College of Communication & Education

BS in Recreation, Hospitality, & Parks Management

Overview

The goal of the Department of Recreation and Parks Management is to prepare liberally educated individuals whose philosophical and practical approaches to the provision of recreation services and facilities are based on the latest methods and techniques. Students learn to be inquisitive and receptive to varying points of view, proficient in a broad spectrum of software and skilled in multiple modalities of communication and interpersonal relations. Graduates will have the ability to motivate and to help others enrich their lives through the constructive use of leisure.

Students develop appropriate professional capabilities and attitudes required for work in a variety of settings. They learn to advise customers and to organize, plan, budget, and manage both leisure services and recreation and park resources. The use of technology to enhance the provision of leisure services has become a distinguishing characteristic of graduates.

Mission

We educate society-ready graduates prepared to serve and lead in their diverse communities in the fields of recreation, hospitality, and parks management.

Vision

To cultivate our distinctive educational role in Northern California through robust undergraduate and graduate curricula with diverse faculty expertise and program offerings.

Goals & Objectives

1.0   We will continue to develop high-quality learning environments
            1.1       Maintain COAPRT accreditation
            1.2       Require a culminating internship in a professional setting
            1.3       Conduct an annual assessment of learning throughout the curriculum
            1.4       Offer opportunities for experiential student learning
            1.5       Create dedicated space for graduate students< br />             1.6       Create experience design lab for undergraduate students
            1.7       Investigate opportunities with campus master plan to create an interdisciplinary instructional laboratory space

2.0   We will continue to invest in faculty and staff development
            2.1       Obtain and fill at least two tenure-track faculty positions before 2020 (AY18-19; 19-20)
            2.2       Retain at least one tenure-track faculty in each option area
            2.3       Submit faculty achievements to college and university recognition venues including Inside Chico State and Inspired
            2.4       Obtain college and university resources to sustain faculty professional development
            2.5       Provide current desktop technology for faculty

3.0   Introduce students to ways in which technology is used within their specific disciplines
            3.1       Utilize e-portfolio in appropriate career-oriented courses
            3.2       Provide opportunities for students to utilize technology in student presentations
            3.3       Introduce appropriate technology for use in budget and financial applications

4.0   Establish and maintain partnerships and alliances within California, especially in the North State
            4.1       Conduct targeted outreach with high schools and community colleges in the CSU, Chico service area and other areas where CSU, Chico recruits students
            4.2       Establish relationships with California agencies by placing interns in a variety of California locations
            4.3       Regularly participate in CSU system-wide initiatives and events

5.0   We will generate external and internal funding opportunities to support faculty and students
            5.1       Secure student fee funding to support educational learning outcomes
            5.2       Generate additional department resources through strategic fundraising events
            5.3       Seek and secure external funding, through existing and new sources to support student learning
            5.4       Align instructional offerings with university funding model when appropriate

6.0   We will create environmentally literate citizens who embrace economic, social and environmental sustainability
            6.1       Introduce sustainability concepts across the curriculum
            6.2       Utilize sustainable event planning strategies at department events
            6.3       Utilize the parks and natural resources option to emphasize sustainability
            6.4       Share department’s sustainability success

7.0    Encourage student civic engagement in their communities
            7.1       Create opportunities for RHPM Learning by non-majors, National Public Lands, Ability First
           
            7.2       Investigate and discuss civic engagement in appropriate core courses
            7.3       Promote participation in non-profit organizations and events

8.0    Engage diverse communities in our classrooms, research, and experiential learning opportunities
            8.1       Partner with diverse student organizations to provide to programs and opportunities
            8.2       Encourage and emphasize research that incorporates diversity
            8.3       Ensure core curriculum includes study of diverse populations, needs, and experiences
            8.4       Promote community partnership opportunities that enable our students to serve diverse populations

Learning Outcomes

  1. Demonstrate the following entry-level knowledge: (a) nature and scope of the relevant park, recreation, tourism or related professions and their associated industries; (b) the techniques and processes used by professionals and workers in these industries; and (c) the foundation of the profession in history, science and philosophy.
  2. Demonstrate the ability to design, implement, and evaluate services that facilitate targeted human experiences and that embrace personal and cultural dimensions of diversity.
  3. Demonstrate entry-level knowledge about operations and strategic management/administration in parks, recreation, tourism and/or related professions.
  4. Demonstrate, through a comprehensive internship of not less than 400 clock hours and no fewer than 10 weeks, the potential to succeed as professionals at supervisory or higher levels in park, recreation, tourism, or related organizations.