Recreation and Sport Management (RESM)

The program in recreation and sport management is designed to prepare candidates for a variety of career opportunities in the field of recreation and sport management. Students with an interest in recreation tend to have goals related to careers in public, private and commercial recreation in a variety of settings (e.g., community, university, state and national parks, and non-profit organizations), while students with an interest in sport tend to have goals related to careers in professional sport, collegiate sport, amateur sport, event management and sport agencies. Graduates of this program should be well prepared to enter the recreation and sport workforce at an entry level position or pursue graduate studies in such areas as recreation management and sport management.

An undergraduate major in Recreation and Sport Management leads to the Bachelor of Science degree. The minimum requirements for all students in the college are listed under general studies.

Courses

RESM 10203. Foundations of Outdoor Leadership. 3 Hours.

An introduction to the philosophy and history of outdoor recreation and an examination of the theories, principles, and practices of leading others outdoors. Focus is on an introduction to outdoor technical, power, and meta-skills needed to effectively lead adventure-based programs. Emphasis is placed on communication skills, group dynamics, flexible leadership styles, problem solving, basic facilitation techniques, professionalism, and decision-making. Field visits are required in this course. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer)

RESM 10302. Outdoor Living Skills. 2 Hours.

Classroom study leading to one overnight (weekend) trip to develop personal experience in outdoor recreational activities. Topics include low impact practices, meal planning, risk management, route and description plans, equipment selection, use, maintenance, clothing systems, shelters, weather, and more. An overnight outing is required in this course. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

RESM 10401. Social Issues in the Outdoor Industry. 1 Hour.

Every participant in outdoor sports - be it a recreational or a competitive environment - is affected by social issues. Building a nuanced and comprehensive understanding of these issues empowers future outdoor industry professionals to address the issues in holistic ways. This course will provide an overview of a variety of topics including but not limited to patriarchy, white supremacy, heteronormativity, fatphobia, Indigenous erasure, climate advocacy, physical and neuro disabilities, tokenism, and much more. We will also learn how to stop perpetuating the harmful cycles in the outdoor industry that many of these oppressive systems create. Prerequisite: Students must have instructor consent and/or be enrolled in the Outdoor Leadership minor (ODLR). (Typically offered: Irregular)

RESM 10501. Rock Climbing I. 1 Hour.

This course will acquaint students with the principles and practices of indoor rock climbing, rock climbing equipment, climbing systems, physics of rock climbing, climbing movement, belaying, and different approaches to rock climbing. The course will enable students to increase muscular strength, endurance, and flexibility of the body through rock climbing as a fitness activity. This course will include the Professional Climbing Instructors Association Climb Site Belayer Certification. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

RESM 10601. Rock Climbing II. 1 Hour.

Designed to acquaint students with intermediate to advanced climbing movement and techniques. Emphasis is placed on advanced understanding of climbing wall equipment, inspection, and maintenance, climbing anchors, climbing rescue, lead climbing, risk management, and an introduction to climbing outdoors. Prerequisite: RESM 10501 or possess the following: currently belay assessed using an ATC and Grigri belay devices at the UREC Outdoors climbing wall on campus, comfortable climbing top-rope (5.8 grade) and have been climbing frequently 4-6 months before the course begins. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

RESM 10701. Introduction to Mountain Biking. 1 Hour.

This course will deliver the basic skills and resources necessary for students to develop confidence in pursuing mountain biking. Topics will include technique and handling, basic maintenance, equipment, and resources for exploring the many mountain bike trails in Northwest Arkansas. Prerequisite: ODLR-M student or instructor consent. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

RESM 10801. Mountain Biking II. 1 Hour.

This course will deliver the intermediate to advanced skills and resources necessary for students to develop confidence in pursuing mountain biking. Topics will include progressive techniques and handling, advanced maintenance, and an exploration of a variety of trail types (e.g. XC, downhill, skills development, etc.) in Northwest Arkansas. Prerequisite: ODLR-M student or instructor consent. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

RESM 10901. Introduction to Bike Mechanics. 1 Hour.

This course will deliver basic skills and resources necessary for students to develop maintenance and repairs on bikes. Designed to progress through all the parts of the bike and conceptualize topics taught in class. Topics include drivetrain repair and maintenance, brake repair and maintenance, headset and hub adjustments, and flat tire repair. Prerequisite: Instructor consent and/or be enrolled in the Outdoor Leadership minor (ODLR). (Typically offered: Irregular)

RESM 11001. Wilderness First Aid. 1 Hour.

This course is the industry standard for wilderness medicine certifications for outdoor guides and leaders traveling for day trips or short adventures. Certification is dependent on testing and performance and participation in the course. Through this course, students will leader how to assess, treat, prioritize illnesses and injuries in remote settings. Active engagement is required as students will participate in skills labs and simulations. Students will receive certifications from Wilderness Medicine Training Center (WMTC) for a Wilderness First Aid, Wilderness CPR, and Epinephrine. Prerequisite: ODLR-M student or instructor consent. (Typically offered: Irregular)

RESM 11201. Soft Surface Trail Stewardship and Management. 1 Hour.

This course will deliver basic skills and resources necessary for students to learn trail design history, building techniques, maintenance, and sustainability. Topics include user access, tool usage, stonework, vegetative abatement, drainage and more. Prerequisite: ODLR-M student or instructor consent. (Typically offered: Fall)

RESM 11301. Introduction to Bikepacking. 1 Hour.

This course is for students interested in an introduction to bikepacking, exploring the experiences available for both mountain bike and gravel/rural road touring with a focus on the Ozarks Mountains. The course is designed to (1) teach students the introductory skills needed to successfully plan a route for a multiday bikepacking trip while (2) developing the basic understanding of bikepacking through a self-supported but instructor led two days, one night group bikepacking trip. Prerequisite: RESM 10701 or instructor consent. (Typically offered: Fall)

RESM 11401. Climbing Wall Instructor. 1 Hour.

Designed to acquaint students with intermediate to advanced climbing movement and techniques. Emphasis is placed on advanced understanding of climbing wall equipment, inspection, and maintenance, climbing instructional techniques, assisted braking belay devices, climbing rescue, supervision, and risk management. This course may include the Professional Climbing Instructors Association Climbing Wall Instructor Certification. Prerequisite: ODLR-M student or (instructor consent and RESM 10601) or possess the following: competent top-rope belayer using aperture and assisted breaking devices, comfortable climbing top-rope (5.8 grade), have been climbing frequently in the past 4-6 months, and has experience teaching others basic climbing movement, knots, belay technique, etc. (Typically offered: Irregular)

RESM 11501. Kayaking I. 1 Hour.

This course will acquaint students with the principles and practices of kayaking as a recreational activity. The course will provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to safely operate a variety of kayak types with an emphasis on equipment, strokes, maneuvers, safety, and rescue. Field trip required. Prerequisite: ODLR-M student or instructor consent. (Typically offered: Irregular)

RESM 11601. Canoeing I. 1 Hour.

This course will acquaint students with the principles and practices of canoeing as a recreational activity. The course will provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to safely operate a canoe with an emphasis on equipment, strokes, maneuvers, safety, and rescue. Field trip required. Prerequisite: ODLR-M student or instructor consent. (Typically offered: Irregular)

RESM 11701. Caving I. 1 Hour.

An introduction to caving techniques and the science of caves. The course covers basic caving equipment, safety, and cave conservation. Cave science (speleology) is covered at an introductory level across a range of disciplines. Field trips required. (Typically offered: Irregular)

RESM 11801. Caving II. 1 Hour.

This course will train students in the fundamentals of vertical caving techniques, including basic rigging, rappelling, ascending, changeovers, and obstacle passing. The course includes on-campus instruction in single-rope technique followed by a field trip where students will apply vertical caving techniques on a series of caving trips. Field trips required. Prerequisite: RESM 11701. (Typically offered: Irregular)

RESM 11903. Wilderness First Responder. 3 Hours.

The Wilderness First Responder course is designed for outdoor professionals, those who take multi-day or longer personal trips, those who take part in high-risk activities (rock climbing, whitewater paddling, mountaineering, multi-week expeditions of all kinds, etc.), and those who simply want to know more about wilderness medicine. Certification as a Wilderness First Responder is the industry standard for outdoor instructors and guides. Active engagement is required as students will participate in skills labs and simulations. Students will receive certifications from Wilderness Medicine Training Center (WMTC) for a Wilderness First Responder, Wilderness CPR, and Epinephrine. Prerequisite: ODLR-M student or instructor consent. (Typically offered: Irregular)

RESM 20003. Professional Foundations of Recreation and Sport Management. 3 Hours.

Introduction to basic personal and professional development skills needed to pursue professional careers in the recreation and sport industry. Topics include communication, networking, Microsoft Office applications, problem solving, research methods, diversity, ethics, and strategies to explore practical experiences. Prerequisite: RESM major or instructor consent. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

RESM 20101. Recreation and Sport Management Practicum. 1 Hour.

Students are assigned to assist in recreation and sport programs for exposure to organizational structure, services, and programming. Students may take 1-2 hours per semester; each credit hour is a 45-hour experience. Students must complete 2 different experiences before internship. May be repeated for up to 2 hours of degree credit. Prerequisite: RESMBS Major and RESM 20003. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer) May be repeated for up to 2 hours of degree credit.

RESM 20203. Recreation and Sport Management Fundamentals. 3 Hours.

Introduction to the historical and philosophical development of recreation and sport. Students also explore current issues facing recreation and sport organizations. A description of career opportunities in recreation and sport will be presented with special interest in helping the student design a course of study that best meets his/her goals. Prerequisite: RESMBS major or instructor consent. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer)

RESM 28103. Recreation and Sport Leadership. 3 Hours.

Development of knowledge related to leadership theory, group dynamics, and face to face leadership techniques. Students gain an understanding of leadership theories as they are applied in a field setting. Pre- or Corequisite: SPCH 10003. Prerequisite: RESM 20003 or RESM 20203 with a grade of C or better. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

RESM 28503. Leisure and Society. 3 Hours.

This course is an examination of leisure and its effect on society. Course content includes identification and exploration of motivating factors related to various traditional and contemporary leisure expressions as it occurs across diverse populations. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer)

RESM 285H3. Honors Leisure and Society. 3 Hours.

This course is an examination of leisure and its effect on society. Course content includes identification and exploration of motivating factors related to various traditional and contemporary leisure expressions as it occurs across diverse populations. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)
This course is equivalent to RESM 28503.

RESM 30203. Sport Management Fundamentals. 3 Hours.

This course is designed to present an overview of the fundamentals of sport management in professional and intercollegiate sport, as well as issues facing sport organizations and how management techniques can be applied to solve sport business problems. A description of career opportunities in sport will be presented with special interest in helping the student design a course of study that best meets his/her goals. Prerequisite: RESM 20003 with a grade of C or better. (Typically offered: Fall)

RESM 30403. Natural Resources and Outdoor Ethics. 3 Hours.

An examination of the use and management of natural resources for outdoor recreation with consideration of multiple use, environmental ethics, risk management, and other current topics. An overnight outing is required in this course. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

RESM 30603. Commercial Recreation and Sport. 3 Hours.

Examination of the commercial recreation and sport industries. The operational requirement of a wide range of recreation businesses will be studied. Case study and field investigation methods will be emphasized. Prerequisite: RESM 20003 or RESM 20203 with a grade of C or better. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

RESM 30703. Managing College Athletics. 3 Hours.

This course examines modern college athletics and the issues facing today's college athletics administrators. To appropriately do so, the course looks at the history of college athletics and accompanying issues. Further, the class will identify and discuss various constituencies of an athletics department as well as the various units within an athletics department. The class will examine the makeup of the NCAA and its operations as well as issues facing it. Prerequisite: RESM 20003 or RESM 20203 both with a C or better. (Typically offered: Fall)

RESM 30803. Research in Recreation and Sport. 3 Hours.

An introduction to the applied methods and techniques of research and evaluation in recreation and sport services. General consideration given to research applications such as needs assessment, program evaluation, and marketing studies. Emphasis placed on the logic underlying the research process. Prerequisite: Junior standing and RESM 20003 or RESM 20203 both with a grade of C or better. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

RESM 308H3. Honors Research in Recreation and Sport. 3 Hours.

An introduction to the applied methods and techniques of research and evaluation in recreation and sport services. General consideration given to research applications such as needs assessment, program evaluation, and marketing studies. Emphasis placed on the logic underlying the research process. Prerequisite: Honors candidacy and RESM 20003 or RESM 20203 both with a grade of C or better. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)
This course is equivalent to RESM 30803.

RESM 30903. Diversity and Inclusion in Recreation and Sport Management. 3 Hours.

An introduction to the basic concepts of inclusive and special recreation and sport services integrated with knowledge and skill sets required to provide accessible recreation and leisure programming for people with disabilities. Prerequisite: RESM 20003 with a grade of C or better. (Typically offered: Spring)

RESM 38303. Program Planning in Recreation and Sport. 3 Hours.

Development of the fundamentals of program planning using modern techniques of identifying and analyzing program activity areas and community needs. Includes program development and application with a variety of population groups and representative leisure service areas. Prerequisite: RESM 20003 or RESM 20203 with a grade of C or better. (Typically offered: Spring)

RESM 38403. Recreation and Sport Facilities and Event Management. 3 Hours.

Exploration of issues facing facility and event managers through class discussion and site visits. Topics include event conceptualization, bidding, budgeting, sponsorship, marketing, media relation, promotion, staffing, and event day management. Students will also tour recreation and sport facilities. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

RESM 384H3. Honors Recreation and Sport Facilities and Event Management. 3 Hours.

Exploration of issues facing facility and event managers through class discussion and site visits. Topics include event conceptualization, bidding, budgeting, sponsorship, marketing, media relation, promotion, staffing, and event day management. Students will also tour recreation and sport facilities. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)
This course is equivalent to RESM 38403.

RESM 38603. Recreation & Sport Revenue Generation. 3 Hours.

Exploration of the fundamentals and current issues related to sales and corporate partnership strategies in the recreation and sport industry. Fundraising and grant writing in the context of recreation and collegiate athletics is also discussed. Prerequisite: RESM 20203. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

RESM 38703. Law and Risk for Recreation and Sport Management. 3 Hours.

In-depth look at risk management and related legal issues affecting recreation and sport administration. Topics include negligence, contract law, antitrust, labor law, intellectual property, and risk management. Prerequisite: RESM 20203 or has completed 75 credit hours. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

RESM 38803. Recreation and Sport Marketing and Public Relations. 3 Hours.

This course provides an overview of the principles and practices of promotions and marketing in the recreation and sport industry. Topics include sport marketing planning, market segmentation and identification of the target market, marketing mix, and sponsorship. Prerequisite: RESM 20203. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

RESM 38903. Recreation & Sport Finance and Business Analytics. 3 Hours.

Overview of fundamental financial topics relevant to the recreation and sport industry. Topics include budgeting, time value of money, financial statements, ration analysis, data fluency, and evaluation. Prerequisite: RESM 20203. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

RESM 390H1. Honors Recreation and Sport Management Thesis Tutorial. 1 Hour.

Designed to provide the foundation for the Honors Thesis/Project. Students and faculty tutors work "one-on-one" exploring a specific topic which has been agreed upon by the student and the professor. Prerequisite: Honors candidacy, RESMBS major, and RESM 20003 with a grade of C or better. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer)

RESM 3910V. Special Topics in RESM. 1-3 Hour.

Designed to cover specialized topics not presented in recreation and sport management coursework. (Typically offered: Irregular) May be repeated for up to 9 hours of degree credit.

RESM 3940V. Internship. 6-12 Hour.

This experiential based course requires up to 40 hours per week of work in an approved agency for a full semester. Students may take 6 hours (225 hours) in two different semesters or 12 hours (450 hours) in a single semester. Prerequisite: RESM 20003, two hours of RESM 20101, and RESM 38703. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer) May be repeated for up to 12 hours of degree credit.

RESM 40003. Management in Recreation and Sport. 3 Hours.

Management techniques for recreation and sport programs and facilities. Prerequisite: RESM 20003 or RESM 20203 with a grade of C or better. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

RESM 40103. Contemporary Issues in Recreation and Sport. 3 Hours.

Discussion of selected topics and review of current literature in the recreation and sport field. Analysis of current trends and professional issues are emphasized. Prerequisite: RESM 20203 and has completed 75 credit hours. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

RESM 401H3. Honors Contemporary Issues in Recreation and Sport. 3 Hours.

Discussion of selected topics and review of current literature in the recreation and sport field. Analysis of current trends and professional issues are emphasized. Prerequisite: RESM 20203, has completed 75 credit hours and honors standing. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)
This course is equivalent to RESM 40103.

RESM 40203. Applied Outdoor Adventure Leadership. 3 Hours.

This course considers the values and scope of outdoor recreation programs, leadership and skill development with practical experience in a wilderness environment. The course will include a canoe trip through the wilderness, and skill training in such areas as orienteering and rock climbing; and leadership development in interpersonal and processing skills. (Typically offered: Summer)

RESM 4050V. Independent Study in Recreation and Sport. 1-3 Hour.

Provides student an opportunity to pursue special study of research problems. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer) May be repeated for degree credit.

RESM 42503. Business of Sport. 3 Hours.

This course is designed as a "Study Tour" course. For the first part of the course, students will learn about the business of various sport organizations in different US locations. During the second part of the course, students will travel to the specific US location to connect with and learn from industry professionals and tour a variety of sport organizations and facilities. Course includes study trip; length based upon destination. Additional fees required. Course will be offered during the Intersession. Prerequisite: 2.0 minimum GPA, RESMBS majors with minimum of 60 hours completed, and instructor consent. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer)

RESM 44103. Advanced Professional Foundations. 3 Hours.

Course will assist students in preparation of resumes; provide opportunities for interview practice; the development of job search and application skills, as well as other requisites for entering the professional workforce. Prerequisite: RESM 20003 and has completed 75 credit hours. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

RESM 4800V. Workshop. 1-3 Hour.

Workshop. (Typically offered: Irregular) May be repeated for up to 3 hours of degree credit.

RESM 498HV. Honors Recreation and Sport Management Thesis/Project. 1-3 Hour.

Designed to provide facilitation of the Honors Thesis/Project. Students and faculty work "one-on-one: to complete the honors thesis/project. Prerequisite: Honors candidacy, RESMBS major, and RESM 390H1. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer) May be repeated for up to 3 hours of degree credit.