Department of Recreation Administration Cal Poly State University, San Luis Obispo

Contact Information:
Carolyn B. Shank, Chair Tel: (805) 756-2050
Fax: (805) 756-1402
Email: carolyn_shank@nrm.calpoly.edu

INSTRUCTIONAL ISSUES

A. Educational Goals

1. Intended Student Outcomes

Intended student outcomes or competencies are divided into the four general categories as identified in "Visionary Pragmatism." Within the general categories, competencies as identified in NRPA/AALR Accreditation competencies and specific course objectives are listed from general to specific which reflects how the curriculum is designed.

The well educated student in Recreation Administration must be equally competent in the four areas with less emphasis in the area of physical skill.

a. Cognitive Information and Skills

1. Understanding of the conceptual foundations of play, recreation and leisure for all populations and settings.
2. Understanding of the psychological, sociological, and physiological significance of play, recreation, and leisure from an historical perspective of all populations and settings.
3. Understanding of the technological, economic and political significance of play, recreation and leisure in contemporary society.
4. Understanding of the significance of play, recreation and leisure throughout the life cycle relative to the individualÕs attitudes, values, behaviors and resources.
5. Knowledge of the interrelationship between leisure behavior and the natural environment.
6. Understanding of the history and development of leisure services profession.
7. Understanding of contemporary professional issues and how they impact the delivery of leisure services.
8. Understanding of the concept of a profession and professional organization as related to leisure services.
9. Understanding of the importance of and resources for professional development.
10. Understanding of the roles and interrelationships of diverse leisure service delivery systems, including such specialties as the therapeutic recreation and the business enterprise systems.
11. Ability to facilitate the concept of leisure lifestyle of continued individual development and expression throughout the human life span.
12. Knowledge of the responsibility of the leisure services profession to make available opportunities for leisure experiences for all populations, including those with special needs and disabilities.
13. Understanding of and the ability to analyze programs, services, and resources in relationship to particular requirements.
14. Understanding of procedures and techniques for assessment of leisure needs.
15. Knowledge of the role and content of leisure programs and services.
16. Understanding of and the ability to use various leadership techniques and strategies to enhance the individualÕs experiences for all populations, including those with special needs.
17. Understanding of the concept and use of leisure resources to facilitate participant involvement.
18. Knowledge of marketing techniques and strategies.
19. Understanding of the concepts of organizational behavior, accountability, interpersonal relations, and decision-making strategies.
20. Knowledge of the legal foundations and responsibilities of leisure service agencies, and the legislative process and the impact of policy formation on leisure behaviors and service in all levels of government, community organizations, and business enterprise.
21. Understanding of legal concepts, including contracts, human rights, property, and torts, as applied to leisure service agencies.
22. Understanding of various techniques of financing, budgeting, and fiscal accountability.
23. Understanding of and ability to implement public relations and promotion strategies. 24. Understanding of and the ability to analyze programs, services, and resources in relationship to participation requirements.
25. Understanding of procedures ands techniques for assessment of leisure needs.
26. Ability to implement principles and procedures related to operation and care of resources, areas, and facilities.
27. Understanding of and ability to apply personal management techniques, including job analysis, recruitment, selection, training, motivation, and career development and evaluation of staff and volunteers.
28. Ability to formulate, plan for implementation, and evaluate extent to which goals and objectives for the leisure service and for groups and individuals within the service have been met.
29. Knowledge of the purpose, basic procedures and interpretation, and application of research and evaluation methodology related to leisure services.

b. Attitudes and Values

1. Development of a professional philosophy which professes the social, physical, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual values of leisure.
2. Appreciation of multicultural leisure perspectives and values.
3. Appreciation of leisureÕs role in society in cultivating cultural, social, economic and environmental values.
4. Development of an appreciation for the significance of recreation throughout the life cycle related to the individualÕs attitudes and values.
5. Development of an appreciation of the qualities needed to be an effective and efficient manager within a recreational agency.
6. Development of ethical principles and professionalism as applied to all professional practices, attitudes and behaviors in leisure services delivery.
7. Knowledge of the responsibility of the leisure services profession to make available opportunities for leisure experiences for all populations, including those with special needs and disabilities.

c. Performance, Procedural, and Physical Skills

1. Ability to use diverse community, institutional, natural, and human service resources to promote and enhance the leisure experience.
2. Ability to organize and conduct leisure programs and services in a variety of settings.
3. Knowledge of principles and procedures for designing leisure services, resources, areas, and facilities.
4. Ability to utilize computers for basic functions, including word processing, spread sheets, specialized programs related to leisure services.
5. Ability to apply computer and statistical techniques to assessment, planning and evaluation processes.
6. Ability to utilize effectively the tools of communication, including technical writing, speech, and multi-media techniques.

d. Appropriate and Effective Social Skills

1. Ability to promote, advocate, interpret, and articulate the concerns of leisure service systems for all populations and services.
2. Development of leadership skills for a variety of situations including diverse ability, age, cultural, social, economic, and ethnic groups.
3. Development of conflict management and collaboration skills for use in small group processes and face to face interaction.
4. Appreciation for the role of community advocate and service provider.