Curriculum Action Notice

From:

Academic Affairs Committee

Date:

Nov 14, 2008

This is a bulletin from the Academic Affairs Committee concerning proposed curricular actions. Please forward any comments or concerns in the next 10 days to the AAC chair, Jeffrey Bossworth , 206 Pinecrest Manor, ext. 4762.

CURRICULAR ACTION NOTICES FOR OUTDOOR RECREATION LEADERSHIP

11 NEW COURSES; NEW PROGRAM (MAJOR—SEE ITEM #12); NEW PROGRAM (MINOR—SEE ITEM #13)

 

1.      NEW COURSE: REC 1200 INTRODUCTION TO OUTDOOR RECREATION LEADERSHIP

Department:  Geography and Geology

Purpose and Nature of Course: To introduce students to the growing field of Outdoor

             Recreation Leadership.

Prefix:  REC    Number:  1200       CIP:  310101

Course Title:  Introduction to Outdoor Recreation Leadership

Abbreviated Title (for Master Schedule), Maximum 20 spaces

                     Intro Rec Leadership

Credits (Place number of credits beside appropriate types)

Credit(s) __3___ Undergraduate                            

Course Description for Catalog (limit to four sentences):

              An introduction to the broad range of skills and knowledge needed by recreation

              professionals, especially as related to leadership of outdoor activities. Topics include: The

              inherent value of recreation, trends and growth in the field, the role of the public and

              private sectors, proper training of new guides, marketing recreational opportunities and

              case studies.

Prerequisites: (Courses which MUST be completed prior to taking this course)  None

New faculty resources needed?   __X__Yes   ____ No (Will be an adjunct initially)

Requested initial date of offering (Must meet new catalog deadline of March 1)  Fall, 2009

Estimated Frequency of Offering:  Once every year

New Library Resources Needed?  __X__Yes   ____ No  If yes:

Request that Course be considered for General Education Credit.  Please check all

            applicable boxes.

a.       __X___ Satisfy a “Professional Course” for Block 6

Provide support for this request.

Outdoor Recreation Leadership in a professional field requiring specialized training and a substantial amount of practical experience.  This introductory course allows students to “test the waters” to see if this program is for them.


2.      NEW COURSE: REC 1310 ROCK CLIMBING

Purpose and Nature of Course:

Covers the basic skills and techniques required for rock climbing as well as how to

 plan and guide rock climbing trips.

Prefix: REC      Number: 1310                         CIP:  310101

Course Title: Rock Climbing

Abbreviated Title (for Master Schedule), Maximum 20 spaces

Rock Climbing

Credits (Place number of credits beside appropriate types)

Credit(s)  1  Undergraduate              

Course Description for Catalog (limit to four sentences):

Covers the broad range of activities concerned with rock climbing, with an emphasis on climbing skills, technical skills with ropes and hardware, and safety. Participation in weekend and off-campus sessions is required.

New faculty resources needed?   X    Yes   ___ No (Staffed by existing faculty initially)

New Library Resources Needed?   __X    Yes   ____ No  If yes:

New Equipment resources needed?   X    Yes   ____ No, if yes:

            Describe Equipment:  See attached list

            Source of funding: Equipment provided by Kelchner Fitness Center. Class will not  

            be taught until equipment is available.

Request that Course be considered for General Education Credit.  Please check all

            applicable boxes.

a.      __X___ Satisfy a Group Requirement – specify Group   Wellness

Provide support for this request. Rock climbing is an increasingly popular aerobic activity that requires stamina, agility, proper judgment and training. All of these promote personal well being.


3.      NEW COURSE: REC 1320 MOUNTAIN BIKING

Purpose and Nature of Course:

             Covers the basic skills and techniques required for mountain biking as well as how 

             to plan and guide biking trips.

Prefix: REC      Number: 1320                         CIP:  310101

Course Title: Mountain Biking

Abbreviated Title (for Master Schedule), Maximum 20 spaces

Mountain Biking

Credits (Place number of credits beside appropriate types)

Credit(s)   1   Undergraduate            

Course Description for Catalog (limit to four sentences):

Cover the broad range of activities concerned with mountain biking, with an emphasis on riding skills, maintenance, and safety. Participation in weekend and off-campus sessions is required.

New faculty resources needed?    X    Yes   ___ No (Initially taught by existing faculty)

New Library Resources Needed?  X  Yes   ____ No  If yes:

New Equipment resources needed?   X   Yes   ____ No, if yes:

            Describe Equipment:

            Source of funding:  Equipment provided by Kelchner Fitness Center. Class will not

            be taught until equipment is available.

Request that Course be considered for General Education Credit.  Please check all

            applicable boxes.

a.      __X___ Satisfy a Group Requirement – specify Group  Wellness

Provide support for this request. Biking is a popular aerobic activity that requires stamina, agility, proper judgment and training. All of these promote personal well being.


4.      NEW COURSE: REC 1330 RIVER GUIDING

Purpose and Nature of Course:

Covers the basic skills and techniques required for river guiding as well as how to 

plan and guide river trips.

Prefix: REC      Number: 1330                         CIP:  310101

Course Title: River Guiding

Abbreviated Title (for Master Schedule), Maximum 20 spaces

River Guiding

Credits (Place number of credits beside appropriate types)

Credit(s)  1  Undergraduate              

Course Description for Catalog (limit to four sentences):

Covers the broad range of activities concerned with river guiding, with an emphasis on river hydrology and navigation, safety and risk management, technical skills, and trip organization. Weekend and off-campus sessions required. Course includes a guided raft trip. 

New faculty resources needed?   X    Yes   ____ No (Staffed by an adjunct initially)

New Library Resources Needed?   _X_  Yes   ____ No  If yes:

New Equipment resources needed?   X    Yes   ____ No, if yes:

            Describe Equipment:  Paddles and similar gear. Most will be supplied by a local

            rafting company, the remainder will be purchased by the Department of Geography

            and Geology.

            Source of funding:  Department of Geography and Geology

Request that Course be considered for General Education Credit.  Please check all

            applicable boxes.

a.      __X___ Satisfy a Group Requirement – specify Group   Wellness

Provide support for this request. River rafting is a popular aerobic activity that requires stamina, agility, proper judgment and training. All of these promote personal well being.


5.      NEW COURSE: REC 1340 Kayaking and Canoeing

Purpose and Nature of Course:

             Covers the basic skills and techniques required for kayaking and canoeing as well

             as how to plan and guide kayaking/canoeing trips.

Prefix: REC      Number: 1340                         CIP:  310101

Course Title: Kayaking and Canoeing

Abbreviated Title (for Master Schedule), Maximum 20 spaces

Kayaking/Canoeing

Credits (Place number of credits beside appropriate types)

Credit(s)   1   Undergraduate            

Course Description for Catalog (limit to four sentences):

Cover the broad range of activities concerned with kayaking and canoeing, with an emphasis on skills and safety. Participation in weekend and off-campus sessions is required.

New faculty resources needed?    X    Yes   ____ No  (Staffed by an adjunct initially)

New Library Resources Needed?  X  Yes   ____ No  If yes:

Request that Course be considered for General Education Credit.  Please check all

            applicable boxes.

a.      __X___ Satisfy a Group Requirement – specify Group  Wellness

Provide support for this request. Kayaking and canoeing are popular aerobic activities that require stamina, agility, proper judgment and training. All of these promote personal well being.

 

6.      NEW COURSE: REC 1550 NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY

Purpose and Nature of Course: An introduction to photographing nature. Is 

            specifically designed for outdoor guides so that they can provide helpful advice to

            eco-tourists and novice photographers.

Prefix: REC      Number: 1550                         CIP:  310101

Course Title: Nature Photography

Abbreviated Title (for Master Schedule), Maximum 20 spaces

Nature Photography

Credits (Place number of credits beside appropriate types)

Credit(s)   1   Undergraduate            

Course Description for Catalog (limit to four sentences):

Covers nature photography using digital cameras with an emphasis on tools and techniques for beginners. Topics include: lighting; macro and telephoto photography; photographing landscapes, plants and animals, water, and people. Participation in weekend and off-campus sessions is required.

New faculty resources needed?    X    Yes   ____ No (Staffed by an adjunct initially)

New Equipment resources needed?   X   Yes   ____ No, if yes:

            Describe Equipment: Most, if not all, students will use their own digital camera but    

            the department owns several for use by students lacking them.           

            Source of funding:  Money for upgrading cameras is uncertain at present


7.      NEW COURSE: REC 1560 OBSERVING ANIMALS

Purpose and Nature of Course: An introduction to observing animals. Is 

            specifically designed for training outdoor guides to lead field excursions.

Prefix: REC      Number: 1560                         CIP:  310101

Course Title: Observing Animals

Abbreviated Title (for Master Schedule), Maximum 20 spaces

Observing Animals

Credits (Place number of credits beside appropriate types)

Credit(s)   1   Undergraduate            

Course Description for Catalog (limit to four sentences):

Covers the various skills, tools, and techniques necessary to successfully guide guests to observe wild animals in their natural setting. Will focus on animals native to Pennsylvania and to the forested regions of the northeastern United States. Topics include: using a field guide, habitat associations, animal activity patterns, animal signs and tracks, vocalizations and calling, animal body language, blinds and camouflage. Participation in weekend and off-campus sessions is required.

New faculty resources needed?    X    Yes   ____ No (staffed by an adjunct initially)

New Equipment resources needed?   X   Yes   ____ No, if yes:

            Describe Equipment:

            Pop-up portable blinds, spotting scopes, binoculars

            Source of funding:  Some of this can be purchased by the department. Funding for

            the rest is uncertain at present. Class won’t be taught until equipment is available.
 

8.      NEW COURSE: REC 1570 EDIBLE/MEDICINAL PLANTS

Purpose and Nature of Course: An introduction to edible and medicinal plants. Is 

            designed both for a general audience as well as for training outdoor guides to lead

            field excursions.

Prefix: REC      Number: 1570                         CIP:  310101

Course Title: Edible/Medicinal Plants

Abbreviated Title (for Master Schedule), Maximum 20 spaces

Edible/Med Plants

Credits (Place number of credits beside appropriate types)

Credit(s)   1   Undergraduate            

Course Description for Catalog (limit to four sentences):

Students will learn the historical/cultural background for the use of edible and medicinal plants, especially those native to Pennsylvania. They will learn to identify and prepare many of the more commonly used species plus receive pointers on conveying this information to the general public. Although designed for nature tourism guides, this class is appropriate for anyone interested in the topic. Participation in weekend and off-campus sessions is required.

New faculty resources needed?    X    Yes   ____ No (staffed by an adjunct initially)

New Library Resources Needed?  __X__Yes   ____ No  If yes:

New Equipment resources needed?   X   Yes   ____ No, if yes:

            Describe Equipment:

            Access to lab or cooking facilities

            Source of funding: 

Request that Course be considered for General Education Credit.  Please check all

            applicable boxes.

a.      __X___ Satisfy a Group Requirement – specify Group  Wellness

Provide support for this request.

Edible and medicinal plants have always been an important part of alternative medicine and have played a role in the discovery of some pharmaceuticals. Some of these plants are even gaining acceptance by the mainstream medical community. This class fosters a proper understanding of their potential uses as well as contraindications.


9.      NEW COURSE: REC 2020 PRACTICUM

Purpose and Nature of Course:  An out-of-class learning experience that allows students to   

             observe or participate in applied work.

Prefix: REC     Number: 2020   CIP:   310101

Course Title: Practicum

Abbreviated Title (for Master Schedule), Maximum 20 spaces

P R A C T I C U M

Credits (Place number of credits beside appropriate types)

Credit(s)  _X__Undergraduate                 

For variable credits, list Minimum Credit  1 ; Maximum Credits 3   (May be repeated for a total of 5 credits)         

To repeat for additional credit (not repeat of previously earned grade), list maximum 

hours of credit that may be earned over multiple Semesters:  5  semester hours.

Course Description for Catalog (limit to four sentences):

             An out-of-class learning experience that allows students to observe or participate in 

             applied work. May be taken for 1-3 credits and repeated for a total of 5 credits. Practicums 

             are graded S or U—they do not affect your QPA. Prerequisite: Permission of Instructor.


10.  NEW COURSE: REC 3100 GUIDING OUTDOOR RECREATION TRIPS

Purpose and Nature of Course: To prepare students to guide successful outdoor recreation

             trips.

Prefix:  REC    Number:  3100       CIP:  310101

Course Title:  Guiding Outdoor Recreation Trips

Abbreviated Title (for Master Schedule), Maximum 20 spaces

                     Guiding Rec Trips

Credits (Place number of credits beside appropriate types)

Credit(s) __3___ Undergraduate                            

Course Description for Catalog (limit to four sentences):

              Course covers the elements required for successful outdoor trips: trip organization, group

              dynamics, safety and risk management, interpretation of the cultural and natural

              environment, and outdoor ethics.

              Prerequisites: (Courses which MUST be completed prior to taking this course): 

              REC 1200 Introduction to Outdoor Recreation Leadership

             Co-requisites: (Courses which must be taken prior to or simultaneously with) ___________

New faculty resources needed?   __X__Yes   ____ No (Will be an adjunct initially)

New Library Resources Needed?  __X__Yes   ____ No  If yes:


11.  NEW COURSE: REC 2020 PRACTICUM

Purpose and Nature of Course: To prepare students to manage outdoor recreational 

              initiatives in commercial, nonprofit and governmental environments.

Prefix:  REC    Number:  3700       CIP:  310101

Course Title:  Recreation Management in Public and Private Sectors

Abbreviated Title (for Master Schedule), Maximum 20 spaces

                     Recreation Mgmt

Credits (Place number of credits beside appropriate types)

Credit(s) __3___ Undergraduate                            

Course Description for Catalog (limit to four sentences):

              Covers management of outdoor recreation organizations in both the private and 

              public sector. Marketing, budgets and finances, risk management, trip organization and

              logistics, and community relations are among the major topics covered. 

Prerequisites: (Courses which MUST be completed prior to taking this course) 

             REC 1200    Introduction to Outdoor Recreation Leadership

New faculty resources needed?   _X___Yes   ____ No (Will be staffed by an adjunct initially)

New Library Resources Needed?  __X__Yes   ____ No  If yes:

 

12.  NEW PROGRAM: B.S. Geography (Outdoor Recreation Leadership concentration)

Rationale for program: Mansfield University is ideally suited to offer a course of study in Outdoor Recreation Leadership. Our rural setting; varied and all-season recreational opportunities; existing recreation providers; nearby state parks, state forest and game lands; and reputation as a first-rate outdoor vacation destination all mesh well with the needs of the program. Moreover, many students already come to Mansfield because of their interest in outdoor activities. Having this program will offer them a way to capitalize on those inherent interests and will surely attract more like-minded students. Integral components of the program--climbing wall, ropes/challenge course and availability of mountain bikes, for instance—should have a substantial and positive affect on retention. Finally, the leadership component of the program fits with Mansfield’s new brand—leadership.

Degree and Program Title (attach an ER, course titles, and rationale):

 B.S. Geography (Outdoor Recreation Leadership concentration)

Program Description for Catalog:

The concentration in Outdoor Recreation Leadership is designed to provide a blend of classroom and experiential learning for students wishing to pursue a career in some aspect of outdoor recreation. A focus on leadership as well as practical geographic skills such as GIS/GPS and Map/Air Photo Interpretation are also stressed. The program includes supporting coursework in Business, Geology, Watershed Management, Wilderness First Aid, Travel and Tourism, and Leadership Studies. Possible career paths include: outdoor adventure guide, park ranger, environmental interpreter, director of youth camps, ecotourism, working with at-risk youth, outdoor-oriented resorts, civic recreation departments, opening your own recreation business.

Program Objectives:

·         Provide a blend of classroom and experiential learning that is appropriate for students wishing to pursue a career in some aspect of outdoor recreation.

·         Distinguish this program from many otherwise similar offerings at nearby schools by having an emphasis on leadership as well as training in practical geographic skills such as GIS/GPS and Map/Air Photo Interpretation.

·          Prepare students for careers in either public or private sector recreation.

·         Capitalize on the myriad recreational opportunities in our area.

1.       Impact on other programs: The new emphasis will increase the demand for: some courses in the Department of Geography and Geology; LDR 3325 Introduction to Leadership Studies and LDR 4425 Leadership Seminar; PHL 3316 Environmental Ethics; BUS 3260 Entrepreneurship;  TRT 3300 The Travel Consumer; the new course HPE 3316 Wilderness First Aid; and, ENG 3332 Nature Writing and ENG 3371 Professional Writing. All of these classes are taught on a regular basis and several of them presently suffer from somewhat low enrollment.

2.    Demand for Program (attach a market analysis): The following is excerpted from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition. It refers to their category “Recreation Workers”

Job Outlook Jobs opportunities for part-time, seasonal, and temporary recreation workers will be good, but competition will remain keen for career positions as recreation workers. Average growth  is expected.

       Employment change. Overall employment of recreation workers is projected to increase by 13    

       percent between 2006 and 2016, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations.

       Although people will spend more time and money on recreation, budget restrictions in State and

       local government will moderate the number of jobs added. Many of the new jobs will be in social

       assistance organizations and in nursing and residential care facilities.

      Growth will be driven by retiring baby boomers who, with more leisure time, high  

      disposable income, and concern for health and fitness, are expected to increase the demand for   

      recreation services.

      Job prospects. Applicants for part-time, seasonal, and temporary recreation jobs should have 

      good opportunities, but competition will remain keen for career positions because the recreation 

      field attracts many applicants and because the number of career positions is limited compared

      with the number of lower-level seasonal jobs. Opportunities for staff positions should be best for

      people with formal training and experience in part-time or seasonal recreation jobs. (Underline and  

      italics added) Those with graduate degrees should have the best opportunities for supervisory or

      administrative positions. Job openings will stem from growth and the need to replace the large

      numbers of workers who leave the occupation each year.

NOTE: Data in this table are rounded. See the discussion of the employment projections table in the Handbook introductory chapter on Occupational Information Included in the Handbook.

Earnings   
         

      In May 2006, median annual earnings of recreation workers who worked full time were $20,470.   
      The middle 50 percent earned between $16,360 and $27,050. The lowest paid 10 percent earned
      less than $14,150, while the highest paid 10 percent earned $35,780 or more. However, earnings of
      recreation directors and others in supervisory or managerial positions can be substantially
      higher. Most public and private recreation agencies provide full-time recreation workers with
      typical benefits; part-time workers receive few, if any, benefits.
 

Faculty qualifications: Practical experience in the recreation industry and appropriate academic 

      credentials.

New library resources needed? _X___Yes   ____ No   If yes: (Note: These requirements are specifically addressed in the various New Course Proposal Forms)

New equipment resources needed?  __X__Yes   ____ No   If yes: 

      Describe Equipment: The equipment requirements are specifically addressed in the various 

        New Course Proposal Forms. It is understood that some of the classes in the program, such as

        Rock Climbing and a yet-to-be proposed Ropes/Challenge course, require the building of special 

        facilities and may not be offered for a year or two.

        Source of funding:  Funding is anticipated from a variety of sources including: student

        appropriations from the SGA, Kelchner Fitness Center and Departmental funds. It is

        anticipated that the Kelchner Fitness Center will be compensated from the academic budget for

        use of their facilities and equipment.

Physical facility support requirements: Climbing wall, ropes/challenge course, bike purchase and storage.

General Education

CORE (16 credits)                 

                                                  SH    Grade  Date

Wellness (3 credits)

Fine Arts (3 credits)

Dist. Requirements  (39 credits)

GROUP 1 Humanities (6 credits)

GROUP 2 Languages & Literature (6 credits)

GROUP 3 Mathematics (3 credits)

GROUP 4  Natural Sciences (6 cr. ) lab course required

GROUP 5 Social Science ( 9 credits)

General Education Electives ( 9credits)

SPECIAL RULES:

1) 090 courses do no count toward graduation.

2) Max. 6 SH in major allowed in Groups 1-5

3) Max. 2 courses with same prefix in Groups 1-5

4) 3 W courses, at least one upper division  in addition to Eng 1112 &3 313

5) Also required are 3 I and 3 G courses

6) Must take 48 SH of upper-level courses

7) Must complete at least one lab in Natural Science group

Major:

                                                    SH    Grade      

 
13.  NEW PROGRAM: MINOR -- Outdoor Recreation Leadership

Department:   Geography and Geology

Rationale for Program: The Department of Geography and Geology offers an emphasis in Outdoor 

       Recreation Leadership. Having a minor in this field will be a valuable option for a number of

       students; athletes, liberal studies majors and students in a B.A. program, in particular. This

       minor will be available to all students EXCEPT for Geography majors opting for the Outdoor

       Recreation Leadership concentration.

Degree and Program Title (attach an ER, course titles, and rationale):  Minor in Outdoor Recreation

       Leadership. See attached E.R.

Program Description for Catalog: The minor in Outdoor Recreation Leadership provides valuable 

       training for students interested in outdoor recreational activities. This minor is not available for

       Geography majors opting for the Outdoor Recreation Leadership concentration.

Program Objectives: Allow students to obtain a valuable minor, thereby enhancing their 

        credentials.

Impact on other programs: This minor offers a valuable option for students desiring or required to 

       complete a minor. It would seem especially appropriate for athletes, students interested in

       outdoor activities, liberal studies majors and B.A. students in general.

Demand for Program (attach a market analysis): [SEE NEW PROGRAM PROPOSAL FOR MAJOR ABOVE]

 

MINOR EVALUATION RECORD

(Effective Fall 2009)

_______________________________

Name

____________________     ______________

Student I.D. #            Date

Outdoor Recreation Leadership  19SH Grade   QP’s   Date