UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND U N I V E R S I T Y R EC R E AT I O N & W E L L N E S S
UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND
UNIVERSITY RECREATION & WELLNESS 2018 - 2019 Fiscal year 2019 was a year for University Recreation & Wellness (RecWell) to live its value of inclusion, a value that demonstrates appreciation for and value of the diversity of our students, staff, and participants. The department strives to open doors and create accessible and welcoming recreation environments where all can be active and live well. RecWell prides itself on being a place where everyone can see and be themselves. In FY19, the department was involved in the Move Your Way campaign, an effort based on a program developed by the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP) out of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The campaign strove to make physical activity guideline information easy to understand and accessible to everyone. Key messages of the campaign included understanding that all movement is good for your health; realizing that your movement is cumulative toward your wellness goals; and, by making a plan to stay active, everyone can be well. Part of being inclusive is listening to various perspectives. Throughout the year, RecWell staff have engaged in a number of listening activities focused on gathering diverse perceptions on issues in the department. These issues included professional staff perceptions of the departmental climate with regard to being a thriving workplace; how human resources processes are engaged to recruit and hire a diverse staff; and student staff perceptions of the departmental climate in terms of diversity and inclusion. These listening activities produced rich data to be incorporated into future planning in RecWell. Throughout this report, readers will encounter stories of students, RecWell staff, and patrons that demonstrate how the department has practiced inclusion by encouraging a broad spectrum of involvement in wellness activities. From the Adaptive Recreation Student Development Series sponsored by the Adventure Program, to the student staff member with a disability who lives his life as a role model by thriving regardless of perceived obstacles. From the veteran student who found a connection to wellness through whitewater kayaking in the adventure trips program, to the non-traditional group fitness patron who discovered the joy of fitness through group classes and is in the best shape of his life. Or the Technica hackathon, an event for women and non-binary participants organized by a student organization and supported by the department’s facilities staff. These stories and the myriad information regarding the department’s activities in FY19 underscore RecWell’s commitment to its value of inclusion.
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VALUES
MISSION
INTEGRITY
To e n r i c h t h e e d u c a t i o n a l ex p e r i e n c e a n d e n c o u r a g e p e r s o n a l g r ow t h by i n s p i r i n g t h e U n i ve r s i t y c o m m u n i t y t o b e a c t i ve a n d l i ve we l l .
I N N O VAT I O N EMPOWERMENT INCLUSION C O L L A B O R AT I O N S T E WA R D S H I P
WELLNESS DIMENSIONS
PHYSICAL
EMOTIONAL
SPIRITUAL
VOCATIONAL
SOCIAL
FINANCIAL
INTELLECTUAL
ENVIRONMENTAL 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
DEPARTMENT STRUCTURE + FUNCTION 6 9
STAFF STRUCTURE PHYSICAL PLANT
FY19 HIGHLIGHTS + KEY STATISTICS 10 - 14
SERVICES AND SUPPORT
10 10 12 12 13
Member Services Business Operations Information Technology Development Communications + Marketing
15 - 17
FACILITIES
18 - 29
PROGRAM UNITS
18 - 19 20 - 21 22 - 23 24 - 25 26 - 27 28 - 29
Aquatics + Community Golf Adventure Fitness Intramural Sports Club Sports
30 - 31
INFORMAL RECREATION
32 - 35
STUDENT EMPLOYMENT + DEVELOPMENT
ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN DIVISIONAL PRIORITY AREAS 36
ASSESSMENT + LEARNING OUTCOMES
37
THRIVING WORKPLACE
38
WORK-LIFE INTEGRATION
38
DIVERSITY + INCLUSION
39
SUSTAINABILITY
GOALS 40 - 41
PROGRESS TOWARD 2018 - 2019 GOALS
42 - 43
2019 - 2020 GOALS
AREAS OF CONCERN 44 - 45
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5
DEPARTMENT STRUCTURE + FUNCTION
STAFF STRUCTURE University Recreation & Wellness (RecWell) employed 47 professional staff members and 944 student employees in FY19. In addition to the staff directly managed by RecWell, the department contracts with the department of Residential Facilities for approximately 35 custodial and maintenance staff, including salary and benefits costs. RecWell is organized into four functional areas: business and aquatics, facilities, programs, golf course, and one cross-functional area of risk management and assessment. A leadership team consisting of the Director, Jay Gilchrist, five Associate Directors, and three senior Assistant Directors manages the department. •
Associate Director for Business, Brent Flynn, is responsible for managing the fiscal activity of the department including accounting, payroll, and purchasing as well as member services functions and information technology. The department reorganized the aquatics area and Brent is now responsible for aquatic programming and facility oversight. The day-to-day risk management functions formerly in aquatics have been moved to the Associate Director for Risk Management and Assessment.
•
Associate Director for Facilities, Andrea Bussler, oversees informal recreation in facilities on north and south campus, outdoor facilities, facility maintenance, scheduling of events in RecWell facilities, facility and equipment operations, and department sustainability initiatives.
•
Director for Golf Operations, Jeff Maynor, manages the University Golf Course, including course maintenance, community programming, coordination with Intercollegiate Athletics, and golf instruction.
•
Associate Director for Programs, Mary Kate Crawford, oversees three program areas: fitness programs and services, intramural sports, and club sports. In addition to programs, Mary Kate oversees the communications and marketing support function.
•
Associate Director for Risk Management and Assessment, Wallace Eddy, oversees the adventure program, the human resources and student development program, and department-wide risk management, assessment, and learning outcomes initiatives.
For a graphic representation of the department’s structure, see the organization chart on the right.
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JAY GILCHRIST DIRECTOR
BRENT FLYNN
ANDREA BUSSLER
Associate Director for Business + Aquatics
Associate Director for Facilities
VANIA MCBEAN
NATALIE TAYLOR
BRIANNE ROWH
DAVID FLUMBAUM
CHRIS TOPPING
MATTHEW CLAIR
LAWRENCE MOODY
Assistant Director for Information Technology
Assistant Director for Aquatics
Assistant Director for Member Services
Assistant Director for Facilities Projects + Operations
Assistant Director for ERC and Satellite Facilities
Assistant Director for Facility Reservations + Event Services
Facility Manager, Ritchie Coliseum
MIKE PHANEUF
RON WILLOUGHBY
IT Systems Administrator
Coordinator for Lifeguards
BRENDEN WILLIAMS
STEPHANIE DRAMINSKI
IT Systems Analyst
Coordinator for Aquatics Programs
JOE ZILKE
SHAWN DENNIS
JAMES CECIL
LAURA BENT
Coordinator for Business Services
Manager of Facilities Projects + Operations
Manager of Facilities + Retail Operations
Coordinator for Facility Reservations + Event Services
ANNETTE MCQUEEN Payroll Specialist
MYLES KELLY Manager of Sports Turf + Event Support
JOHN FELTS Manager of Pool Operations
MARY KATE CRAWFORD
WALLACE EDDY
Associate Director for Programs
Associate Director for Risk Management + Assessment
KURT KLIER
KATE MALONEY
JASON HESS
TAMI LEE
AMANDA PREPERATO
JORGE HERRERA
EARL CABELLON
Assistant Director for Club Sports + Camps
Assistant Director for Communications + Marketing
Assistant Director for Intramural Sports + Reckord Armory
Assistant Director for Fitness
Assistant Director for Adventure Program
Assistant Director for Risk Management
Assistant Director for Human Resources + Student Development
RAINER TANDAJU
HOPE LLANSÓ
MONTRELL CADE
KEVIN YANG
ALEX GEBHART
LUKE VERDI
Coordinator for Club Sports + Camps
Coordinator for Graphic Design + Creative Services
Coordinator for Intramural Sports + Camps
Coordinator for Fitness Staff
Coordinator for Bike Shop + Adventure Trips
Coordinator for Student Personnel
SARAH GRACE
MEGHAN LOUGHRY
Coordinator for Fitness Programs
Coordinator for Challenge Course + Climbing Wall
JEFF MAYNOR Director for Golf Operations
BRIAN DIX
GABRIELLA MILLER
Assistant Golf Professional
Coordinator for Junior Player Development + Memberships
TERRY PIPER
BRENDAN RAPP
Business Manager
Superintendent
HERMES BLANCO
BRANDON CADBURY
DALE RIEMER
Groundskeeper Lead
2nd Assistant Superintendent
Maintenance Mechanic
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DEPARTMENT STRUCTURE + FUNCTION
GOING PRO 16 staff members now work where it all began What do all of these professional staff have in common? They all started their recreation journey right here at UMD. This year, three new team members - Alex Gebhart ’10, Sarah Grace ’18, and Meghan Loughry ’17 - joined this growing group of professional staff who once worked for RecWell as student employees. Top row, left to right: David Flumbaum ’89, M.S. ’94, Brent Flynn ’89, M.S. ’92, Brianne Rowh ’05, Natalie Taylor ’07, Sarah Grace ’18, Meghan Loughry ’17 Bottom row, left to right: Luke Verdi ’18, James Cecil ’02, Jason Hess ’07, Rainer Tandaju ’16, Shawn Dennis ’07, Kevin Yang ’17, Alex Gebhart ’10, Ron Willoughby ’00 Not pictured: Mary Kate Crawford ’06, Joe Zilke ’04
Coming soon: Jorge Herrera ’14, Assistant Director for Risk Management
“As a student trip leader and bike shop mechanic, I developed my skills as a leader and my appreciation for providing new experiences to others. I have been looking for similar opportunities to provide transformative experiences in my work, and am excited to come full circle, helping to shape student experiences for both leaders and participants.”
— Alex Gebhart ’10 Coordinator for Bike Shop and Adventure Trips
“My experiences as a student employee across several departments - fitness, community programs, marketing, and membership - have given me the professional skills and tools I need to succeed in this role.”
— Sarah Grace ’18 Coordinator for Fitness Programs
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DEPARTMENT STRUCTURE + FUNCTION
PHYSICAL PLANT Excellent stewardship is critical to the operation of University Recreation & Wellness so that safe, clean, and inviting spaces are available for recreational activity at the University. The department is entrusted with 400,872 square feet of indoor recreation facility space as listed below:
EPPLEY RECREATION CENTER + OUTDOOR POOL - 258,000 SQ. FT.
RITCHIE COLISEUM - 51,000 SQ. FT.
UNIVERSITY GOLF COURSE BUILDINGS - 32,773 SQ. FT.
RECKORD ARMORY - 28,800 SQ. FT.
SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH BUILDING (SHARED) - 24,226 SQ. FT.
SEVERN FITNESS CENTER (SHARED) - 1,597 SQ. FT.
REGENTS DRIVE GARAGE STUDIOS - 1,794 SQ. FT.
The department manages 205 acres* of outdoor recreation space, including:
UNIVERSITY GOLF COURSE (UGC)
26
ACRES OF FAIRWAYS
6
ACRES OF GREENS
12
55
NATIVE AREA
ROUGH
ACRES OF
ACRES OF
BIKE SHOP + CLUB STUDIO (COLE FIELD HOUSE) - 2,682 SQ. FT.
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ACRES OF
TEE GROUNDS
70
ACRES OF FOREST
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University Golf Course (UGC)
•
Artificial Turf Fields
•
LaPlata Beach
•
Lawn space adjacent to the Outdoor Aquatic Center
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Turf volleyball court at Washington Quad
•
Engineering Fields
•
Fraternity Row Field
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Chapel Field
•
Leonardtown Park
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Eppley Tennis Courts
*The majority of acreage is at the UGC.
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FY19 HIGHLIGHTS + KEY STATISTICS
MEMBER SERVICES Member Services was responsible for over $2.3 million in goods and services through the point of sale system in FY19.
4,421
242
FOR FREE LIMITED-ACCESS MEMBERSHIPS (+13.6% FROM FY18)
16,885
4,189
NON-REGISTERED STUDENT MEMBERSHIPS
MEMBERSHIPS
GUEST PASSES
FACULTY/STAFF REGISTERED
(-5% FROM FY18)
RecWell continued its campaign to get more faculty/staff active by offering a free trial week in January 2019. 46 individuals took advantage of the program and 20 purchased memberships after. Since FY14, RecWell has partnered with the University of Maryland, Baltimore as part of the MPowering the State initiative, which allows students, faculty/staff, and alumni to share membership benefits, including access to facilities and selected programs. RecWell saw over 40 individuals take advantage of this partnership in FY19.
BUSINESS OPERATIONS Business Operations managed nearly $16.9 million in revenue and tracked close to that amount in expenses, including over $2.5 million in student employee wages.
ININREVENUE REVENUE
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$2.5
MILLION MILLION
MILLION MILLION
$$16.9 16.9
IN STUDENT STUDENT
EMPLOYEEWAGES WAGES EMPLOYEE
FROM THE FITNESS STUDIO TO THE BOWLING ALLEY RecWell membership helps James stay active and up his game James Newman, staff member at Mail Services, first met Tami Lee, Assistant Director for Fitness, while working out on the treadmills about a year ago. For six months, they joked about him taking one of Tami’s BodyPump classes … until one day he finally did. He’s
been attending BodyPump and BodyCombat classes regularly ever since and says he’s in the best shape of his life. Coworkers from different departments have gotten word of his participation in the noon classes and have expressed
interest in joining him - and joining RecWell because of the inclusiveness of the group fitness classes and the instructors’ ability to adapt the programs.
“RecWell is my space to work out and get my activity in. It helps me with my bowling game too because the movements we do in group fitness help improve my stamina.”
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FY19 HIGHLIGHTS + KEY STATISTICS
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Information Technology continued to support six servers, over 100 workstations and tablets in four facilities, and numerous applications for registration, point of sale, and program management.
HIGHLIGHTS •
Enhanced two conference rooms by adding teleconference capabilities
•
Implemented the Visix system for all RecWell digital marketing screens
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Worked with DIT to create a unified point of control for managing workstation security
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Eliminated 85% of custom programming, reducing storage and licensing fees as a result
DEVELOPMENT In its eighth year of Development work, RecWell raised funds through corporate partnerships including four Division of Student Affairs partnerships with the Landmark, The Varsity, Terrapin Row, and SECU. Additionally, the department received gifts from individuals through the Geary F. Eppley Enhancement Fund and Club Sports’ alumni and friends.
HIGHLIGHTS •
$100,000 in sponsorships, individual, and in-kind gifts
•
University-wide Giving Day on March 6, 2019 •
Club Sports won the top eight positions on the student organizations leaderboard and took nine of the top 10 positions
•
With the many competitive bonuses won, nearly $70,000 will be deposited into RecWell Club Sports accounts
Giving Day by the numbers
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CLUB SPORTS PARTICIPATED
(+9 FROM FY18)
$65,590 12
1,387
UNIQUE DONATIONS
(+60% FROM FY18)
TOTAL RAISED (+300% FROM FY18)
FY19 HIGHLIGHTS + KEY STATISTICS
COMMUNICATIONS + MARKETING MOVE YOUR WAY CAMPAIGN This year, RecWell promoted the Move Your Way campaign (MYW) developed by the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP) out of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. MYW translates the second edition of the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans into easy-to-use plain language materials that clearly communicate the amount and types of activity Americans need to be healthy. With the assistance and permission from the Strategic Communication and Public Affairs Advisor at ODPHP, campaign materials were adapted using original imagery and messaging relevant for University of Maryland students. The campaign was distilled into three key messages for students: Whatever gets you moving. Even things you have to do anyway and things that don’t feel like exercise count as activity. Anything that gets your heart beating faster counts. It all adds up. Every minute of physical activity counts. Short on time? Start with just five minutes. Make a plan. You can get more activity. Make it manageable and find a way that works for you by making a weekly plan. This campaign dovetailed with RecWell’s value of inclusion by encouraging everyone to find whatever it is they enjoy doing to be active and get the recommended amount of physical activity. It was also an excellent platform to showcase the wide variety of ways students can “move their way” with RecWell. The campaign launched the Monday after spring break and was promoted through the end of the semester (seven weeks).
#MoveYourWayUMD
recwell.umd.edu/moveyourway
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FY19 HIGHLIGHTS + KEY STATISTICS
CAMPUS OUTREACH In its fourth year, the Active Terp Outreach Team continued to be an integral part of RecWell’s marketing strategy to the student audience. The Active Terp Outreach Team represented the department at 40 outreach events in FY19. These events provide an opportunity to communicate about the programs and services RecWell offers with key campus audiences including new, current, and prospective students. An estimated 400 students participated in the variety of activities offered during RecWellcome (part of the department of Resident Life’s Fall Welcome lineup of events) including Sunset Yoga, rock climbing and s’mores, Golfzilla, log rolling, Bootcamp on the Beach, sand volleyball and Spikeball, and bike smoothies. 102 students participated in the Tag the Testudos event.
Tag the Testudos
M
WEBSITE
351,283 145,322 WEBSITE SESSIONS (+11% FROM FY18)
UNIQUE USERS
(+13% FROM FY18)
828,921 TOTAL PAGEVIEWS
NIRSA CREATIVE EXCELLENCE AWARD
>>>
SETTING THE STANDARD The redesign project of the RecWell website earned first place in the NIRSA Creative Excellence Awards program and was recognized at the annual conference this spring for its user-centered design and functionality on mobile devices. In the words of one judge, “Cleanest website in the competition in terms of consistency and quality content. Their commitment to highlighting diversity was evident and very well done.”
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FY19 HIGHLIGHTS + KEY STATISTICS
FACILITIES RecWell-managed indoor and outdoor facilities provide space for varied and unique programming, recreation, and wellness opportunities. Ten professional staff and about 200 student employees support RecWell facilities in their daily and long-term operational needs. Areas of emphasis include Sustainability, Facility Renewal & Enhancement Efforts, Maximizing Facilities, and Facility Reservations & Event Services. In FY19, the department was awarded and/ or received $314,925 in grants and rebates for sustainability and renewal efforts.
SUSTAINABILITY •
LED lights installed in ERC East Gym, West Gym and Weight Room (projected annual savings of 462,672 kWh)
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LED lights installed in ERC squash and racquetball courts (projected annual savings of 28,702 kWh)
•
LED lights installed at ERC tennis courts have saved 70% in kWh
FACILITY RENEWAL + ENHANCEMENT EFFORTS •
Opened eight new tennis courts outside ERC •
784 tennis racquet check-outs (+400% from FY18)
•
Expanded Functional Training Zone at Ritchie
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Repurposed the Ritchie Concessions area into the RecWell Training Room to support Concussion Management
•
Added a retaining wall to protect the LaPlata Beach turf and to provide seating. Turf and lighting replacement in progress
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Awarded $66,000 grant funding from Student Facilities Fund to support the expansion of a functional training space in the ERC and a cardio space in the Ritchie Mezzanine
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Worked with the department of Facilities Management to open the Severn Fitness Center as a satellite location for faculty/staff
•
Replaced original lockers in Ritchie men’s locker room
LED LIGHT INSTALLATION
MAXIMIZING FACILITIES To maximize facilities and provide a comprehensive Recreation & Wellness program, staff provided ideas to expand programming and enhance our facilities. Upcoming FY20 projects include: •
Converting the ERC Matted Room to add functional training space
•
Expanding the Ritchie Mezzanine to serve as a cardio area when the space isn’t needed for special events
SEVERN FITNESS CENTER
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FY19 HIGHLIGHTS + KEY STATISTICS Additional highlights related to maximizing facilities include: •
Repurposing of Ritchie student office to a conference room
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Repurposing an open area to expand functional training space in Ritchie
•
Repurposing of ERC safe room to an office and converting a small storage area to a safe room
•
Expanding badminton hours in the ERC East Gym while retaining one full basketball court •
•
Badminton participant numbers have increased and racquet/birdie use increased nearly three times former usage (3,727 racquets and 1,685 birdies)
Removing underutilized lockers in the ERC to create a casual meeting/study area
FACILITY RESERVATIONS + EVENT SERVICES
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•
Rental revenue increased, due in part to the Natatorium reopening after the FY18 Pool Pak replacement project
•
Decrease in number of unique rental groups, despite revenue increasing •
Increase in RecWell usage decreased available rental times
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Weather impacted and canceled many outdoor student organization events
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Increase in large-scale, multi-day events reduced availability of space for multiple smaller events
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Internal (RecWell) reservations increased by 955 bookings
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During Hurricane Florence, Ritchie was utilized as a department of Human Services shelter •
Ritchie hosted up to 24 evacuees throughout the 11 day shelter operation
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RecWell maintained normal operations and usage numbers in the lower level of Ritchie during shelter operations.
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Hosted eight commencement ceremonies in the Armory and Ritchie between December 2018 and May 2019, totaling over 20,000 guests
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Hosted the Technica hackathon in November 2018 and Terp Thon in March 2019 for the third consecutive year. These events drew over 1,500 guests each and require collaboration with Facilities Management, Dining Services, UMPD, Fire Marshals, and outside contractors.
FY16
FY17
FY18
FY19
REVENUE GENERATION
$777,996
$809,379
$689,886
$838,269 (+21.5% from FY18)
UNIQUE RENTAL GROUPS
248
226
216
173 (-20% from FY18)
A DIFFERENT KIND OF MARATHON Reckord Armory hosts world’s largest all-women and non-binary hackathon in the world Hackathons, creative marathons where creators come together to build new things, have a reputation for being primarily male-dominated, discouraging many women and other minority groups from participating. Technica, a student organization on a mission to tackle the lack of diversity in tech, is the world’s largest all-women and nonbinary hackathon in the world - which we were proud to host in our very own Reckord Armory for the 3rd year in a row. Faatemah Mallick and Shruti Das, Co-Executive Directors of Technica, describe Technica as a weekend full of learning, coding, creating, and contributing to the growth of women and minorities in tech. For 24 hours, 872 women and non-binary individuals gathered in the Armory to exercise their imagination and technical prowess to create interesting and innovative hacks. They say the large, open space of the Reckord Armory Gym offers a great collaborative environment where participants can meet other hackers and work together while the lecture halls in the basement allow the group to host educational workshops. As with most aging buildings across campus, one
limitation is the challenge of wheelchair accessibility. The group will be collaborating with RecWell this summer to investigate possible ways to improve accessibility for future events.
“We are so grateful to have such a strong working relationship with RecWell and are looking forward to hosting Technica 2019 at the Armory!” Mallick and Das describe Jason Hess, Assistant Director for Intramural Sports and the Reckord Armory, as instrumental in facilitating collaboration with fire department, police, EMT, risk management, and catering teams while Laura Bent, Coordinator for Facility Reservations and Event Services, made it easy to coordinate all the moving parts of an event of this scale.
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FY19 HIGHLIGHTS + KEY STATISTICS AQUATICS & COMMUNIT Y The Aquatics & Community Programs staff supports aquatic-related events, teaches most aquatic-related Kinesiology academic courses, audits the emergency preparedness skills of RecWell student staff, and serves members of the local community with community safety and Learn to Swim classes.
HIGHLIGHTS •
Assisted with installation of public access AED equipment through RecWell indoor facilities
•
Implemented selected recommendations from the summer 2017 aquatics & community program unit review, including: •
Centralizing student certification management
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Streamlining staffing within the department
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Establishing a more transparent and timely fee and billing structure for local swimming club, Machine Aquatics
•
Recognizing the importance of day-to-day risk management, moved function from aquatics to its own functional area
•
Received a Proud Top Training Provider Award from the American Red Cross for 2018
•
Installed a slide and a shade structure at the Outdoor Aquatic Center
•
Several staff members received professional certifications: •
John Felts - National Swimming Pool Foundation Advanced Service Technician
•
Ronald Willoughby - American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor Trainer
•
Stephanie Draminski - American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor Trainer
BY THE NUMBERS
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•
269 Learn to Swim classes offered (+15% from FY18)
•
354 children registered for Learn to Swim
•
660 community members participated in group classes
•
207 students worked as lifeguards, swim instructors, pool operators, and safety skills auditors
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887 people trained in American Red Cross CPR/First Aid
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~15,000 participants total (special events, Learn to Swim, Masters, community programs, and informal recreation)
ACCESS FOR ALL New RecWell Certification Scholarship expands opportunities for students The RecWell Certification Scholarship was developed to provide students from diverse backgrounds with equitable opportunity to obtain certifications necessary for particular jobs within the aquatics and fitness programs.
REPAIRS TO DIVE FOR
“Traditionally, functional areas within RecWell that require certifications for employment are not as diverse as other areas of the department in terms of student staff. Our hope is that this program will not only lead to a more diverse staff, but also inspire a more diverse group of participants who see others like them leading our programs,” says Kevin Yang, Coordinator for Fitness Staff. Yang led the effort to advocate for the creation of the RecWell Certification Scholarship, which received financial support from the RecWell Diversity & Inclusion Initiative Fund. Scholarships were awarded to three current RecWell staff this year, including Priya Chatterjee, who already exhibited dedication and leadership working as a head lifeguard, lifeguard instructor, and aquatic technician for our department.
“ RecWell has helped me grow so much as a leader over the years, and receiving a Diversity & Inclusion Certification Scholarship showed me RecWell cares that I continue to grow and advance as a leader in aquatics.” — Priya Chaterjee, recipient of a RecWell Certification Scholarship to become a Pool Operator No need to close the pool for maintenance work when you have John Felts, Manager of Pool Operations, making plaster repairs at the bottom of the pool in scuba gear with oversight from Joshua Dykman, Diving Safety Officer.
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FY19 HIGHLIGHTS + KEY STATISTICS GOLF COURSE In the first 11 months of FY19, 27,611 rounds (-6.8% from FY18) were played at the golf course. The poor weather conditions during those months likely account for the drop in the number of rounds played. However, campus participation increased and of those rounds, 2,698 were played by faculty/ staff (+3.7% from FY18) and 3,843 were played by students (+16.5% from FY18). In addition to supporting the daily operation of the course, staff supported many campus and community events throughout the year.
HIGHLIGHTS •
Received designation as a Groundwater Guardian Green Site. This recognizes the golf course for its groundwater stewardship
•
Continued the Monarchs in the Rough program by planting milkweed and wildflowers over a 0.75 acre area of the course
•
Partnered with First Tee of Greater Washington DC to become a host site •
Five sessions with 80 participants in the first 12 weeks of the 2019 season
BY THE NUMBERS
20
•
Hosted 27 University and community events and programs, including junior golf camps and tournaments; Special Olympics Drive, Chip and Putt; Maryland State High School Tournament
•
Hosted 19 University-related outings that raised money for scholarships, varsity sports, and more
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214 members, including 45 faculty/staff and 35 student members
•
50 Friends of the Golf Course, with 4 new members joining in FY19
•
Increased online events sales to $7,730 (+34% from FY18)
•
Increased interaction with campus community on social media outlets •
Instagram: 250 followers (+75% from FY18)
•
Facebook: 1,410 followers; 1,338 likes
FIRST TEE’S 9 CORE VALUES
GOOD GOLFERS, BETTER PEOPLE First Tee comes to the University of Maryland Golf Course A national program using the platform of golf to build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices, First Tee impacted the lives of 71 young people aged 7-15 in its inaugural year at the University of Maryland Golf Course. The nine core values of the program are incorporated into each lesson. Gabriella Miller, Coordinator for Junior Player Development and Memberships, says, “They’re not all going to play golf professionally and win tournaments when they grow up. They might not even continue to play golf at all as they grow older, even though we hope they do. But they will all walk away from the program knowing how to treat themselves, others, and their surroundings with respect and how to be responsible for themselves and their belongings. They will walk away from the program knowing that acting with integrity, displaying sportsmanship, and persevering through obstacles is more important than winning.”
HONESTY INTEGRITY SPORTSMANSHIP PERSEVERANCE RESPECT COURTESY RESPONSIBILITY CONFIDENCE JUDGEMENT
Zoe Torres, nine, and her dad, Shandon Torres, participate in First Tee together for some quality dad and daughter time. Recently moving from a rural town, they were excited by all the opportunities this area offers for kids to be active. Shandon says, “Coach Gabby and coach Mathew are amazing instructors. Zoe now golfs three to four times a week and loves it. I’m sure it’s because of the fun she has when she’s at First Tee.” For Zoe, First Tee has helped her make friends in her new home who also enjoy the game of golf.
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FY19 HIGHLIGHTS + KEY STATISTICS ADVENTURE The Adventure Program serves the adventure education and outdoor pursuit interests of the University community and offers benefits to students and others seeking to interact with and appreciate the natural world. The program offers opportunities for individuals who want to challenge themselves or connect with others through shared outdoor experiences. The adventure program includes the challenge course program, climbing wall, the trips program, the bike shop, and outdoor gear rentals.
HIGHLIGHTS •
Amanda Preperato, Assistant Director for Adventure Program, was awarded the Patsy Kott Service Award by the Association of Outdoor Recreation & Education (AORE). The award recognizes long-term professional work or service having a lasting impact on the association and its mission. This is Amanda’s third (of the four major) AORE award.
•
Despite the departure of two full-time staff, the Adventure Program continued to offer all its programs and services and maintained campus community participation.
•
Restructuring the Adventure Program led to a focus on consistency throughout all areas of the program. The implementation of staff trainings, self and peer evaluations, spot checks, and one-on-one check-ins with supervisors contributed to consistency and fostered a culture of feedback. End-of-semester celebrations and recognitions were extended to all areas of the Adventure Program and encouraged a spirit of community among staff.
BY THE NUMBERS 86 ADVENTURE TRIPS LED •
761 total trip participants
•
12,816 contact hours
132 CHALLENGE COURSE PROGRAMS •
87 UMD programs
•
45 community programs
5,600 CHALLENGE COURSE PARTICIPANTS •
2,116 UMD participants
•
2,258 community participants
•
796 TerpQuest participants
•
430 Terps After Dark and RecWellcome participants
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5,020 CLIMBING WALL VISITS •
1,545 unique users
5,134 BIKE SHOP VISITS (+8.9% FROM FY18) •
1,902 unique users
17 CLINICS OFFERED including Intro to Bike Maintenance, Intro to Backpacking, Intro to Backcountry Cooking, Kayak Roll, and Campfire Building •
72 total clinic participants
NAVIGATING RAPIDS + CIVILIAN LIFE Student veteran finds passion and purpose with the Adventure Program Getting involved with the Adventure Program was a transformative experience for Andres Garcia, Marine Corps veteran, senior Geospatial Information Science major, and Adventure Trip Leader, because it’s where he found his passion for whitewater kayaking and a community of other student veterans. He appreciates the sport for the adrenaline rush, something veterans sometimes seek in the transition back to civilian life, and its ability to connect people who wouldn’t have otherwise met. He joined a Facebook group to meet up with other local kayakers and can now be found out on local rivers several mornings a week all year long sometimes with his dog in tow.
Garcia has not only adopted paddling as part of his own wellness practice, but he excels as a teacher of the sport for others in the veteran community, helping them find connection and healing in the outdoors.
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FY19 HIGHLIGHTS + KEY STATISTICS FITNESS Fitness programs and services strive to improve physical, social, and emotional wellness through group fitness classes, small group training classes, personal training, and informal recreation in fitness centers, weight rooms, and functional training spaces.
HIGHLIGHTS •
Implemented a new electronic UID check-in system using existing participant management software (CSI) to improve the accuracy of attendance and demographic data.
•
Hosted 19 nationally-recognized fitness certifications in FY19, an increase of 27% (15) from FY18
•
Purchased 32 new cycle bikes for Regents Cycle Studio, Ritchie Fitness Center, SPH Fitness Center and the ERC Fitness Center allowing for enhanced technology in cycle classes
•
Purchased 20 new treadmills for the ERC and SPH Fitness Centers. Eight of the old treadmills were donated to the School for Public Health for research projects.
BY THE NUMBERS
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•
4,326 group fitness classes (+16% from FY18)
•
7,249 unique fitness class participants, 79% of them women, 43% people of color
•
$95,061 in personal training revenue, +24% from FY18
•
4,072 personal training sessions held, +47% from FY18 and +92% from FY17
•
291 unique personal training clients
•
792 faculty/staff members and graduate students participated in the summer and winter activity challenges (Wellness at Work)
•
251 student fitness program employees – group fitness instructors, personal trainers, and weight/fitness facility staff and supervisors
GAINS IN STRENGTH + CONFIDENCE Aidan and Amber learn and grow alongside each other When Aidan Marshall-Cort first came to college, he had no idea where to start when it came to working out at the gym. “At the time, my speech impediment was a large obstacle in my social life. I was scared to ask for help or work out with others in fear of being treated differently. Along with my progress in the gym came progress in my social life as well. I took on various challenges and obstacles to create opportunities to push myself outside my comfort zone and create a higher level of self-efficacy,” says Marshall-Cort of his experience developing confidence and a passion for fitness. Marshall-Cort eventually turned his passion into a job and became a certified personal trainer at RecWell where he found a kindred spirit in one of his first clients, Amber Owens. As a new student, Owens too felt intimidated by the gym. She says, “This lack of confidence was not exclusive to the gym. It showed up in other aspects of my life which held me back from doing the things I really wanted to do. However, through personal training, I gained a new sense of confidence that I never had before.” Together they have supported one another in and out of the weight room and formed a friendship where they both learn and grow from each other. The experience training with Marshall-Cort has also given Owens an outlet to relieve stress from classes and studying. She says, “I find that when I come back from my exercise, I feel ready to conquer my work and stay focused on my academic goals.”
“She reminded me a lot of myself starting out. Being able to witness Amber’s progress and ability to accomplish her goals has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my career as a personal trainer.” — Aidan Marshall-Cort, Certified Personal Trainer
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FY19 HIGHLIGHTS + KEY STATISTICS INTRAMURAL SPORTS The Intramural Sports program includes team and individual sport tournaments, Fun Friday events, and an extensive officials’ development program. Officiated by students, intramural games provide opportunities for learning the value of sportsmanship and teamwork while engaging in healthy activity.
HIGHLIGHTS •
Online waivers and removal/return to play protocol for concussions were seamlessly introduced in the spring semester.
•
Collaborated with Intercollegiate Athletics to host championship intramural games in the Xfinity Center and at Ludwig Field.
•
Offered goal ball, an adaptive sport designed for visuallyimpaired participants, in both semesters
•
Five UMD student officials traveled to officiate at national flag football and basketball tournaments, and 11 officiated at regional tournaments.
BY THE NUMBERS
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•
38 activities offered, up from 30 in FY18
•
3,249 games played of 3,768 scheduled – an 86% rate of play
•
7,873 unique participants – including a record number of women (2,199, 28%) and 38% participants of color
•
199 student officials, supervisors, and program assistants
MEET SADIE Senior woman leaving UMD as one of the winningest Intramural Sports participants of all time Participating on 58 different teams in 15 different sports, Sadie Lynch has played 215 intramural games and won a whopping 25 championships. She started out playing soccer her freshman year and says she feels fortunate to have had friends who already played and helped her find her way to intramural sports. Her advice to new students? “Don’t be afraid to get out there and play a sport you’ve never played before. I had never played organized football since it is not typically a sport available to girls in high school. Flag football being coed here made it accessible to me. It took some getting used to how the game was played, but it ended up being one of the most enjoyable sports I played here.” Recognizing that women’s intramural leagues often have lower participation than men or coed leagues, Lynch hopes more women start to discover intramurals.
“I made a lot of great friends through IM leagues that I will carry with me post-college.” — Sadie Lynch, Intramural Sports participant
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FY19 HIGHLIGHTS + KEY STATISTICS CLUB SPORTS The Club Sports program serves students interested in physical activity at both recreational and competitive levels. Students have the opportunity to continue participation in their favorite sports or try new ones. As student organizations, club sport teams offer opportunities for students to develop leadership skills, communication, and management skills with guidance and support from RecWell professional staff.
HIGHLIGHTS •
The program integrated IMLeagues roster management software to streamline participant tracking and concussion management within RecWell.
•
Officer Transition Training was further developed with a main focus on finances and governance. Professional staff moderated meetings with past presidents and the presidents-elect to review the transition of responsibility and governance.
BY THE NUMBERS •
47 club sports supported
•
3,999 club sport participants
•
36 of the 47 clubs held practices and meetings at seven different facilities across campus totaling over 6,700 hours of reserved practice/meeting space
•
302 trips (off-campus games or tournaments) equating to over 5,000 total travelers competing in 25 different states, including California, North Carolina, Colorado, Wisconsin, Massachusetts, Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Florida, and Michigan.
•
Six clubs were awarded Pepsi Grants totaling $9,749.58
•
$65,590 raised on Giving Day from 740 donors
302 TRIPS
(OFF-CAMPUS GAMES OR TOURNAMENTS)
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5,000
TRAVELING STUDENTS
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DIFFERENT STATES
HIGHLIGHT REEL Several club sport teams and individuals have had competitive success this year with 26 teams going to Nationals. Here are just a few highlights...
RUNNING 12 members of Club Running were named National Intercollegiate Running Club Association (NIRCA) AllAmericans. Rylan Fline and Shannon McMaster won the NIRCA National Championship in the 1500m run and the HalfMarathon, respectively. PAINTBALL Paintball is currently ranked #1 in the nation. They also finished 7th at National Collegiate Paintball Association National Championships in Kissimmee, FL, MARYLAND STUDENT OFFICIALS ASSOCIATION All-Tournament Official honors led to automatic bid to Nationals FIELD HOCKEY Finished in the Final Four at Nationals in both fall and spring seasons
WUSHU 3rd overall in their Collegiate Nationals with 15 gold medals, 4 silver medals, 6 bronze medals, and 3rd place for the groupset division MEN’S LACROSSE 2nd in the National Championships, they are now ranked 2nd in the league BASEBALL Both of Baseball’s competitive teams qualified for the World Series, one team raised over $10,000 to travel for their World Series in Pittsburg, Kansas WRESTLING Mason Brestle finished second in the country in his weight class CYCLING For the second time, Cycling, in conjunction with the City of College Park, hosted the Route One Rampage with over 400 riders and over 1,000 spectators.
CLUB OF THE YEAR >>> FIELD HOCKEY “This past year has been an extremely successful year for Club Field Hockey. Our success culminated at the end of both our fall and spring seasons when we placed in the final four at Nationals twice! Our team has never made it this far in previous seasons, so to have been able to achieve this twice in one year is a huge accomplishment.”
— Gillian Kramer, Co-President, Club Field Hockey
SPIRIT OF CLUB SPORTS AWARD KAYLEE TOTH PRESIDENT, WOMEN’S CLUB LACROSSE
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FY19 HIGHLIGHTS + KEY STATISTICS
INFORMAL RECREATION The informal recreation program serves the indoor and outdoor recreation and wellness needs of those wishing to engage in physical activity on their own or with friends at almost any time they choose. Facilities and equipment are available for students, members, and guests to play a variety of sports, get some exercise, or relieve stress. The department maintains facilities for informal activity in the Eppley Recreation Center, Reckord Armory, Ritchie Coliseum, The School of Public Health, and the following outdoor facilities: Chapel and Engineering Fields, Fraternity Row, LaPlata Beach, Leonardtown Park, the Outdoor Aquatic Center, the University Golf Course, and Washington Quad.
RECWELL USERS BY DEMOGRAPHICS RECWELL USERS (BY RACE) .10%
Native American
.07%
4.10%
.10 % % 4.75
Native American Unknown
.07
UMD STUDENTS (BY RACE)
4.10%
4.75 .11%%
Two or More % Two or More Native Hawaiian/ Native Hawaiian/ Pacific Islander Pacific Islander
8.15%
Hispanic
24.29% Asian
10.39% 8.15
African American % Hispanic
24.29% Asian 48.15 %
White
Unknown Native American
3.90%
.11 % % 5.67
Native American Unknown
3.90%
Two or More Two or More .06% % Native Hawaiian/ Native Hawaiian/ Pacific Islander Pacific Islander
.06
10.96%
10.39% African American
8.98%
African American
Hispanic
22.74%
Asian
48.15 %
White
8.98%
57.1% Male
42.9% Female
recwell Overall participants
66.98% Male
33.02% Female
52.4% Male
47.6% Female
umd students
22.74% 47.58% Asian
White
While this is the language and data used and reported by the University, RecWell recognizes gender is a complex social construct that exists on a continuum beyond the binary.
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Unknown
10.96% African American
Hispanic
STUDENT USERS BY GENDER Recwell Unique participants
5.67%
47.58%
White
FY19 HIGHLIGHTS + KEY STATISTICS BY THE NUMBERS
OPEN DAYS
353
IN FY19
88.16%
TOTAL ENTRANCES *
AVERAGING 2,460
868,490
ENTRANCES PER DAY
23,496
BY STUDENTS
53.1%
82.85%
16,885
OF ALL SPRING 2019
ENTRANCES WERE
DIFFERENT INDIVIDUALS ENTERED RECWELL FACILITIES
AT LEAST ONCE IN SPRING 2019
OF ALL STUDENTS VISITED A
RECWELL FACILITY IN SPRING 2019
GUEST PASSES SOLD IN FY19
OF THEM UNDERGRADUATES
*For indoor spaces and the Outdoor Aquatic Center. Entrance data is not available for Regents Garage and outdoor spaces.
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FY19 HIGHLIGHTS + KEY STATISTICS
STUDENT EMPLOYMENT + DEVELOPMENT RecWell relies on hundreds of student employees to help manage its various facilities and programs. As a result, significant staff time and energy are devoted to hiring, training, supervising and developing the students that serve in front-line customer service and operational support roles.
2,222 2,222763763 366 366 APPLICATIONS RECEIVEDINTERVIEWS INTERVIEWSNEW HIRES NEW HIRES APPLICATIONS RECEIVED
944 944
328328
STUDENT STUDENT EMPLOYEES
EMPLOYEES (+11% FROM FY18) (+11% FROM FY18)
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STUDENTS TRAINED + CERTIFIED
STUDENTS TRAINED + CERTIFIED IN BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS + IN BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS + ACTIVE THREAT RESPONSE ACTIVE THREAT RESPONSE
STUDENT EMPLOYEES SENT TO PROFESSIONAL CONFERENCES
NIRSA REGION 1 CONFERENCE
SOUTHEAST COLLEGIATE FITNESS EXPO
Portsmouth, NH
Greensboro, NC
• Sarah Grace (Group Fitness) • Natalia Ochman (North Campus Facilities) • Maeve McKinney (Intramural Sports)
• 15 Personal Trainers + Group Fitness Instructors
AORE ANNUAL CONFERENCE Snowbird, UT
NIRSA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
• Kathleen McTighe (Adventure Program)
Boston, MA
• Sabrina Zhou (Adventure Program) • Caitlin Curtis (Adventure Program) • Audrey Krimm (Adventure Program)
• Eleanor VanVranken (Club Sports, Facilities, Fitness, Community Programs) • Maeve McKinney (Intramural Sports) • Eric McCarty (Intramural Sports) • Daniel Mehmedovic (Club Sports) • Jairo Cruz (Club Sports)
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BUILDING SKILLS, ELIMINATING BARRIERS Student staff learn about adaptive recreation and disability etiquette This fall, student staff from across the department took part in an Adaptive Recreation Student Development Series to become better equipped with the knowledge and tools to assist people with disabilities in recreation. Staff members from intramural sports, aquatics, member services, and fitness came together to take part in educational sessions and practical sessions, working with youth from the Health Services for Children Pediatric Center and utilizing adaptive climbing and kayaking equipment. “This project supports RecWell’s
Not only a meaningful experience for student staff, the program also encourages youth who have disabilities to reimagine what types of recreation are available to them and maybe even find something they love doing. core values of inclusion, empowerment, and collaboration by enhancing student staff’s ability to provide adaptive recreation opportunities to underserved populations while engaging with the local community in a partnership with a children’s hospital,” says Amanda
Preperato, Assistant Director for Adventure Program and one of the instructors of the educational sessions. Not only a meaningful experience for student staff, the program also encourages youth who have disabilities to reimagine what types of recreation are available to them and maybe even find something they love doing. In fact, at the end of a kayaking session, one of the kids jumped into the diving well to boycott going home.
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FY19 HIGHLIGHTS + KEY STATISTICS
STUDENT EMPLOYEE AWARDS + SCHOLARSHIPS
RYAN JONES
Group Fitness Instructor
KEHOE-KESLER AWARD WINNER
Ryan helps eliminate barriers to wellness through meticulous planning and preparing modifications so that he can create an inclusive and judgement-free workout class for all.
NATALIA OCHMAN, who holds many positions within RecWell, received the Division of Student Affairs Outstanding Student Employee of the Year
ERIN KOPPEL Head Lifeguard
STUDENT EMPLOYEE SCHOLARSHIP WINNER
Through her continued efforts to be vocal and advocate for necessary change within her department, Erin has been a catalyst for positive reform to move the program forward.
FADUMA ADEN South Campus Facility Manager
STUDENT EMPLOYEE SCHOLARSHIP WINNER
Learn more about RecWell awards and scholarships online: recwell.umd.edu/ awards.
Because of her passion to operate in a highly inclusive space, Faduma has been able to serve as a resource for others by sharing her knowledge and experiences.
HIGHLIGHTS
2,222
APPLICATIONS RECEIVED
Implemented a student employee database, DSE Rec, to manage applications, employee information, shift scheduling, and certifications.
944
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STUDENT
EMPLOYEES (+11% FROM FY18)
763
INTERVIEWS
366 NEW HIRES
Increased number of first-year student employees (+28% from FY18), likely due STUDENTS TRAINED + CERTIFIED to an increased presence at the Summer IN BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS + Orientation Fair and by offering a first-year ACTIVE THREAT RESPONSE student-focused hiring session in August.
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DYNAMIC DUO Jessica & Ryan’s Zumba class creates community
“Phenomenal,” “a smile on every face,” “beyond talented,” “the dream team,” “the best class I’ve ever taken”-- all unsolicited feedback from participants who have emailed in to gush about how much they love the Wednesday 6:05pm Zumba class at the ERC taught by Jessica Pickett and Ryan Jones. Pickett recruited Jones to teach group fitness classes after he became a regular in her classes last spring. Fast forward one year and they’re known fondly among their fans as “the twins” thanks to the matching outfits they often wear while co-teaching. Over the course of the spring semester, 378 participants have lined up outside the fitness studio to move and groove to the pair’s upbeat choreography. They both believe fitness should be fun, so it’s not hard to see why they’ve amassed a loyal following. Sometimes bringing in disco lights and glow sticks, Pickett and Jones say they aim to make their classes feel like a party to give students a place to escape daily stressors.
“We’ve gained a social community working at RecWell and a best friend in one another. And we get paid to make people smile!”
3355
ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN DIVISIONAL PRIORITY AREAS
ASSESSMENT & LEARNING OUTCOMES In FY19, RecWell assessed the following: •
Student job performance through professional staff evaluations
•
Various satisfaction survey projects
•
Student staff perceptions of how the value of inclusion is practiced in the department
•
Professional staff perception projects: •
Department climate related to diversity & inclusion
•
Department’s HR processes, including searches, hiring, and on-boarding
•
Intercept survey in partnership with the School of Public Health and the U.S. Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion where data were collected on students’ wellness behaviors and their knowledge of recommended wellness practices
•
Practices in the department related to student program assistants to understand current climate and make recommendations for improvement
The department measured the following learning outcomes in FY19:
36
•
What graduating seniors reported learning as a result of their employment with the department (indirect measure)
•
Professional skills in managing unsporting behavior (content knowledge & application)
•
Ability to conduct peer staff evaluations
•
Technical skills needed to lead group fitness classes
ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN DIVISIONAL PRIORITY AREAS
THRIVING WORKPLACE RecWell built on the momentum from the favorable engagement data from the Gallup Thriving Workplace survey from previous years. The department prides itself on cultivating a positive work environment where professional staff have the opportunity to contribute to our mission of inspiring health and wellbeing to the University community. The RecWell Thriving Workplace committee continued to focus on three of Gallup’s Thriving Workplace indicators for engagement where there was room for improvement: •
Creating more opportunities to get together and get to know each other
•
Encouraging continued personal growth
•
Working to create an environment where frequent praise and recognition is the norm
In FY19, the committee made a conscious effort to host events where staff could socialize outside of the office. A total of 15 events were held with an overall participation of 312 attendees. RecWell is committed to providing opportunities to develop. Each semester RecWell dedicates monthly staff meetings to educational learning for our professional staff. The foundation for this year was centered on the “strengths” of the department. The educational arc began with an introduction to StrengthsQuest and each staff member took the assessment to learn their top five strengths. The next educational meeting focused on developing a personal brand that takes into account one’s strengths. The final aspect of the educational arc involved a discussion of “Deep and Wide Inclusion” led by staff from the Center for Leadership and Organizational Change (CLOC) with a focus on how the department could be more inclusive of diverse opinions and ideas. As a department that is committed to getting tasks completed, staff sometimes forget to pause, reflect, and recognize all of the great work colleagues do for the department and university. To help share the praise and recognition of our staff, colleagues utilized the staff bulletin board in the main office to share exceptional work, pictures, and messages with professional staff. The result created a visual representation of the amazing work professional staff has contributed this year.
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ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN DIVISIONAL PRIORITY AREAS
WORK-LIFE INTEGRATION University Recreation & Wellness continues to be a leader in following the practices recommended by the Division’s Work-Life Integration Initiative and has put in place a Well Workplace Committee in the department. Staff are updated on a regular basis about Work-Life opportunities available to them and most take advantage of flexible scheduling and opportunities for education and training. Senior staff in the department reviewed the department’s telework policy to be sure it was in compliance with both divisional and university policies and clarified policy requirements with staff. Although many staff members have teleworked with approval on occasion, six departmental employees telework on a regular basis. As of now, RecWell has no employees on an alternative work schedule.
DIVERSITY + INCLUSION In FY19, RecWell continued to take deliberate steps toward fostering a more inclusive campus environment. In addition to providing support to a diverse array of groups hosting events and attention to diversity in hiring practices, student and staff training focused on diversity and inclusion. The RecWell Diversity & Inclusion team exists to develop and implement new ways for RecWell to focus on diversity and inclusion. Some specific FY19 accomplishments in this priority area include:
38
•
Implementation of a RecWell Student Mentorship Program, focused on connecting students and professional staff who share similar social identities in order to support student employees considering a career in collegiate recreation through role modeling and career preparation.
•
Providing a full day of multicultural competency training for new full-time staff hired in the last year.
•
Continuing to offer Lunch & Learns and Coffee & Conversation sessions to provide opportunities for professional staff to enhance their multicultural competency and capacity. Topics this year included addressing specific needs of LGBTQ students, supporting working parents, and family concerns.
•
The department continued the RecWell Diversity Initiative Fund program to encourage innovative program ideas, facility enhancements, and projects that promote diversity and inclusion. Two grants were awarded in FY19 for (1) Calling All Terps, a student-led community building program that aims to encourage being active while reflecting on diversity, equity, and inclusion; and (2) a scholarship fund for students to obtain fitness or aquatic-related certifications necessary for employment.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN DIVISIONAL PRIORITY AREAS
SUSTAINABILITY
UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND
fund
RecWell is committed to an operation that includes daily sustainable practices and seeks to identify resources and innovative improvements for our facilities and programs. Decreases in material consumption through improved practices, use of technology to limit paper consumption, and strategic facility enhancements contribute to the department’s culture of sustainability.
•
Received $248,925 in sustainability related rebates, grants and outside funding
•
Reduced 581,712 kWh/year with FY19 LED projects
•
Initiated ProMossTM in ERC cooling towers and hot and cold water loops in coordination with DFM in June 2019. Campus to monitor the project for potential broad application to campus. (Grant funded)
•
Received the Platinum Green Office rating (first on campus along with Center for Young Children)
•
Procured an organic infill material (coconut and cork) as part of the summer 2019 LaPlata Beach artificial turf replacement project
•
Golf course expanded Monarchs in the Rough program and now certified as a Monarch Waystation and a certified butterfly habitat
•
Golf course became a Groundwater Guardian Green Site for groundwater stewardship
•
Replaced four original gas dryers with three more efficient gas dryers with dryness sensors that automatically stop when load is dry, thus preventing over-drying and reducing consumption
•
Donated used weight and fitness equipment to Severn Fitness Center and KNES research project
•
Transitioned numerous processes to electronic, further reducing department paper usage
GRANTING SUCCESS FOR THE PLANET RecWell was awarded a $24,000 grant from the University’s Sustainability Fund to install sphagnum moss in the ERC cooling towers, with an additional implementation into the building’s cold and hot water loops. This effort is projected to save water, reduce chemical usage, and extend the life of the equipment.
WHY GO GREEN WHEN YOU CAN GO PLATINUM? University Recreation & Wellness earned the Green Office Platinum Certification this spring, becoming one of the first departments on campus to achieve this new level of recognition from the Office of Sustainability’s Green Office program.
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GOALS
PROGRESS TOWARD 2018 - 2019 GOALS COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING FACILITY PROJECTS: Open the new tennis courts Accomplished. Eight new tennis courts near the ERC opened on August 27, 2018, in time for the start of the fall semester. In addition to opening the courts, RecWell launched a new online reservation process so members can quickly and easily reserve courts. Since opening, tennis racquet rentals increased four times former usage.
Convert the Ritchie Coliseum concessions area into an Athletic Training Services facility Accomplished. The Ritchie Concessions area was repurposed in fall 2018 and completed by the time of the soft roll out of the program in November 2018.
Expand functional training spaces in RecWell facilities Accomplished. In August 2018, the functional training area on the lower level of Ritchie Coliseum was expanded, doubling the size of available functional training space. Additionally, RecWell upgraded the flooring in the existing ERC Functional Training Studio. The ERC Matted Room will be converted to an additional functional training space in FY20.
Upgrade support spaces in Ritchie Coliseum Accomplished. As mentioned above, the Ritchie Concessions area and functional training area were converted and expanded, respectively. Additionally, the Ritchie Student Staff Office was converted into a conference room in fall 2018 to create a meeting space for daily operations and special events.
Implement office space modifications in the ERC Partially accomplished. In fall 2018, a large safe room was converted into an office, and a small storage area was converted into a safe room. Office space modifications will continue in FY20.
Complete procurement of new artificial turf for LaPlata Beach. Nearly accomplished. Turf replacement is projected to begin in summer 2019.
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RECWELL ATHLETIC TRAINING ROOM Implement and evaluate new concussion management protocol incorporating athletic trainers from the University of Maryland Medical Center, department of Orthopedics Accomplished. The program was in “soft roll out� due to a late start in November with some contracting issues with the School of Medicine, so there was less information to conduct a complete evaluation. However, the program was successful at this level of implementation and will be expanded in FY20.
Conduct a review of current human resources processes and create standardized processes where needed Nearly accomplished. Staff participated in an HR feedback listening session, and developed an executive summary of the responses with recommendations. Implementation of these recommendations will be completed in FY20.
Complete installation of public access AED equipment Accomplished. Public access AEDs were installed in all RecWell buildings in August 2018.
Increase the number of student and junior golf memberships by 20% Accomplished. FY19 saw 35 student members as compared to 16 in FY18 (+118%)
GOALS Research and evaluate Rec Management systems for use by department Partially accomplished. The department is currently evaluating systems and researching alternatives.
Expand the existing Monarchs in the Rough program by establishing a wildflower garden on the golf course Accomplished. A second area was added, almost doubling the space dedicated to attracting butterflies. As a result, the golf course was certified as a Monarch Waystation by Monarch Watch and a certified butterfly habitat by the North American Butterfly Association. Additional flowers were planted to attract and feed the imperiled Maryland state butterfly, the Baltimore Checkerspot.
Explore all possible avenues with the intent of finding a parking solution which will allow the department to continue with major swim meets during academic semesters Accomplished. A partnership with Metro was created to facilitate parking at the College Park Metro Station garage for events held during the spring semester. Investigation into additional options is ongoing.
Complete searches and on-boarding of eight new staff members and initiate a search for a new Associate Director for Aquatics Accomplished. Eight new staff members were hired and on-boarded. The Associate Director for Aquatics position was eliminated; instead, the Associate Director for Business assumed permanent responsibility for the aquatics unit.
Implement selected recommendations from the summer 2017 Aquatics & Community Programs unit review Accomplished. Implemented recommendations include but are not limited to: centralized student certification management through DSE Rec software, streamlined staffing and reporting structure, established transparent and timely billing structure for Machine Aquatics, and prioritized risk management within the department.
Complete usability testing and assess the need for upgrades to the RecWell website Accomplished. Feedback was collected from select user groups and a plan for improvements was developed. A refreshed homepage design addresses the need for clearer communication around alerts, facility hours, and changes to regularly scheduled programming.
Reduce the need for custom programming by 85%. This entails moving to the UM CAS method of authentication for several different online programs Accomplished. 85% of custom programming was eliminated, and the department moved to CAS authentication for program options. As a result, storage needs and licensing fees for custom programming were reduced significantly.
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GOALS
2019-2020 GOALS 1.
Complete current and continue to pursue grant-funded projects in an effort to be creative in funding of new projects in the department. Current funded projects include: •
Student Facilities Fund: ERC Matted Room Conversion to Functional Training Space
•
Student Facilities Fund: Expand Fitness Opportunities within Ritchie Coliseum Mezzanine
•
Student Sustainability Fund: Implementation of ProMossTM in ERC Cooling Towers & Hot/Cold Water Closed Loops
2. Develop a strategy to manage increase in minimum wage with anticipated significant effects on the student wage budget. 3. Create and test a disaster communication plan for IT operations in the department. 4. Initiate (and in some cases further develop) projects related to increasing sustainability (other than those listed in Goal #1 above): •
Replacing crumb rubber infill with organic infill (coconut and cork) as part of LaPlata Beach & Washington Quad volleyball turf project
•
Continue upgrades to LED lighting in various facilities (Ritchie, UGC)
•
Work with student groups to identify wildlife and improve wildlife habitat on the golf course
•
Increase the amount and variety of pollinator plantings on the golf course.
5. Expand the current athletic training program from club and intramural sports to serve RecWell informal recreation participants as well. 6. Complete the following facilities projects: •
LaPlata Beach Turf Replacement
•
ERC Matted Room Conversion to Functional Training Space
•
Expand Fitness Opportunities within Ritchie Coliseum Mezzanine
•
Installation of LED lighting at LaPlata Beach
•
Review & Modernization of Group Fitness Spaces (lighting, graphics, wall colors, etc.)
•
Completion of Office Renovations/Additions
•
Security additions and upgrades to indoor and outdoor facilities (cameras at tennis, OAC, Turf, ERC, Ritchie).
7. Review and revise Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) for consistency and accuracy.
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GOALS
8. Continue development of large-scale events with campus and external partners such as First Tee of Greater DC, Prince George’s County Youth Sports, the YMCA Long Course National Championship and hosting the 2019 International Swim League (ISL) USA Derby. 9. Complete IT enhancement in the department, to include: •
Implement event viewing system for our hospitality suite
•
Up-cycle our Smart Classroom technology
•
Institute on-site participant check-in via IMLeagues
•
Expand our paperless business processes in the HR and member services areas
10. Develop a set of learning outcomes that apply to student employees across the department. 11. Conduct a benchmark study regarding diversity and inclusion practices of peer institutions within the B1G. 12. By end of FY20, secure a campus/divisional commitment on direction of future facility development so the department can make appropriate decisions regarding the development of a south campus recreation facility and/or the addition of lighted artificial turf fields.
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AREAS OF CONCERN
Mentioned last year as a challenge, staff turnover (and anticipated turnover; see final concern) continues to be an area of concern. Staff turnover always presents the challenges of time for on-boarding, learning curve of position, and the loss of institutional memory. Although there are challenges, staff turnover also offers the opportunity for fresh ideas and approaches. A significant organizational change occurred in FY19. The Associate Director for Aquatics remained vacant for approximately nine months while a review of the aquatics area and personnel was undertaken. As a result of the review, the Director decided to reorganize the aquatics responsibilities under the leadership of the Associate Director for Business, Brent Flynn. The day-to-day risk management responsibilities in the aquatics portfolio were reorganized to fall under the purview of the Associate Director for Risk Management and Assessment, Wallace Eddy, with a new Assistant Director position being created. As well as these reorganization efforts, the department conducted 10 searches in FY19: •
Coordinator for Graphic Design & Creative Services
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Assistant Director for Fitness
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Coordinator for Aquatic Programs
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Coordinator for Bike Shop & Adventure Trips
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Coordinator for Challenge Course & Climbing Wall
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Coordinator for Intramural Sports & Camps
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Coordinator for Junior Player Development & Memberships (Golf Course)
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Coordinator for Fitness Programs
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Assistant Superintendent (Golf Course)
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Assistant Director for Risk Management
Another human resources concern is related to the student staff in the department. As the state moves toward the $15/hour rate for minimum wage (which also applies to student employees), the financial stress of this move will have a great impact on a department with 800-900 student employees. The department has been fortunate to stay ahead of minimum wage for our student employees, but this increase will make this practice difficult to continue. A strategy regarding fee increases versus service/program adjustment needs to be developed for managing this increase. Data breaches across the country and globe are a common occurrence and the department’s IT systems remain vulnerable and need constant vigilance. The Division of Information Technology continues to increase security measures and such increases involve department IT staff time and energy. With even more services being requested to be made available online, this security concern will be one the department must manage for the foreseeable future. A final challenge to note is an apparent lack of coordinated campus planning for the university. With a new Vice President for Student Affairs arriving in the coming months and a new University President within the next year, leadership for future planning remains a question. In addition, there appears to be an “every department for themselves” approach to space on campus, rather than an organized planning process aimed at maximizing space usage.
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UNIVERSITY RECREATION & WELLNESS ANNUAL REPORT 2018 - 2019
Live Well Active Terps
