The Impact of New or Renovated Collegiate Recreation Centers on Recruitment and Retention

Abstract

Colleges and Universities have invested a great deal of resources in constructing and renovating recreational facilities over the course of time. These facilities serve as a location for health, fitness, and socialization, and provide many other wellness benefits. This study examines the impact of new/renovated collegiate recreational facilities on three different campuses and the return on investment (ROI). The ROI is measured through student participation, impact on recruitment, and retention. Additionally, this study intends to provide other institutions with examples on how they can provide data to reflect the collegiate recreation facility ROI.

Campus Wellness Facility, Student Contentment and Health

“…The questionnaire used was developed to address key objectives related to the satisfaction, programming, student learning and perception, and also provide the participants an opportunity to provide feedback on future programming priorities. The development of the questionnaire was guided by a combination of existing literature on participants’ needs in the ever-changing campus recreation environment (Kampf et al, 2018), industry best practices, and CAS standards (Wells, 2015). Prior to designing and approving the final version of the questionnaire, the RWC professional staff met weekly to determine whether the questionnaire addressed identified learning outcomes and incorporate feedback.…”

“…Institutions that provide recreation-related services to students are often considering ways that lives and experiences of students can be enhanced. Today, many new recreation facilities no longer have the simple locker rooms and court gymnasia but rather include new innovations in form of climbing walls, elevated walking or jogging tracks and so many other amenities (Kampf et al, 2018). At the same time, institutional efforts to meet the CAS’s standards in higher education often places priority in areas of student services (CAS, 2015).…”

An Exploratory Study of a Health and Wellness Intervention on STEM College Students During COVID-19

“…Since the 1990s, campus recreation departments across the United States have evolved from a primarily university intramural sports setting to departments that manage more complex services and facilities spanning fitness and wellness, education, aquatics, outdoor adventure programs, sport, and community programs. For example, in response to the increased university emphasis on student recruitment and student retention, the construction and renovation of recreational facilities (considered a recruitment/retention tool) have increased at many colleges and universities throughout the United States ( Kampf et al, 2018 ). As campus recreation services, facilities, and staff increased, there was a need to document the benefits of these services and programs, beyond evidence that was primarily anecdotal ( Hamilton, 2013 ).…”

Strategies for campus sport centre funding: a case study on the Charles Jago Northern Sport Centre

“…Post-secondary institutions are spending huge sums of money to construct campus recreation and sports facilities to help attract and retain students (Kampf, Haines, & Gambino, 2018). The multi-million-dollar multi-purpose facilities are not built solely for athletes, as focus has changed to providing recreational opportunities to all students, faculty, staff, and various institutional communities due to the impact on student retention and funding for these facilities is a priority (Kampf et al, 2018;Stier, Schneider, Kampf, Wilding, & Haines, 2005). The evolution of sport and recreation facilities on campuses has shifted towards being managed through a financially responsible model (Stier et al, 2005).…”

“…In the article of Kampf, Haines, & Gambino (2018), education enrollment has declined, as fewer students are enrolling in post-secondary education. Due to this, it is important for institutions to attract and retain first year students for present and future.…”