Campus Recreation Research Articles

Perception Matters: Attitudes Toward Transgender Inclusion in Campus Recreational Sports

The participation of transgender individuals in sporting spaces continues to receive increased attention in both popular media and in academic scholarship. However, while attention is growing, little is known about the attitudes the general public holds toward transgender sport participation. This is particularly true when it comes to attitudes participants hold toward transgender persons and their participation in recreational sport programming. As such, this study quantitatively explores the attitudes of intramural and club sport participants across the United States toward transgender persons and transgender participation in recreational sport programming. Specifically, results emphasize (a) the general attitudes of recreational sport participants toward transgender persons, (b) the attitudes of recreational sport participants toward the participation of transgender persons in recreational sport programs, (c) differences in attitudes by gender, and (d) differences in attitudes by program area (intramural vs club sport). Discussion of these differences and practical implications for recreational sports are considered.

A collective agenda: A qualitative study on Exercise is Medicine® On Campus gold-level institutions

ObjectiveThe Exercise is Medicine® On Campus (EIM-OC) international campaign leverages university resources (e.g., health centers, recreation, and kinesiology departments) to encourage students, faculty, and staff to integrate physical activity into campus culture. This involves evaluating student physical activity levels during health visits and establishing referral systems for exercise prescriptions. EIM-OC allows universities to earn tiered recognition (Gold, Silver, or Bronze) based on their on-campus physical activity promotion and integration. For Gold recognition, schools must incorporate routine physical activity assessments into their health system, ultimately connecting healthcare providers with health/fitness professionals (HFPs, e.g., campus recreation professionals, kinesiology professors). This research worked to uncover pivotal factors driving EIM-OC on-campus collaborations through HFPs’ perspectives. MethodsHFPs (n = 11) working full-time at a Gold-level institution (n = 10 in United States) participated. Semi-structured, Zoom-recorded interviews with a generic qualitative research design were completed between June and September 2022. ResultsMajor thematic findings included the importance of tangible support (e.g., personnel), encounters with both trust and tension cross-campus, positive student development opportunities, and variations in outcome reporting and program evaluation. Faculty and staff emphasized the need for methods to obtain and sustain program funding. Participants also expressed the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration to increase the collective impact of EIM-OC on student health and overall collegiate success. ConclusionHFPs expanded on their EIM-OC experiences and program sustainment or growth requirements. With increased interdisciplinary collaboration, rigor in outcome reporting, and tangible resources, the collective impact of EIM-OC on student health outcomes and overall collegiate success could be greatly perpetuated.

Document analysis of adaptive sport opportunities at Division-1 universities in the United States

BackgroundIndividuals with disabilities are less likely to participate in physical activity, with the greatest decline in participation during college years. Despite known health benefits, there are significant barriers that limit sport and exercise participation for students with disabilities, including adaptive access. To our knowledge, there has been no comprehensive review conducted to examine the number of adaptive sport offerings on a collegiate level. ObjectiveAssess the availability of adaptive sport opportunities for students at National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division-1 Universities to better understand university-affiliated adaptive sport opportunity for students. MethodsWebsite document analysis was conducted by systematically querying the general homepage, athletics page, and campus recreation websites of each NCAA Division-1 University in the United States (US). Institutional and sport-related characteristics were recorded. ResultsOf the 358 NCAA Division-1 Universities, 20.4 % (73/358) marketed adaptive sport opportunities (recreational, club, and/or intercollegiate), with 3.9 % (11/358) acknowledging intercollegiate adaptive sport programs on their websites. Five percent (6/121) of private institutions, and 28.3 % (67/237) of public institutions reported adaptive sport opportunities. The Northeast region had the fewest number of institutions reporting adaptive sport offerings (4/67, 6.0 %). The most commonly offered sport was adaptive recreation (36/358, 10.2 %), followed by wheelchair basketball (26/358, 7.4 %). ConclusionOver three-quarters of Division-1 Universities in the US lack an online description of adaptive sport opportunity, highlighting the need for expanded resourcing and marketing of adaptive sport at the university level. Future studies are necessary to identify appropriate strategies to effectively promote sport, maximize participation and improve social inclusion.

Impact of a Peer-Led Campus Recreation Program to Improve Student Wellbeing: Exploring Participation Outcomes of the Fitness Buddies Program

Impact of a Peer-Led Campus Recreation Program to Improve Student Wellbeing: Exploring Participation Outcomes of the Fitness Buddies Program

An Interdisciplinary Collaboration to Reduce Weight Stigma Among Exercise Professionals

Weight stigma is the negative social judgment of people based on their weight. Despite the negative consequences of weight stigma, its prevalence is well-documented including within the physical activity (PA) landscape. Research shows that a wide range of PA-related professionals hold negative attitudes toward fat people, including physical education teachers, kinesiology students, and fitness trainers. This article describes a collaboration across disciplines and fields to develop a weight stigma reduction intervention for exercise professionals. Weight Inclusive Thinking for Fitness Spaces (WIT FITS) is a two-hour, self-paced, interactive online course grounded in the Health at Every Size® paradigm and research-informed strategies for improving exercise professionals’ attitudes toward fatness and fostering weight inclusivity in fitness settings. WIT FITS was the result of a three-year interdisciplinary collaboration with scholars from pedagogy, public health, sport and exercise psychology, and nutrition. Community partners involved in the development, implementation, and evaluation of WIT FITS included body liberation activists, web and instructional designers, and campus recreation leaders.

Wellness Beyond Campus Walls: How Walking Worldwide Brought One Institution Together

Background: Investment in campus recreation has well-documented benefits, and the need for improved health and wellness also extends beyond students. Creating a campus culture that values health and well-being can be transformative for the health of the overall community.Aim: This study aimed to understand the impact of an institution-wide, 42-day virtual fitness initiative that included faculty, staff, students, and graduates. Methods: Participants were invited to complete two surveys (pre-and-post) consisting of questions about physical fitness, goal setting, and connection to the college community. Throughout the duration of the program, participants logged their physical activity (e.g., step counts) through a web-based platform.Results: Survey respondents reported exercising a greater number of days each week during the program and were more likely to set and achieve their fitness goals. The leading unexpected benefit of participation in the program, especially among our graduates, was developing social connections with other participants. Conclusions: Institution-wide fitness programs can promote health awareness and motivate faculty, staff, students, and graduates to improve fitness and connect socially.

Examining Experiences of Campus Recreation Staff Who Serve College Students With Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities (IDD): A Special Olympics Unified Sports® Study

Recreation and sports participation can produce social health benefits for college students with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD). Despite growing numbers of college students with IDD on college campuses, literature exploring inclusion within campus recreation is limited. To understand the inclusion, or lack thereof, of college students with IDD in campus recreation, experiences and attitudes of campus recreation staff ( N = 24) were examined. A mixed methods study design, including web-based surveys and semi-structured interviews was used to collect data from participants at three North American universities. Results of Multivariate Analysis of Variance and thematic analysis revealed successes, challenges, and barriers among campus recreation staff for implementing inclusion. A significant difference in perception of campus as being more inclusive between the university with Unified Sports affiliated with Special Olympics club and the university with Unified Sports affiliated with the university was also identified. Lastly, resources and strategies for inclusion were revealed as a need.

More Than a Job: Student Fitness Instructors’ Leadership, Communication, and Relationship Building in Campus Recreation

Student employment in campus recreation allows students to gain transferable skills. Previous studies show that students employed in specialized program areas have different experiences. Addressing the gap in research, the purpose of the study was to (a) understand the relationship between leadership development, effective communication, and meaningful interpersonal relationships of student group fitness instructors and (b) investigate if student instructors’ leadership development was associated with their work experience and demographics. A total of 111 student group fitness instructors from 17 different NIRSA institutions completed an electronic questionnaire in the fall of 2021. The results of multiple regression showed both building meaningful relationships and gaining communication skills were significant predictors for students’ leadership development, while the interpersonal relationship was a stronger predictor than communication skills. The study also indicated that student group fitness instructors perceived similar leadership development, regardless of their demographics and working experience in campus recreation.

Ole Miss student employment program delivers more than a job

When students become employed in the campus recreation department at the University of Mississippi, they sign on for much more than just a job. And that's thanks to Peter Tulchinsky, Ed.D., who launched the student employment professional competency program when he became Director of Campus Recreation at Ole Miss in September 2014.

Ole Miss student employment program delivers more than a job

When students become employed in the campus recreation department at the University of Mississippi, they sign on for much more than just a job. And that's thanks to Peter Tulchinsky, Ed.D., who launched the student employment professional competency program when he became Director of Campus Recreation at Ole Miss in September 2014.

Student employment program delivers more than just a job

When students become employed in the campus recreation department at the University of Mississippi, they sign on for much more than just a job. And that's thanks to Peter Tulchinsky, Ed.D., who launched the student employment professional competency program when he became Director of Campus Recreation at Ole Miss in September 2014.

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.

Student employment program delivers more than just a job

When students become employed in the campus recreation department at the University of Mississippi, they sign on for much more than just a job. And that's thanks to Peter Tulchinsky, Ed.D., who launched the student employment professional competency program when he became Director of Campus Recreation at Ole Miss in September 2014.

Descriptive Epidemiology of Campus Recreation Injuries

Campus recreation is an underserved population lacking specific medical standards, access to on-site medical personnel, and a universal injury surveillance system. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively examine injury epidemiology within a campus recreation center across 4 years. A total of 1,680 injuries were analyzed from one U.S. university with the greatest number of injuries occurring in intramural sports, informal recreation, and club sports, respectively. Of all injuries reported, 73% were musculoskeletal in nature and 9% were from concussions. As most injuries fall outside the scope of basic first aid, on-site medical services should be considered for all campus recreation settings.

Evaluating a Campus Food Pantry’s Potential Impact on Nutrition Security using the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance (RE-AIM) Framework

BackgroundCampus food pantries are uniquely positioned to promote health equity with the foods they make accessible to food-insecure students. ObjectivesThis study assessed the implementation and effectiveness of a client-choice campus food pantry to understand its potential impact on nutrition security and to inform future implementation. MethodsThis observational study was designed using the reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance framework, leveraging administrative data collected from a client-choice campus food pantry at a large Midwest university from August 2020 to May 2022. Pantry staff tracked student usage and item inventory. Items were analyzed for specific nutrients using the Nutrition Data System for Research. The mean nutrients and servings per food group distributed per visit were calculated and compared with dietary recommendations (effectiveness). Characteristics of pantry operation and setup were detailed (adoption). The percentage of openings with adequate stock to meet distribution guidelines was determined (implementation). Descriptive statistics were calculated, and multiple linear regressions determined whether significant changes in nutrients and food were distributed based on distribution guidelines and stock available. ResultsEffectiveness: Vitamin D, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains were below 3 d of the recommended intake for all students, and energy, fiber, potassium, vitamin A, and grains were low for male students. Adoption: The pantry was established through a collaboration with a pre-existing community food pantry and operates as a 501(c) and is managed by campus recreation staff. Implementation: The pantry supplied enough produce for 72% of openings to meet distribution guidelines and enough dairy for 63% of openings. ConclusionsThe food and nutrients distributed in limited amounts are consistent with those underconsumed according to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. More research is needed to understand how pantry implementation can best support nutrition security through the adequate distribution of key nutrients and food groups.

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.

How do fan engagement and sport participation influence adaptation to campus and life satisfaction? A Comparison between American domestic and Asian international students

The purpose of this study was to examine and compare the relationship among fan engagement and sport participation, adaptation to campus, and life satisfaction between American domestic and Asian international students. A total of 485 domestic and 295 international students (domestic = 62.2%) from a large, Midwestern university were included as the sample. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to analyze the data. Overall, it was found that fan engagement in collegiate sport (psychological and behavioral) and campus sport participation (behavioral) helped both domestic and international students facilitate their four school adaptation dimensions (academic, social, emotional, and institutional) and experience higher life satisfaction. However, there were different effects of fan engagement and sport participation between the two student groups. This research can contribute to Astin’s student involvement theory and leisure coping strategies and provide guidance for athletic departments, campus recreation, and university administration in serving various needs of student populations.

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.

Student Recreation Center

This article explores the potential impact of campus recreation centers on student retention and suggests strategies for leveraging that impact to improve the retention rate of first-time full-time students.

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.