By Kristal Fehring

Consistent with the NIRSA strategic plan objective to “increase the quality, quantity, and dissemination of research and data that supports the profession,” NIRSA is engaging some of the brightest researchers in the field to compile and synthesize reliable data that showcases the value of collegiate recreation.

Projects that are part of NIRSA’s Value of Collegiate Recreation Initiative, some of which are already underway, will measure campus recreation’s influence on students and institutions.

This initiative will produce beneficial research projects that articulate, in concrete terms, the impact of collegiate recreation. Results from these varied projects will be invaluable to students and professionals who serve in higher education (both inside and outside of campus recreation), industry-related associations, and progressive corporations looking to reach active 18-24 year-olds.

Ultimately, the purpose of this ongoing initiative is to confirm what NIRSA members have always known: participation in recreational sports programs and activities is a key determinant of college satisfaction, recruitment, retention, academic success, health/wellness behaviors, employment, engagement, and achievement of desired learning outcomes.

NIRSA’s Value of Collegiate Recreation Initiative will measure campus recreation’s influence on students and institutions.

Having concrete, quotable data available in an easy to reference place will be of huge benefit to all involved in collegiate recreation. This initiative provides members tools and data to advocate for the incredible value of the field on their own campus. Additionally, the Association will be able to utilize these findings when exploring new partnerships and collaborative projects to benefit members. The data produced from these projects will then support the NIRSA Services Corporation and the NIRSA Foundation in their outreach and development efforts.

The importance and immediate usefulness of these results is such that the NIRSA Board of Directors has authorized up to $50,000 to support ongoing research, data analysis, and development of usable output for the Value of Collegiate Recreation Initiative.

Due to the scope and breadth of desired outcomes, the Value of Collegiate Recreation is more than a singular academic research project. Rather, numerous projects over many years will build the literature, enabling us to confidently articulate the multi-dimensional impact of collegiate recreation. In addition to incorporating new and emerging research, the initiative will also utilize and contextualize data that already exists in recent surveys and projects.

As this project is significant in not only its ground-breaking nature, but also its size, an Advisory Team has been assembled to guide this initiative, so as to ensure its cohesive and clear production of valuable research projects. The Advisory Team has representation from various stakeholders groups including:

  • NIRSA Board of Directors
  • NIRSA Services Corporation
  • NIRSA Assembly
  • Research & Assessment Committee
  • The Recreational Sports Journal (RSJ) Editorial Board
  • Research faculty

Additionally, there will be a collaborative effort between the Advisory Team and the NIRSA Headquarters team, which will also be supplemented with assistance from external firms with specialized expertise.