By Cheri Hawkins
Continued learning can and should take place at every stage of a professional career, and the Registry of Collegiate Recreational Sports Professionals (RCRSP) presented by Cybex is made up of collegiate recreation professionals dedicated to living this truth.
It is meaningful distinction for professionals who have demonstrated a commitment to excellence in the field of collegiate recreational sports through active learning and continuing professional development.
The RCRSP distinction acknowledges members who pledge to maintain a comprehensive knowledge base and advocate best practices as reflected in the core competency areas affirmed by NIRSA.
The association is committed to assisting members in this effort by offering a variety of educational and engagement opportunities grounded in these areas, recognized as Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and Professional Involvement Credits (PICs). CEUs are awarded when members attend Registry approved educational sessions. These colleague-led sessions are guaranteed to be top-of-the-line and highly relevant, as they must meet the necessary criteria and serve at least one of eight core competencies in the profession of collegiate recreation.
Registered Collegiate Recreational Sports Professionals (RCRSP) stand out among peers as individuals who are committed to continuously learning.
Once Registry membership is attained, members can start earning PICs in addition to CEUs, as professional involvement is an important way for members to learn and stay current through networking with colleagues on committees, serving as association officers, giving presentations or teaching courses, conducting research, or by contributing scholarship to reputable journals and magazines.
In order to assist these dedicated members even further, NIRSA has unveiled an online tracking system for CEUs and PICs. The system allows NIRSA members to conveniently track their CEUs and PICs that can be used for the Professional Registry renewal process or for personal records. Members will need to login in to their NIRSA account to access the system.
Particularly as renewals opportunities—occurring every three years—arise, this online tracking system will be invaluable to our busy and active members. As a reminder, once accepted into the Registry, a minimum of 45 contact hours or 4.5 CEUs, within a three year period, is needed to remain in the Registry. At least one-third (1.5) of all CEU’s must be obtained from NIRSA-provided educational opportunities. CEU requirements for renewal application may consist of two-thirds (3.0) PICs. Of submitted PICs, at least one-half of all PICs earned for leadership, governance, and service (PIC category A) must come from NIRSA-related activities. PICs for education, training, scholarship and research (PIC category B) may be earned from any NIRSA or non-NIRSA source. A listing of PICs and their CEU value can be found here.
For renewal purposes, a Registry member need only input their information into our online tracker and print out the tracking form, reflecting that they’ve met the minimum requirements. The Registry member will include this print out with their completed Registry renewal form and submit both to NIRSA. And, in another note of appreciation to member’s continued and sustained dedication, the $95.00 renewal fee is significantly less than the initial application fee. Watch the Professional Registry Apply/Renew page of the NIRSA website for an updated renewal form to be posted soon.
Registered Collegiate Recreational Sports Professionals (RCRSP) stand out among peers as individuals who are committed to continuously learning and expanding their skill sets in service to the profession. Or, if you’re just starting in the field, Registry registration can be an asset as you are considered by potential employers. Now that tracking is easier than ever before, be sure not to miss this great opportunity!
