Mar 28, 2024  
2009-2010 Springfield College Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2009-2010 Springfield College Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]


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Recreation Management



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Degree: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) with a major in Recreation Management

 (120 credit hours) Requirements are subject to change

Springfield College has been preparing recreation and park professionals for sixty years, recognizing the contribution which recreation experiences make to the quality of life. Leadership, management, and program skills are the focus of the curriculum, which is accredited by the National Recreation and Parks Association. Recreation management majors follow a track in general recreation management.

Recreation management is an accredited professional program that prepares students for leadership positions in recreation programming, program design, personnel management, and basic research. Graduates of this program are employed professionally throughout the world in outdoor recreation centers, the travel business, the National Park Service, resorts, the adventure trip industry, armed forces recreation programs, campus recreation, corporate recreation services, municipal recreation, and YMCAs. The program aims to impart an understanding of the following:

  • Recreation management and leadership practices in the context of human-helping professions.
  • Experiential learning concepts that enhance skills in management, programming, and group dynamics.
  • Current management applications, such as total quality management, team and project approaches, strategic planning, entrepreneurial strategies, the development of learning organizations, and active listening.

Springfield College also manages a summer camp and outdoor education center located on the East Campus.  Students learn about operations and facilities in this urban wilderness setting.  This setting also provides opportunities for students to learn by honing program skills that deliver growth in spirit, mind and body.  Students may also elect to attend training sessions promoted by the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) and Outward Bound. Limited college credit for NOLS, study abroad, or outdoor expeditions may be arranged to supplement the student’s academic program and professional development.

If students opt for an additional semester to satisfy the program’s internship requirement, additional tuition charges will apply.

For more information about the recreation management major, contact Dr. Matthew J. Pantera, chairperson of the Sport Management and Recreation Department, at (413) 748-3693 or the Admissions Office at (800) 343-1257.

 

Download a Recreation Management Program Checksheet

 

II. Recreation Management Options


A. General Recreation Management


Degree: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) with a major in Recreation Management

(120 credit hours) Requirements subject to change

For students not selecting the Camp Management of Therapeutic Recreation options:

2. Electives (to complete a minimum of 120 credits)


Students are strongly advised to consider the Business Management minor in order to strengthen their preparation for entry into their profession through completion of the following courses:

3. MBA Track


Sophomores in the Sport Management and Recreation Management majors must declare their intent to apply to the MBA one-year program.  Entrance requirements include a 3.0 GPA, successful completion of the GMAY, a Springfield College graduate application, three reference letters, resume and an interview with the MBA director.  For additional information, contact the Business Administration Department.

B. Camp Management


Degree: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) with a major in Recreation Management

 (120 credit hours) Requirements are subject to change

Springfield College has been preparing recreation and park professionals for sixty years, recognizing the contribution which recreation experiences make to the quality of life. Leadership, management, and program skills are the focus of the curriculum, which is accredited by the National Recreation and Parks Association. Recreation management majors follow a track in general recreation management.

The Camp Management option provides students with a foundation in the skills, abilities and knowledge required of a camp director in the 21st Century.  The option was developed based on research that included several hundred camp directors and with input from a national camping specialist.  The curriculum includes five distinct areas: business management; facilities and natural resource management; program administration; basic web design and computer usage; fundraising and board development.  The internship and several practicums require students to gain exposure to both programming and management experiences at three or four different camps.

Employment opportunities for students in the Camp Management option following graduation include management and leadership positions in not-for-profit summer camps with organizations such as the YMCA and Girl Scouts, in private camps, and in commercial, or state and national park campgrounds.

Springfield College also manages a summer camp and outdoor education center located on the East Campus.  Students learn about operations and facilities in this urban wilderness setting.  This setting also provides opportunities for students to learn by honing program skills that deliver growth in spirit, mind and body.  Students may also elect to attend training sessions promoted by the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) and Outward Bound. Limited college credit for NOLS, study abroad, or outdoor expeditions may be arranged to supplement the student’s academic program and professional development.

If students opt for an additional semester to satisfy the program’s internship requirement, additional tuition charges will apply.

For more information about the Recreation Management major with the Camp Management option, contact Dr. Matthew J. Pantera, chairperson of the Sport Management and Recreation Department, at (413) 748-3693 or the Admissions Office at (800) 343-1257.

C. Therapeutic Recreation and Child Life


Degree: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) with a major in Recreation Management with an option in Therapeutic Recreation Services and second option in Child Life Speciality(120 credit hours) Requirements are subject to change

Springfield College has been preparing recreation and leisure professionals for almost fifty years, recognizing the contribution which recreation experiences make to the quality of life. Leadership, management, and program skills are the focus of the curriculum, which is accredited by the National Recreation and Parks Association.

The therapeutic recreation services option is an accredited professional program which prepares students to be certified as therapeutic recreation specialists. Graduates plan, develop, implement, and evaluate therapeutic recreation services in clinical and non-clinical settings. The program explores the use of recreation services to improve or maintain physical, mental, emotional, and/or social functioning and to assist individuals to achieve and sustain self-reliant, high-quality leisure lifestyles. Employment opportunities within the therapeutic recreation profession include:

  • hospitals, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities
  • rehabilitation centers
  • mental health and substance abuse agencies
  • correctional facilities
  • senior citizen centers
  • camps and outdoor recreation settings
  • sheltered workshops and vocational training centers
  • schools

Students in the therapeutic recreation services option can complete the second option in child life (requires 16 additional credits).

If a student opts for an additional semester to satisfy the program’s internship requirement, additional tuition charges will apply.

For more information about the therapeutic recreation services option and second option in child life, contact Dr. Matthew J. Pantera, chairperson of the Sport Management and Recreation Department, at (413) 748-3693 or the Admissions Office at (800) 343-1257.

4. Electives (to complete a minimum of 120 credits)


Program and Advanced Standing Requirements


Recreation management majors must qualify for advanced standing in order to register for the third and fourth year sequences of required courses (including Practicum and Internship). To qualify for advanced standing, the student must meet the following standards by the conclusion of his or her sophomore year.

  1. The student’s overall cumulative grade point index must meet or exceed a 2.50 GPA.
  2. Proper professional and responsible behavior is expected of each recreation management student. This includes behaviorwhile a student (on- and off-campus) and as a member of the college community.

After achieving the minimum GPA, the student must maintain those standards through the remainder of the program. If the student fails to meet or maintain those standards, the faculty will review the student’s record and recommend departmental probation (with appropriate prescription to overcome the deficiency) or dismissal from the program.

Appeal Process
A student may appeal any action taken by the department regarding his or her probation or dismissal from the major. In order to appeal, the student must submit a letter to the department chairperson requesting a review of their status. This appeal must be submitted within two weeks of the student being notified of his or her probation or dismissal. The sport management and recreation chairperson will call a meeting of the appropriate faculty to which the student will be invited. The student will be notified within ten days of the meeting regarding the outcome of their appeal.

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