University Recreation Moved Under the Division of Student Affairs; Further Supports Student Success

The process has been completed to move administrative responsibility for the department of University Recreation (UREC) from the College of Education and Health Professions to the Division of Student Affairs. The transition became official on Jan. 1, 2020.

After an external review of the strengths and challenges in departmental operations and organization, consultants recommended that University Recreation be moved to the Division of Student Affairs. This move continues to align and strengthen student success initiatives and programming.

"UREC is excited about the move to the division. Along with our colleagues in Student Affairs, we have a strong commitment to student success," said Jeremy Battjes, executive director of University Recreation. "Through collegiate recreation, programs, facilities and employment UARK students have the opportunity to strengthen their academics and persist to graduation."

University Recreation has collected data on freshman users for the last three years. The data has consistently shown a positive relationship between freshman student use of its recreational facilities and their success in academics and retention. Students who visited the facilities at least once had a higher cumulative GPA than students who never visited UREC facilities. The most recent data from 2018-2019 showed an 86 percent retention rate for freshmen who used UREC facilities; the retention rate of non-users was 73 percent. Retention demonstrates a sense of belonging, student satisfaction, and leads to better graduation rates.

"With UREC joining Student Affairs we will continue the expansion of existing programming related to Wellness as well as finding increased opportunities to collaborate across the division," said Asher Morgan, wellness specialist with the Pat Walker Health Center. "I think UREC joining Student Affairs provides a unique opportunity to showcase all of the services that they have to offer the campus regarding holistic health and wellness." 

The Division of Student Affairs is made of many departments on this campus from the Arkansas Union, Housing and Dining, to the Pat Walker Health Center, Student Conduct and Student Activities and so much more. Staff in the division help students succeed at every level and provide opportunities for learning about the 8 dimensions of wellness.

"A students' overall wellbeing is essential to academic success. Finding an outlet for physical activity not only helps the body, but stimulates the mind and contributes greatly to a holistic approach," said Chancellor Joe Steinmetz. "Our recreation facilities and programs are an outstanding resource and over the next few years, a significant renovation to the HPER building will allow for greater student participation and use of University Recreation to meet current and trending needs."

"Recreation centers are incredibly important in instilling a sense of belonging and campus culture among our students, and this move will allow us to better leverage our student support functions in ways that will deepen their engagement with campus," said Jim Coleman, provost and executive vice chancellor for academic affairs. "We will still preserve a strong connection between University Recreation and relevant academic units to ensure our programs maintain the same high quality of instruction."

The mission of University Recreation is to empower students for success through recreation and wellness. The department provides all U of A students access to the HPER building, the UREC Fitness Center located in the Arkansas Union, and the UREC Sports Complex. Benefits of having a membership include access to two fitness centers, UREC Outdoors, group fitness classes, intramural sports, climbing and bouldering walls, an Olympic-sized pool, an indoor track, locker and shower facilities, and informal recreation opportunities.

About the Division of Student Affairs: The Division of Student Affairs supports students in their pursuit of knowledge, earning a degree, finding meaningful careers, and connecting with the global community. We provide students housing, dining, wellness and health care resources, create innovative programs that educate and inspire, and offer inclusive support for a diverse student body. We enhance the University of Arkansas experience and help students succeed, one student at a time.