Author: Brianna Alford

Students in the School of Sport, Recreation, and Tourism Management (SRTM) will notice an exciting change for this fall. The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) has approved two new degrees to replace SRTM’s Bachelor of Science in Health, Fitness, and Recreation Resources (HFRR) degree. The new degrees are Bachelor of Science (BS), Sport Management, and Bachelor of Science (BS), Recreation Management. Read on to see why this change is both simple and significant for CEHD students.

Why would SRTM want to rename and divide the HFRR degree into the two new degrees?

A desire for clarity and consistency with the industry lies at the heart of the change. According to Dr. Laurence Chalip, Director of the School of Sport, Recreation, and Tourism Management, “The new degree titles are more descriptive of each specialization. The old title was somewhat unusual, so students and their families often did not fully appreciate or recognize what was being offered. The new degree titles are consistent with each specialization, and are in keeping with degree foci parents and students will see at other institutions, and with students’ career aspirations. So, the new titles should help students and their families better recognize the training that is being offered.”

Does this change affect current students?

Students beginning their degree path in SRTM this fall have automatically been enrolled in the new degree programs. Continuing students currently enrolled in the HFRR degree program have the option to shift to the new Sport Management and Recreation Management bachelor’s degrees after consulting with their academic advisor. Because requirements for the old and new degrees are very similar, the shift from HFRR to a new Sport or Recreation Management BS should be seamless.

What is the benefit to students?

Name recognition. While SRTM is known for its cutting-edge curriculum and already enjoys close relationships within the industry, the name change is likely to further enhance student opportunities and graduate placement. The new degree names will represent SRTM graduates more precisely to potential employers and help graduates move more effectively into positions of leadership in the field.

How do the new degree names align with SRTM’s goals?

According to Dr. Chalip, “The School of Sport, Recreation, and Tourism Management capitalizes fully on the unique skills and experience of its faculty as well as the many opportunities afforded by our outstanding location in the Washington metro area. We work tirelessly to assure that our students are among the best prepared in the nation. The new degrees recognize the quality and opportunities that our programs deliver.”

Mason’s Potomac Environmental Research and Education Center’s (PEREC) Field Interpreter team is recruiting students to join their team in delivering award-winning Watershed Education Programs in local parks.  Mason students will engage 7th graders in Chesapeake Bay related activities including collecting and identifying stream organisms, testing water quality-chemistry, assessing biodiversity, watershed and habitat characteristics at Burke Lake, and Lake Accotink in Springfield.  This is a tremendous way to enhance science communication skills while working with with a fun team. Training is provided, background checks required.

Work Hours: Weekdays mid- Sept. – Oct. 8:30am – 1:30pm, students work on days they are available.

Qualifications:

Must have at least 1 weekday available (more preferred) from 8:30am-1:30pm.

Interest in engaging youth in hands-on, outdoor environmental activities 

Environmental Enthusiam

Students must provide transportation to local parks. Carpooling is encouraged.

Grads: $15/hr

Undergrads $13/hr

PROGRAM ORIENTATION on Zoom

Tues. Sept. 7th 1pm OR  Tues. Sept. 7th 4:30pm

FIELD TRAINING: Friday Sept. 10th. 8:00am -12:00pm Burke Lake Marina. 7315 Ox Rd, Fairfax Station, VA 22039

For the Orientation Zoom Link:  Email Program Manager Matt Helfinstein [email protected] and Dr. Smith  [email protected] 

Any questions, please email Matt Helfinstein and Dr. Smith.

If you know the days that you will have available please email us those as well.  Matt will follow up with questions.  

What is enrichment?

Enrichment extends a student’s education beyond the classroom. It encompasses a variety of engagement opportunities that focus on developing the whole student. Examples include: participating in activities and organizations; reflecting on health and wellbeing; engaging in writing and research; sharing knowledge in new communities and cultures; establishing leadership skills and abilities; proactively preparing for the future; developing relationships with peers and mentors; and much, much more. If you’re involved at Mason in a way that helps you grow personally, academically, and professionally – and it’s not just during class – you’re most likely engaging in enrichment. 

Why does it matter? 

Enrichment is the free throw after a two-pointer. It’s the “and some” that seems optional and maybe even inconsequential but could ultimately cost you or save you the game. Enrichment helps students gain self- and cultural awareness; build a support network; increase and apply knowledge, skills, and abilities; and develop a sense of belonging in the college and community. Students who are plugged in and connected know when and with whom to celebrate, as well as when and where to reach out for support. This ultimately aids in persistence to graduation. 

How to enrich your experience: 

• We (the CEHD Student Success Team) host activities and events. Attend them.  

Remember the popcorn I mentioned earlier? It’ll be available during our Suite 2200 Open House on Monday, August 30. We guarantee it’ll be delicious, but more importantly, it will encourage people to linger near the suite, which gives students like you a chance to connect with faculty, staff, and fellow students. Social enrichment at its best. Learn more here.

• We oversee CEHD Clubs and Organizations. Join one.  

There are over 400 student organizations at Mason, and our office oversees close to 10 in CEHD alone. Chances are at least one of those organizations will align with your academic or personal interests. Join one and build up your support network. Check out the CEHD student organizations here. Discover other student organizations at Mason’s Get Connected fair happening in-person on 9/1 and virtually on 9/2. Learn more here. 

• We provide opportunities to strengthen and develop your skills. Participate in them. 

Throughout the year our office offers numerous opportunities to further your skills in reading, writing, research, time management, etc. These opportunities come in the form of events (Writer’s Retreats and research symposiums), guides (like this Time Management Toolkit), and campus partnerships (like encouraging students to attend Learning Service’s upcoming workshop on How to Focus Better). Take advantage of them now – it pays to be proactive! 

Enrichment opportunities extend well beyond the suggestions listed above, but for the sake of your time, we’ll pause there for now. Enjoy the fall ‘21 semester, CEHD students, and don’t forget to Be Engaged!  

Family Chiropractic of Springfield is a busy Chiropractic office seeking a mature, high-energy individual for a part-time position as a therapy/administrative assistant (20 hours/week). This is an ideal position for a college student considering a career in a health care field. Applicants should be well organized, able to “think on his or her feet” and enjoy interacting with a large variety of patients. Maturity, excellent work habits, reliability, fast learning, and a positive attitude are mandatory.

Must be available to work 3-4 flexible shifts/week. Morning shifts are from 8:30-1:30 pm; evening shifts are from 2:30-7:00pm. Schedule is set according to staff needs and we will try to accommodate your college class schedule. Experience in application of physical therapy modalities is helpful, but not mandatory.

Bilingual? That’s a plus!!

Do you think you can “add to the magic?” Please send a personalized cover letter and resume explaining why you are the person we seek.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $13.00 – $16.00 per hour

Many Thanks,

Dr. D

David B. Dolberg, DC
Family Chiropractic of Springfield
8440 Old Keene Mill Road
Springfield, VA 22152
703-569-1300

Immediate Past President
Unified Virginia Chiropractic Association