Michaela Richman
University of Nevada Las Vegas

Please provide a statement of your personal views on the role and contributions of collegiate recreation in higher education. In your response, describe how collegiate recreation has influenced your development.

Campus recreation would be nothing without their students. The students that participate, the students that work in the department, and the students that make a lasting impact. As a professional gets further away from their time as a student and takes on more responsibility, there are times that they can forget what it was like to be a student worker or participant. This role helps bridge the gap and help remind professional staff members of the student perspective. Campus recreation gave me the opportunity to speak up for what I believe and stand up for others that don’t have the power to. My time in campus recreation instilled in me that the ultimate goal in higher education is “for students, by the students”. I have carried that belief throughout my time in higher ed and know how that isn’t always the case in other departments outside of campus recreation. Other higher education departments can look to campus recreation as a guide to put student’s needs first and to ask them directly what they need rather than assuming.

Within the context of the NIRSA Strategic Plan, what area/item would you say is a major issue students face today? How would you address this issue during your term?

The issue students face today is the struggle to make more campuses equitable and put diversity and inclusion first. As stated in the plan, NIRSA has a rich history. Higher education, however, has a complicated history of exclusion, prestige, and whiteness. I believe that this struggle affects the other parts of the plan that NIRSA strives for. It is impossible to have a holistic approach on wellness without acknowledging the discrimination against minoritized students. We cannot have a safe place of education and networking without acknowledging the bias that is involved in those spaces against minoritized students. Racism, sexism, classism, and other forms of discrimination are embedded in our structures and require constant questioning. In my term, all of my planning and education will be through an equitable lens. I will continue to not only educate the people around me but continue the education within myself. I am not immune to bias and it is just as important to work on my own idea of diversity, equity and inclusion.

Describe your contributions to NIRSA (i.e. presentations, volunteering, previous leadership roles, etc.) and identify how your involvement and experiences qualify you to advocate for and serve the students of the Association.

I was on the All Tournament team for WIRSA basketball tournament in 2022. This was integral to my continuation in campus recreation, mainly in the intramural and sport club department. The team worked together to collect stats, ensure the tournament was running in a timely manner, and find players that stood out. My experience in that tournament combined with my years working with intramurals and sport clubs gives me the best position to serve the students. I have the ability to communicate in the moment about what their needs are, and I am able to encourage them to advocate for themselves. I have done a great job on creating a safe and engaging space in order for students to feel comfortable to come to me with their needs.

The Student Leadership Team focuses on student development and Student Member recruitment and retention. What skills, talents, and perspectives would you bring to the Student Leadership Team that would contribute to this focus?

Student development is a key part in campus recreation. I bring many things to the table in order to achieve those goals. First, my perspective on students first is important. I believe that students will grow if we give them the opportunity to bring their talents and skills to the table. Additionally, I have developed the ability to engage. Through the years of leading training, meetings, and workshops I have figured out how to keep students on task and leave the space with learning at least one thing. Lastly, I am able to continue to create a fun environment. Campus recreation is such a unique department that allows students and professionals alike to have fun and entertainment in their profession. I bring that energy and entertainment to almost everything I do. It helps students remember that work and life can include some fun.

Describe your leadership style. How will it benefit you and the rest of the Student Leadership Team?

My leadership style has two philosophies. One, leading by example. I believe that a leader has to exemplify what they need through their actions. The genuineness and authenticity that comes with this style invites people of differing perspectives on the team and helps eliminate unnecessary hierarchy. Two, adapting leadership. Every person learns differently and has a different perspective. It is important to listen to other’s needs and adapt your style with them. It helps the students and the leader has the opportunity to continue learning as well.

As a member of the Student Leadership Team, you have the opportunity to leave a lasting impact on the field of collegiate recreation. However, we acknowledge and respect that you are a student first. Explain your strategies for maintaining a healthy balance between your various roles (student, volunteer, athlete, employee, etc.).

The beauty of being a student worker is learning that balance, whether someone wants to or not. I have learned that honest communication is an important factor. My balance relies on me talking to my supervisor about the responsibilities I have outside of work and how that will affect my time. In addition, planning ahead of time is important. There are some responsibilities that are not flexible so working ahead of time or planning around it helps manage. Lastly, scheduling time for myself. It is vital for me to succeed as a student, my basic needs and wellbeing has to be met. I acknowledge that I have a tendency to forgo my wellbeing so I have scheduled it in my week to ensure that I make time for myself.