By Sierra Smith
The NIRSA School of Collegiate Recreation—known informally as The School—provides attendees with a broad range of materials designed to enhance a recreation professional’s management and problem-solving skills. It has both a Level I and a Level II, and runs on a three-year cycle: Level I is offered two years in a row and then Level II is offered the third year. This is a premier NIRSA event that is always a hit with attendees. Drew Loso—Assistant Director of Facility Operations at the University of North Carolina Wilmington—calls The School “by far one of, if not the most, inspirational and dynamic piece of professional development that I have ever been a part of.”
Drew also says that the “time and attention given to networking and collaborating with colleagues from across the country was immeasurably beneficial to my growth as a professional!” Phelan Fletcher, Intramural Sports & Youth Program Coordinator at Kent State University, echoes Drew’s enthusiasm. She says The School “was everything I expected it to be and more! The personal and professional growth that I and my amazing colleagues experienced during the process was something that will last with me forever.”
Registration for the 2016 School—which will take place from May 22–26 in Grapevine, Texas—will be open on December 8. The Level I curriculum is designed for recreation professionals with one to five years of full-time work experience. The full-time experience does not, however, need to be in recreational sports. Those who have more experience in the field may attend, but should recognize that the sessions are geared to their less-experienced colleagues.
To foster a personal and dynamic learning environment, there is a registration cap of 48 students. Past years have shown that spaces fill quickly, so don’t delay to register on December 8!
For more information about the 2016 NIRSA School of Collegiate Recreation, please contact NIRSA’s Sierra Smith.
