Grow with Leaders in Collegiate Recreation
NIRSA strives to be a trusted provider of timely, relevant, and accessible learning opportunities for collegiate recreation professionals. Through our ecosystem of programs, we offer numerous ways for individuals to learn and connect with Association colleagues.
Through NIRSA programs, a campus recreation professional can:
Develop competencies that support success in the field
- Plan for career growth and see what it takes to navigate the pathways to excellence
- Participate in networking opportunities that foster relationship-building and problem-solving
- Access timely resources to help negotiate challenges on the job
Avenues for Learning
NIRSA Learning is an online catalog that allows visitors to browse and access on-demand webinar recordings, resources, and publications. Visitors can also gain access to and register for upcoming programs that will help them stay informed about the Association while simultaneously learning and networking. NIRSA members receive significant discounts on these resources, so be sure to login to your NIRSA member profile to view personalized pricing.
In-Person and Online Events
NIRSA recognizes that collegiate recreation professionals learn extensively on the job. NIRSA’s educational programs support professionals along their career journeys by providing competency-based continuing education so they can apply new skills that relate to their current position in a meaningful way. Our competency framework serves as the foundation of NIRSA’s continuing professional development programs.
Join Us
We welcome members and non-members to participate in many of our learning programs; however, we encourage interested students and professionals to join NIRSA as a member to get maximum access to resources (including peer-to-peer shared resources) and discounted pricing. Join our dynamic group of members who strive to use collegiate recreation as a platform for supporting student success and wellbeing in their communities.
Explore the full range of member benefits and submit a membership application here.
Events & Professional Development
Join us for education opportunities that help you grow your career!
NIRSA strives to be the primary resource of continuing education for collegiate recreation professionals throughout their careers by offering competency-based, relevant, and accessible learning events and resources.
Our events will help you expand your professional network. Attendees leave our events with new skills and knowledge, fun memories, and new colleagues!
What We Offer
Signature education events-including an Annual Conference and Institutes
Regional education events
- Core Competency Framework to help guide your continuing education
- RCRSP Credential to help communicate your competency in the field
Signature Education Events
NIRSA offers a variety of Institutes and Schools to meet the needs of our members.
From the NIRSA Annual Conference and Campus Rec & Wellness Expo, to smaller institutes that focus on specific functional areas and topics, our signature events aim to offer relevant education and networking opportunities for you to grow your career in recreation and as a higher education professional.
NIRSA Annual Conference and Campus Rec & Wellness Expo
Please consider joining us at our biggest event each year!
Our annual conference features 130+ education sessions, preconference workshops, activities to explore the local area, and networking opportunities.
The Campus Rec & Wellness Expo is your all-access pass to the latest cutting-edge campus recreation products.
NIRSA 2020 — Phoenix, Arizona
NIRSA 2021 — Milwaukee, Wisconsin
NIRSA 2022 — Portland, Oregon
Recorded keynote sessions from NIRSA 2018 Annual Conference
Upcoming NIRSA Events
NIRSA Regional Events
Connect locally and keep travel time to a minimum when you attend learning opportunities in your area.
As a NIRSA Member, you have access to a network of regional members — including annual Regional Conferences, Student Lead Ons, and state/province workshops.
RCRSP Credential
Interested in earning a credential that demonstrates your competencies and commitment to continued learning and service to the field of campus rec? NIRSA offers a credential program, the Registry of Collegiate Recreational Sports Professionals (RCRSP).
Learn more about earning your RCRSP here.
Becoming a NIRSA CEU Provider
If you are an education provider and are interested in offering NIRSA CEUs, please contact Education@NIRSA.org for information about the requirements.
If you are a NIRSA member who is organizing a state/regional event, you can find resources here.
Continuing Education (CEUs)
Most NIRSA events will offer CEU opportunities for those looking to earn NIRSA CEUs to earn/renew their RCRSP credential.
For some events (depending on the education content) NIRSA is also a continuing education provider for other organizations. In the past, these organizations have included American Council on Exercise (ACE), The American Council on Sports Medicine (ACSM), and National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
To verify if an event will be providing CEUs, please check the event pages for more information about continuing education opportunities or email us at education@nirsa.org.
Join our team! Get Involved!
For NIRSA members, there are several ways to get involved in helping the association design and deliver high quality education events, products, and services.
Do you keep up with trends in higher education, campus recreation, student affairs, and related topics? If so, you’d be a great addition to any of the volunteer roles below.
For upcoming opportunities, check out Get Involved.
Serve on an event planning committee
Serve on the NIRSA School of Collegiate Recreation Faculty
Serve as a Registry Commission Member
Be a presenter
Be a proposal reviewer for Annual Conference or another event
Please share your ideas with us
What content would you like to see at NIRSA Education Events?
Are you a NIRSA member with a great idea for a featured speaker and/or topic at an upcoming event? Let us know!
Are you a professional speaker who believes you would be a great fit at one of our education events? Reach out to us!