Impact of a University Recreation Center on Social Belonging and Student Retention

Abstract

While studies have been conducted to determine the social-emotional development and learning outcomes associated with participation in sport clubs, very few similar studies have been done on the recreational sports environment as a whole. It is important to know why college recreation centers are important to student life as well as to understand what overall benefits students receive from the program as a whole. This study revealed that students who used the student recreation center more frequently were more likely to be attend the university, experience place bonding, social belonging to the recreation center and the university, integration into the university and hence retention at the university. From a practical perspective, the findings provide information for the university to better understand how to attract and retain students throughout their academic careers by the presence of a student recreation center.

The Impact of Leisure Participation on Social Adaptation of International Students

“…With the fact that the number of students spending leisure time in the campus has also been increasing, active leisure participation and recreation activities should become an important component of the higher education planning. Furthermore, student engagement within the campus was emphasised as a functional tool to ease social and cultural integration and interaction among diverse student populations, contributing to social belonging and student retention (Zarei& Jafari, 2013;Miller, 2011;Smith, 2008;Cheng et.al, 2004;Lapa & Ardahan, 2009;Kılıç & Şener, 2013). Cho & Yu (2014) stress that social support is one of the most important determiner of international students' psychological well-being.…”

I just want to be somebody: Exploring students' motivations and experiences in universities

“…Extracurricular activities should form a vital part of students' experience to create good opportunities for friendship and learning (Miller 2011). A very essential need is for the universities to develop strategies and policies to enhance students' social life.…”

Physical education activity courses: an exploration of how enrollment influences student retention rates.

“…Neither did these earlier studies examine if physical activity influenced student retention. Additionally, earlier research demonstrated participation in fitness and sports opportunities in a campus recreation setting was positively related to positive gains in overall individual academic success and institutional student retention rates (Belch et al, 2001;Henchy, 2011;Lindsey & Sessoms, 2006;Miller, 2011). There appear to be similar characteristics between the programming offered by campus recreation departments and BIP programs.…”

“…There appear to be similar characteristics between the programming offered by campus recreation departments and BIP programs. Both programs provide logical outlets for students to establish social interactions and develop peer groups (Miller, 2011). The course structure of BIP class offerings is conducive for interactions among students.…”

“…The extant literature does demonstrate, however, the considerable influence participation in fitness and sports in a campus recreational setting has on the overall academic success and persistence of students (Belch, Gebel, & Maas, 2001;Henchy, 2011;Lindsey & Sessoms, 2006;Miller, 2011). Over the last century, many higher education institutions offered physical education courses for academic credit through a basic instruction program or a physical activity program (Carlson, 2015;Fornia, 1959;Hensley, 2000;Trimble & Hensley, 1984).…”