The 2015 NIRSA Annual Conference & Recreational Sports Expo takes place at the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine, Texas from March 30–April 2—and on Monday, March 30 there should be a preconference workshop or event that appeals to each and every NIRSA member! From workshops to facility tours to fitness certifications, the preconference offerings will have you dusting off your spurs and hunkering down for a day of engaging education.

Social Justice

Recently added to the preconference offerings is “Engaging Social Justice: From Awareness to Action.” This workshop is sponsored by the NIRSA Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion Commission and will be presented by Rev. Dr. Jamie Brown of the Washington Consulting Group and becky martinez of the Social Justice Training Institute. Attendees will learn about the roles of power and privilege in achieving social justice, the dynamics of exclusion that show up in both their professional and personal lives, how to articulate a clear definition of social justice, and how exactly to create more inclusive and more socially just campus communities.

Facility Tours

The annual preconference Facility Tour has become Facility Tours for Texas! This preconference offering typically sells out early, but this year capacity has almost doubled and attendees will be able to choose between a Dallas tour and a Forth Worth tour—both of which will end at AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys. We do expect these tours to sell out quickly, so make sure to register soon.

  • The Dallas area tour includes the Pohl Recreation Center at the University of North Texas and the Dedman Center for Lifetime Sports at Southern Methodist University.
  • The Fort Worth tour includes the University Recreation Center at Texas Christian University, and the Maverick Activities Center and College Park Center at the University of Texas at Arlington.

Fitness

A new and exciting addition to this year’s preconference offerings is the introduction of a fitness certification course! Anthony Wall of the American Council on Exercise (ACE) will present the “American Council on Exercise (ACE) Small Group Training Workshop” to NIRSA members seeking NIRSA and ACE CEUs as well as those desiring preparation on specific strategies and techniques for designing and marketing small-group training programs. Attendees will learn optimal exercise formats for small group training, and how to design and organize a progressive small group training program.

Research

Looking for a practical understanding of how to design and execute research and assessment procedures? Todd D. Misener, Ph.D of Western Kentucky University will present “Articulating the Value of Campus Recreation through Research & Assessment” and will educate participants on data sources and existing research and assessment resources that are available through NIRSA. Participants will leave this workshop able to effectively articulate the value of their campus recreation program, services, and facilities.

Wellbeing

George Brown, Ph.D of the University of Alabama and April Moore of Florida State University will present “Creating a Culture of Evidence for Health & Wellbeing,” a workshop supported by the NIRSA Health and Wellbeing Commission. Evidence-based programming is essential to the advancement of the collegiate recreation field; it is vital that we create a culture of evidence to validate our contributions. Evidence-based programming provides for continued institutional support; demonstrates contributions to student success and retention; and supports improved employee job satisfaction and a reduction in insurance costs. This workshop will provide tools and techniques to assist in the development, measurement and communication of evidence-based program outcomes.

Officiating

Nicholas Brigati of Ohio University will take you from preseason to championship day while providing you with ideas for the continuous improvement of your sports officials in the “Developing a Comprehensive Officials Training Program” workshop. Attendees will learn of three resources which are available to recreational sports professionals to aid them in the development of an officials training program, two new strategies to use in officials training, and about the tools necessary for effective officials evaluation.

Student Professional Development

The “J. Michael Dunn Student Professional Development Workshop” will be presenting by Beththena Johnson of The Ohio State University. Attendees will be inspired to learn more about NIRSA and collegiate recreational sports as a profession, and will learn about different leadership topics and techniques, the values of the Association, and how to build a solid network within the profession.

NIRSA Foundation Golf Tournament

Join your colleagues for the 21st Annual NIRSA Foundation Golf Tournament. Hosted at Tour 18, this tournament offers something for everyone. You’ll have the chance to play on a great course composed of carefully-simulated holes from some of the greatest golf courses in America. The course will offer a challenge and help you create a memorable experience that is sure to be a hole-in-one! Support the NIRSA Foundation and be a part of the fun, camaraderie, and memories.

Community Service Project

The NIRSA Foundation Community Service Project offers members the perfect chance to enact NIRSA’s value of service. This year, the NIRSA Foundation is collaborating with Grapevine Relief And Community Exchange (GRACE), a nonprofit relief agency that provides food, clothing, financial assistance, and other vital necessities to those in the Grapevine community struggling with limited income or who have experienced a recent emergency. There will be many different volunteer opportunities—a way for all to help out!

 

Registration for NIRSA 2015 is now open! Make sure to sign up for a fantastic preconference opportunity when you submit your registration. If you’ve already registered for the 2015 Annual Conference, you can submit a registration addendum to add a preconference offering to your NIRSA 2015 experience.

 

For more information about the NIRSA Foundation Golf Tournament and Community Service Project, please contact NIRSA Leadership Programs Coordinator Sarah Leskovec. For more information about the other NIRSA 2015 preconference offerings, please contact NIRSA.