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Cutting Edge Changes for Recreation and Leisure Studies
New Department of Sport and Recreation Professions introduces two new majors this semester
University News | November 18, 2019
By Laynee H. Timlin
The Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies has changed its name to the Department of Sport and Recreation Professions and now offers students two new majors: Sport and Recreation Management and Recreation Therapy.
Professor of Sport and Recreation Professions and Chair of the Department Douglas Kennedy explained how the changes came about.
“As part of our ongoing accreditation by the Council on Accreditation for Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions, we annually assess progress toward meeting the needs of students, the profession and the public,” noted Kennedy. “Last year, we decided to pursue the creation of two new majors, Sport and Recreation Management and Recreation Therapy to replace the major in Recreation and Leisure Studies, and after a year-long process of creating those majors and gaining approval, the department was renamed to better reflect the new curricula.”
Kennedy noted that the creation of the new majors included input from all the department’s faculty, students and professionals. A lengthy proposal that included four-year plans for all students, transitional plans for current students, course proposal and modification forms, and faculty utilization plans was then created. The proposal received approval from the VWU Board of Trustees, administration and faculty.
“The major differences with our new curricula are that we are offering nationally accredited degrees in majors that are more specialized than before and better combine a liberal arts background with the information and experiences that employers demand,” explained Kennedy. “Students can now specialize in their chosen major while still completing junior and senior internships and utilizing coursework in research methods their last semester to assist in demonstrating the amazing contributions they can make to the profession and people they've served.”
He says that internship and employment opportunities for both the Recreation Therapy and Sport and Recreation Management majors are excellent and now that they are aligned under the Department of Sport and Recreation Professions, VWU is on the cutting edge of current practices worldwide.
“Most important to note is that while we have created two new majors and renamed the department we have stayed true to our liberal arts roots,” explains Kennedy. “We believe in a strong tie between theoretical knowledge and real-world experiences to demonstrate student ability. So, each major includes numerous service-learning experiences with local agencies and culminates in a semester-long full-time internship where students connect knowledge with practice before they enter the profession.”
In addition, Kennedy says that each major was created to allow students to graduate in three calendar years if they choose. By combining the regular semesters, January Term, and Summer Session, students can graduate within 36 months, if they wish.
Learn more about the D. Henry Watts School of Professional Studies, the Department of Sport and Recreation Professions and new majors Sport and Recreation Management and Recreation Therapy.