Successful recreation is much more than simply enjoying the sunset ...

The course is team-taught by a deaf
woman who is a native signer and
departmental faculty member. “That says
a lot about our department’s faculty,” says
Arimond. “It shows their willingness to
step up and lead programs out of their
discipline.”
Students in the department also have
an opportunity to study and conduct
research throughout the region, along
with overseas. One class recently
conducted a recreational needs
assessment for the city of Tomah. Another
completed research in Italy during spring
break. Two undergraduates are
conducting bibliotherapy at Gundersen
Lutheran with hospitalized children.
Arimond says students graduating
from accredited programs have
advantages over those
with degrees from one
of the country’s other
approximately 3,000
non-accredited
programs. For example,
UW-L’s recreation
management majors can
take the national
certification exam after
graduation, while
students from nonaccredited
universities
must acquire two years
of professional work
experience before being
eligible. In addition,
national and state
awards have been
awarded to the
therapeutic recreation
program for its
outstanding
curriculum.
Cover Story
Graduate program popular, too
UW-L’s undergraduate recreation management and
therapeutic recreation programs aren’t the only ones catching
attention. The university’s graduate program in the
disciplines enrolls students from around the country and from
around world. In recent years, it has attracted students from
Japan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Tanzania and
Bulgaria.
Some return to their home countries to assume leadership
roles in recreation and recreation education, says Professor
Steven Simpson, director of the department’s graduate
programs. Others head to U.S. universities to pursue
doctorates.
This international appeal only adds to the appeal of
In 2002-03, 100 percent of recreation management graduates
and 97 percent of therapeutic recreation grads found a job in
their field of study within six months of commencement.
Graduate placement is high
The department’s curriculum, out-ofclass
experiences and its reputation have
added up for recent graduates. In 2002-03,
100 percent of recreation management
graduates and 97 percent of therapeutic
recreation grads found a job in their field
of study within six months of
commencement.
Employers are looking for those who
have some on-the-job experience — and
all graduates get experience through
required internships.
Therapeutic recreation students take part in extensive volunteer
opportunities that allow direct contact with clients in the La Crosse area.
“My colleagues are envious because our students are willing and ready to
do volunteer work in the community,” says Professor Nancy Navar.
Ron Grall, ’83 & ’85, says the UW-L
programs offer what employers seek.
“The department’s areas of study were
well rounded and a great introduction to
the ‘tools’ necessary to prepare you for
the job market,” notes Grall, director of
parks, recreation and forestry for the city
of Waukesha. “The required fieldwork
and internship experiences were
extremely beneficial and fostered practical
on-the-job work opportunities and
exposure to a network of professionals in
the field.”
With the country’s aging population
and more people looking for
recreational alternatives, future
job security looks good. In
Wisconsin alone, Arimond says
about 40 percent of those who
belong to the Wisconsin Park
and Recreation Association plan
to retire within the next six
years. “The graduates from our
department alone will not be
able to meet that demand,” he
notes.
The continued accreditation
and success of alumni from the
programs makes UW-L’s
recreation programs very
attractive to students
throughout the upper Midwest,
especially Minnesota, Illinois,
and Wisconsin, says Arimond.
Currently, there are 277
recreation management and
therapeutic recreation
undergraduate students and 25
graduate students.
Wisconsin residents. This fall, the first group of working
professionals will complete a four-year distance education
program that has allowed them to pursue a master’s degree
in recreation management while working full time in the
field.
Many of the students did significant graduate projects as
part of their studies, addressing recreational needs of their
communities. For example, their research included: a visitor
survey of tourists to La Crosse, a recreation needs assessment
of Korean students in the UW System, adventure programs
for youth-at-risk in La Crosse, and a comprehensive
management plan for Hixon Forest, La Crosse’s large urban
woodland.
UW-La Crosse Alumnus/Winter 2003-04 3