Campus recreation, a division of student life, is amongst one of the most visited facilities at a university or college each day. High attendance rates are likely so with “almost 30% of the (college) population in the United States are sedentary…”2 Frequently throughout the week, campus tours are given to prospective students wanting to see and learn about a potential university they might attend. Upon approaching and touring the campus recreational facility, many student workers and administrative staff of the building are unaware of the “recruitment pull” the facility can bring to incoming students.
In 2009, a study was done by the National Intramural-Recreation Sports Association (NIRSA) through administration of a Quality and Importance of Services Survey over recruitment and retention that campus recreational sports facilities and programs have. The survey concluded that 60% of males reported that the availability of recreational sports was important when deciding which college to attend. Likewise, the survey also concluded that 68% of the male surveyors responded that campus recreation was important in their decision to continue attending the university.1
Another study in 2006, was issued to a West Texas University to determine why students selected one university over another. Of the 65 students of a possible 4,700 that completed the survey, 27 agreed that campus recreation facilities and services influenced their decision to attend the university.3
Though there are many influences on a student’s decision to attend a particular university, campus recreation does play a part in a fair percentage of recruitment of prospective students. Along with recruitment, studies also show that campus recreation plays an integral role in the retainment of students at a university. As a result, campus recreation facilities and their staff might incorporate recruitment strategies such as in-depth facility tours and handing out brochures to increase student recruitment as well as current student retainment.
1Lindsey, R., Sessoms, E., & Willis, G. (2009). Impact of campus recreational sports facilities and programs on recruitment and retention among african American students: A pilot study. Recreational Sports Journal, 33
2Waldron, J. J., & Dieser, R. B. (2010). Perspectives of fitness and health in college men and women. Journal of College Student Development, 51(1), 65-78. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/195184098?accountid=7078
3Woosnam, K. M., Dixon, H., & Brookover, R. S. (2006). Influence of campus recreation facilities on decision to attend a southeastern university: A pilot study. Recreational Sports Journal, 30
I can say that the campus recreational center here at Tarleton State was not the reason I chose to come here. But I can say that it did catch my eye, and it was one of the buildings I remember the most when I first visited.
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