusers, and introducing a new robustness check based on assignment of students to residence halls different distances from recreation facilities.

Campus Wellness Facility, Student Contentment and Health

Many U.S. college campuses have ways in which users’ lives can be enriched through wellness efforts. Provision of wellness and recreational services through a state of the art or newly renovated recreation and wellness facility is one avenue. The primary goal of this study was to determine the level of campus recreation facility satisfaction and utilization outcomes among student users at a Midwestern U.S. institution. The Recreation Wellness Survey was designed and its items were successfully tested for reliability using Cronbach’s α. Study results revealed that student perceptions of satisfaction in key areas predicted their development of healthy habits and overall satisfaction. The study highlights the necessity of satisfaction with key aspects of campus recreational facilities in the development of utilization outcomes among student users.

Listening To Music While Exercising Increases The Risk For Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

Music has an ergogenic effect on exercise performance, improves motivation, decreases exertion, and delays the onset of fatigue. However, loud sound levels from music can cause permanent damage to the inner ear resulting in noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the risk of NIHL among students utilizing campus recreational facilities and examine whether music used as a motivator was associated with increased risk for NIHL. METHODS: One hundred and nineteen students were recruited from the main fitness center on college campus. Physical activity level was recalled using a modified short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Music intensity levels were assessed by a sound pressure level mannequin with a built-in microphone. Thirty second samples were taken in 5 second intervals using participant’s personal listening devices. Average, minimum, and maximum sound levels were recorded in decibels (dBA). The estimated risk for NIHL was established based on the average sound level and duration of exposure using NIOSH criteria. Participants indicated whether music was a motivator during a workout. Descriptive statistics were performed for all variables. Chi-square analyses evaluated relations between risk for NIHL, gender, and music as a motivator. T-tests assessed the difference in average loudness level and gender. RESULTS: Participants were college students (51.3% males, 48.7% females). Majority of participants (89.1%) used music as motivation while exercising (93.4% male and 84.5% female, p>0.05). Twenty four percent of participants were at risk for NIHL, approaching statistical significance for gender (29.5% males vs 19% females, p=0.056). The average sound levels for the participants were 88.8+10.3 dBA and statistically significant for gender (90.9+10.6 dBA for males, 86.5+9.4 dBA for females, p=0.017). CONCLUSIONS: Every fourth college student listening to music while exercising was at risk for NIHL. NIHL is an avoidable cause of permanent hearing impairment. Recommendations for safe use of personal listening devices during workouts include keeping volume at a safe level, below 85 dBA, and limiting time spent using the device during workouts.

College Social Experiences Between First-Generation Students and Other Students Enrolled in a STEM Discipline at an HBCU

The primary purpose of this study was to determine the differences in the levels of social engagement between first-generation and other college students enrolled in a STEM discipline at a Historically Black College and University. A two-group ex post facto research design using a single questionnaire was used for the study. A stratified sample of 90 college students participated in the study. The data for the research questions were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics based upon the subscales of the College Student Experiences Questionnaire. These findings indicated that there were significant differences among first-generation and other college students who were enrolled in a STEM discipline at an HBCU. Statistically significant differences between first-generation and other college students were found for three items in the social integration category: “met other students,” (p = .017, η2 = .063); “used campus recreational facilities,” (p = .050, η2 = .043); and “became acquainted with students,” (p = .035, η2 = .050). Both groups felt that meeting others would happen “often.” Both groups differ for using campus recreational facilities and becoming acquainted with students whose family backgrounds were different. Firstgeneration students reported that “occasionally” and “often”; and the other college students felt “often” and “very often” that using campus recreational facilities and becoming acquainted with students whose family background was different would happen. The study documented the impact of the nurturing environment that exists at an HBCU and focused on the social engagement aspects of attending college. The study findings provide clues to ways that college administrators and researchers can assist first-generation college students enrolled in a STEM discipline at an HBCU. Implications for future research and policymakers are discussed.

Assessing College Students’ Use of Campus Recreation Facilities through Individual and Environmental Factors

Physical activity is related to overall well-being among college students. For many college students, on-campus recreational facilities are the primary environment for physical activity to occur. Social cognitive theory highlights the relationship between individual factors, the environment, and behavior. This study aimed to assess the relationship of individual-level factors, including self-efficacy, exercise behaviors, and social physique anxiety, as well as students’ reported comfort in the recreational environment, with use of campus facilities. To test these relationships, the researchers surveyed 189 undergraduate students and conducted descriptive and linear regression analyses. Results suggest students’ comfort in their recreational environment is critical to their use of facilities, and, in turn, their engagement in physical activity. Suggestions for future research and practice, particularly concerning recreational facility use, are included in the discussion.

Should We Be Concerned About Nonresponse Bias in College Student Surveys? Evidence of Bias from a Validation Study

This study uses college student survey data and corresponding administrative data on campus recreation facility usage, academic performance, physical education class attendance, and co-curricular participation to examine nonresponse bias in college student surveys. Within the context of the Groves (Public Opin Q 70:646–675, 2006) Alternative Cause Model, we found compelling evidence of the presence of nonresponse error observed as student characteristics related to the survey topic that also explain their response propensity. An individual’s survey response propensity has a statistically significant relationship with their actual behavior for 2 of 3 survey topics. In 11 of the 13 survey questions used to measure the survey topic behaviors, we found statistically significant differences between the respondent and nonrespondent behavioral measures. These findings hold important implications for survey researchers and those using student surveys for high-stakes accountability measures because survey summary statistics may not be generalizable to the target population.

What Gets Them Moving? College Students' Motivation for Exercise: An Exploratory Study

This exploratory study applied constructs of self-determination theory to assess college students exercise motivation and to determine the influence on exercise within active college students. Students included 24 college students (12 normal weight, 12 overweight) currently meeting national exercise recommendations. Surveys and semistructured interviews were used to assess exercise motivation. Descriptive statistics and MANOVA were used to analyze survey results. Horizontalization was used to analyze interview responses. It was found that the majority of students were extrinsically motivated for exercise regardless of BMI or gender. Identified regulation was found to be the most common form of motivation. Extrinsic motivation may be a key determinant for increasing exercise and enhancing utilization of campus recreation facilities among undergraduate students. Future efforts should consider the inclusion of extrinsic motivation (e.g., to look good, improve health) in communication strategies and program development.

I Use the Student Recreation Center, but I Would Use it More if …: Understanding Male and Female Constraints to Student Recreation Center Use

Studies have found that there is a positive relationship between the number of student visits to campus recreation and academic outcomes such as rates of graduation and grade point average (Huesman, Brown, Lee, Kellogg, &amp; Radcliffe, 2009). Despite the strong correlation between use of fitness facilities and academic performance some students choose not to visit, while some who use the facilities may not be maximizing such use due to constraints (barriers). The purpose of this study was to understand the constraints to using the campus recreation facility at a midsized New England university. Moreover, this study sought to understand the types of management actions that would help increase use of the recreation center by current users. An online survey was distributed to a random sample ( N = 2,400) of all campus recreation visitors in fall of 2013 using a modified Dillman method of distribution (2009). A total of 882 respondents completed the survey for a response rate of nearly 37%. Important results from this study included that female students were much more likely than male students to report being constrained by not knowing how to use the free weight section safely ( M = 3.40, SD = 1.143; M = 2.68, SD = 1.166, respectively) and that male students suggested that they were more likely to participate than female students ( M = 3.07, SD = 1.182; M = 2.96, SD = 1.235, respectively) at the Student Recreation Center (SRC) if they were not as involved with other activities. This information can be used to guide the expansion planning of future SRC projects and to help improve the participation habits of students at the case institution.

An Exploratory Study of Ethnic Minority Students' Constraints to and Facilitators of Engaging in Campus Recreation

A positive relationship exists between student engagement, student success, and institutional retention rates. Ethnic minority student retention rates are lower than those of the dominant culture. Campus recreation programs play a role in improving upon this situation. This study's purpose was to explore constraints to and facilitators of ethnic minority students' participation in campus recreation. Three focus groups were conducted with 22 ethnic minority students (female n = 14, male n = 8; freshman through senior year). Results revealed four constraints (i.e., organizational, lack of time, gender, cultural) to and six facilitators (i.e., social dynamics of campus recreation facilities, health maintenance, personal growth, maintaining cultural connections, facility and services, accountability) of participation. Strategies for creating more inclusive campus recreation environments and programming to increase student engagement and retention are proposed (e.g., ensuring equitable use of shared spaces, facilitating women's weight training, providing online resources, creating more structured programming, requiring cultural competence staff training, designating spaces for cultural recreational activities).

Value-Added University Services: The Importance of On-Campus Recreational Facilities

ABSTRACTSuccessful universities know that they must view the students, faculty, and staff as important stakeholders and market to them accordingly. One of the most popular services on university campuses is a campus recreational facility. The purpose of this study is to understand the factors that influence a university community's satisfaction with campus recreational facilities. Community characteristics including motivation, loyalty, age, and gender; and facility characteristics including staffing, cleanliness, and parking were considered to determine their effect on satisfaction with the recreational facility. The results suggest that loyalty, staffing, cleanliness, and parking are significant indicators of satisfaction with on-campus recreational facilities.