The Clemson University Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management (PRTM) has partnered with the Department of Campus Recreation to create new experiential learning, professional development and campus engagement opportunities for students.
The collaboration combines academic coursework with hands-on learning in real-world environments through courses on programming and trends in campus recreation, foundations of well-being in parks, recreation and tourism management and introduction to campus recreation.
“The PRTM department is dedicated to advancing knowledge and practice in parks, recreation and tourism management,” said Bob Barcelona, chair of the PRTM department. “This partnership allows us to provide unique experiential learning opportunities and elevate the student experience by integrating theoretical knowledge with real-world experience, enhancing student learning outcomes and career preparedness.”
Courses developed through the partnership provide a behind-the-scenes view of campus recreation operations, including staffing, facilities, services and programming. Open to all majors, the courses explore topics in recreation leadership, health and wellness promotion and organizational management. Students also have access to part-time employment opportunities with Campus Recreation to gain additional experience and professional development.
According to an anonymous survey response from a PRTM student enrolled in the programming and trends in campus recreation course, there is value in this integrated approach.
“I loved the mix of written reflections and field experience. The approach to learning was different from any other course I have taken, and I thoroughly enjoyed the unique learning opportunities,” wrote the student. “Hands-on participation is very different from just reading or writing about an activity, and I feel the field experiences were crucial to fully understanding the course content.”
By combining academic study with experiential learning, students are prepared for professional roles in recreation, wellness, tourism and related fields in alignment with Clemson’s dedication to holistic student success.
Faculty and staff from both departments continue to collaborate on course development, research and co-curricular programs that support student learning and engagement across campus.
The Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management is a part of the College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences. Established in July 2016, CBSHS is a 21st-century, land-grant college that combines work in nine disciplines – communication; nursing; parks, recreation and tourism management; political science; psychology; public health sciences; sociology, anthropology and criminal justice – to further its mission of “building people and communities” in South Carolina and beyond.
