By Sierra Smith

The much-anticipated 2015 NIRSA School of Collegiate Recreation Level I took place May 31–June 4 in St. Louis, Missouri, which provided a fantastic backdrop for the intense interactive workshop. This institute is one of NIRSA’s landmark events, which explains why it sells out quicker and quicker every year; the 48 available spots sold out in less than an hour this year.

The 2015 faculty provided a week that definitely lived up to the anticipation and hype. The School’s overall focus is on leadership, and the various sessions approached the topic from different angles. Attendees were broken up into six groups of eight upon arrival and they worked with their group for the entire institute. Teamwork really came into play during some of the exercises that required creative thinking as well as for the case study project that each group needed to present on the final day of The School.

Attendee Jasmine Chatten, Assistant Director, Facilities and Customer Relations at Central Michigan University, found the case study challenging, “not because of the content of questions and what we had to answer,” but because of the difficulty of “having to work with different individuals who may or may not have the same working style as you.” She says that “it was a great opportunity to practice some group work strategies similar to how you would work with a new team at a current position.”

“The case study format allows the attendees to go through a full cycle of learning and discovery on their own,” explains School faculty member Jill Sturts. “In addition, the relationships among attendees and with faculty are strong due to this alternative approach to learning.” Relationship building and mentorship are central to The School experience. Each faculty member has eight attendees assigned to them, and incredibly solid relationships are built between faculty and attendees over the course of the week; sometimes, the mentor relationships last for years.

The bonds attendees form with one other in their groups also often last throughout their careers. Andy Rampe—Coordinator, Intramural Sports at the University of North Carolina Wilmingotn—says that what he enjoyed most about his School experience was making lasting “connections with so many people from across the nation. Even when we weren’t working on our case study project, we still wanted to hang out and have dinner together.” Most groups continue to utilize their communities of practice over the years, and often post questions to each other or seek advice. Many even hold mini-reunions ever year at the NIRSA Annual Conference.

Jasmine echoes him, saying “The School is a great week of networking and expanding your friendships within NIRSA. I started the week only knowing three individuals, but I left knowing over 40—all of whom I cannot wait to see again at the Annual Conference!” When it comes to networking, The NIRSA School of Collegiate Recreation is definitely a must-attend event!

The School is “one of the best opportunities you have to grow as a professional,” says Andy. “It was one of the best experiences I have had at a NIRSA workshop, conference, or tournament.” Space may be limited for all those individuals who want to take part in this fantastic opportunity, but the low number of spots definitely results in a wonderful professional development opportunity.

 

For more information about the NIRSA School of Collegiate Recreation, please contact NIRSA Assistant Director of Event Management Sierra Smith.