Program Detail

Central Michigan University

Department of Recreation, Parks & Leisure Services Administration

Dr. Tim Otteman, Chair
Email
Finch Fieldhouse 215
Mt Pleasant, MI  48859-0001
(989) 774-2502

Accredited Programs




The Event and Recreation Management (ERM)program gives students experience and knowledge needed to be successful in the recreation and event industry. Through both classes and applied experiences, our curriculum focuses in the areas of foundations, programming, operations, administration/management, finance, facilities, strategic planning and professional skills. Students complete 36 hours of on-campus coursework and as a capstone complete the only professional, full-time 30 week, 30 credit internship in the United States. Upon graduation students are prepared to work in a variety of REM industry settings such as community centers, entertainment venues, non-profit organizations, festivals, recreation departments, event companies, theme and amusement parks, convention centers, military recreation, special event venues, faith-based recreation, and/or college and university settings.

COAPRT Standard 7.01. - Students graduating from the program shall demonstrate the following entry-level knowledge: a) the nature and scope of the relevant park, recreation, tourism or related professions and their associated industries; b) techniques and processes used by professionals and workers in these industries; and c) the foundation of the profession in history, science and philosophy.
  • Outcome:
    Students graduating from the program shall demonstrate the following entry-level knowledge: a) the nature and scope of the relevant park, recreation, tourism or related professions and their associated industries; b) techniques and processes used by professionals and workers in those industries; and, the foundations of the profession in history, science, and philosophy.
  • Measure Type:
    Direct
  • Assessment Method:
    Describe the method by which LO for Standard 7.01 was assessed: (Direct Measure) The Final Internship Evaluation: The ERM major has developed the Final Internship Evaluation to reflect the content domain areas associated with the industry including foundations, program development and delivery, finance, operations, facilities, and strategic planning. Students must demonstrate a sound understanding of the background, nature, history, scope and philosophy of a recreation and event management organization. (Direct Measure) The Internship Final Paper is also an assessment tool for student mastery of this standard. The ERM major has developed the Internship Final Paper guidelines to reflect the content domain areas associated with the industry including foundations, program development and delivery, finance, operations, facilities, and strategic planning. Student will discuss and provide documentation regarding their foundational understanding of the background, nature, history, scope and philosophy of the recreation and event management organization at which they completed their internship experience
  • Result:
    2023 - 2024 Met 100% 4.80/5.0 75% of students will attain an average of 3.0 (demonstrates understanding of learning outcomes and application of concepts/skills) or higher on the Foundations section of the Internship Final Paper 2023 -2024 Met 100% 4.8/5.0 75% of students will attain an average of 3.0 or (consistently achieves what is expected) higher on the Foundations section of the Final Internship Evaluation
COAPRT Standard 7.02. - Students graduating from the program shall be able to demonstrate the ability to design, implement, and evaluate services that facilitate targeted human experiences and that embrace personal and cultural dimensions of diversity.
  • Outcome:
    Students graduating from the program shall demonstrate the ability to design, implement, and evaluate services that facilitate targeted human experiences and that embrace personal and cultural dimensions of diversity.
  • Measure Type:
    Direct
  • Assessment Method:
    (Direct Measure) The Final Internship Evaluation: The ERM major has developed the Final Internship Evaluation to reflect the content domain areas associated with the industry including foundations, program development and delivery, finance, operations, facilities, and strategic planning. 1. As part of their internship, students are required to complete a capstone project in which they develop, implement, and evaluate a program/service/event for which they are totally responsible which is reflected in the Final Internship Evaluation. 2. A portion of the ‘program development and delivery’ assessment focuses on working with special/diverse population groups. 3. A portion of the ‘program development and delivery’ assessment focuses on program/event evaluation. (Direct Measure) The Internship Final Paper is also an assessment tool for student mastery of this standard. The ERM major has developed the Internship Final Paper guidelines to reflect the content domain areas associated with the industry including foundations, program development and delivery, finance, operations, facilities, and strategic planning. Student will discuss and provide documentation regarding their ability to plan, deliver, and evaluate leisure programs and services for a recreation and event management organization at which they completed their internship experience. 1. As part of their internship, students are also required to complete a capstone project in which they develop, implement, and evaluate a program/service/event for which they are totally responsible which is reflected in their Internship Final Paper. 2. A portion of student documentation and reflection in ‘program development and delivery’ assessment focuses on working with special/diverse populations. 3. A portion of student documentation and reflection in ‘program development and delivery’ assessment focuses program/event evaluation.
  • Result:
    2023 - 2024 Met 100% 4.6/5.0 75% of students will attain an average of 3.0 (demonstrates understanding of learning outcomes and application of concepts/skills) or higher on the Program Development & Delivery section of the Internship Final Paper 2023 - 2024 Met 100% 4.85/5.0 75% of students will attain an average of 3.0 or (consistently achieves what is expected) higher on the Program Development & Delivery section of the Final Internship Evaluation
COAPRT Standard 7.03. - Students graduating from the program shall be able to demonstrate entry-level knowledge about operations and strategic management/administration in parks, recreation, tourism and/or related professions..
  • Outcome:
    Students graduating from the program shall demonstrate professional competence and the ability manage operations, strategic planning, finance, facilities related to the recreation and event management profession.
  • Measure Type:
    Direct
  • Assessment Method:
    The Final Internship Evaluation: The REM concentration has developed the Final Internship Evaluation to reflect the content domain areas associated with the industry including foundations, program development and delivery, finance, operations, facilities, and strategic planning. The Internship Final Paper is also an assessment tool for student mastery of this standard. The REM concentration has developed the Internship Final Paper guidelines to reflect the content domain areas associated with the industry including foundations, program development and delivery, finance, operations, facilities, and strategic planning. The Final Internship Evaluation and Internship Final Paper reflect the content domains including: • Finances: Demonstrates the ability to use a variety of resources, processes and procedures in the financial operations of a recreation and event management organization. • Operations: Demonstrates the ability to use appropriate administrative, management and leadership techniques and strategies within a recreation and event management organization. • Facilities: Demonstrate the ability to effectively manage facilities within a recreation and event management organization including scheduling, maintenance, and risk management. • Strategic Planning: Demonstrates a sound understanding of processes and critical-thinking used to optimize long-term outcomes and success of recreation and event management organizations.
  • Result:
    ADMINISTRATION: OPERATIONS Data below reflects REM outcome assessment measures presented in 7.03.02 2023 - 2024 Met 100% 4.60/5.0 75% of students will attain an average of 3.0 (demonstrates understanding of learning outcomes and application of concepts/skills) or higher on the Administration-Operations section of the Internship Final Paper 2023 - 2024 Met 100% 4.8/5.0 75% of students will attain an average of 3.0 or (consistently achieves what is expected) higher on the Administration-Operations section of the Final Internship Evaluation ADMINISTRATION: FINANCE Data below reflects REM outcome assessment measures presented in 7.03.02 2023 - 2024 Met 100% 4.2/5.0 75% of students will attain an average of 3.0 (demonstrates understanding of learning outcomes and application of concepts/skills) or higher on the Administration-Finance section of the Internship Final Paper 2023 - 2024 Met 100% 4.6/5.0 75% of students will attain an average of 3.0 or (consistently achieves what is expected) higher on the Administration-Finance section of the Final Internship Evaluation ADMINISTRATION: FACILITIES Data below reflects REM outcome assessment measures presented in 7.03.02 2023 - 2024 Met 100% 4.4/5.0 75% of students will attain an average of 3.0 (demonstrates understanding of learning outcomes and application of concepts/skills) or higher on the Administration-Facilities section of the Internship Final Paper 2023 - 2024 Met 100% 4.85/5.0 75% of students will attain an average of 3.0 or (consistently achieves what is expected) higher on the Administration-Facilities section of the Final Internship Evaluation ADMINISTRATION: STRATEGIC PLANNING Data below reflects REM outcome assessment measures presented in 7.03.02 2023 - 2024 Met 100% 4.0/5.0 75% of students will attain an average of 3.0 (demonstrates understanding of learning outcomes and application of concepts/skills) or higher on the Administration-Strategic Planning section of the Internship Final Paper 2023 - 2024 Met 100% 4.8/5.0 75% of students will attain an average of 3.0 or (consistently achieves what is expected) higher on the Administration-Strategic Planning section of the Final Internship Evaluation

The Outdoor and Environmental Recreation program at Central Michigan University uses a comprehensive academic curriculum that prepares undergraduate students for professional careers in the areas of Outdoor and Environmental Education/Interpretation; Adventure Education; and Park & Natural Resource Management. Highlights of the program include opportunities for students to become certified as Leave No Trace Trainers, Wilderness First Responders, and as Low Ropes COPES Instructors. Professional development opportunities are offered as part of the program and include: Project WILD, Growing Up WILD, and Project Learning Tree workshops. The program requires completion of extensive volunteer and work experiences in the outdoor recreation Students complete 36 hours of on-campus coursework and as a capstone complete the only professional, full-time 30 week, 30 credit internship in the United States. All faculty teaching within the program have extensive career backgrounds in Outdoor Recreation as well as holding numerous, professional certifications in the field. These certifications include: Leave No Trace Master Educators; Wilderness First Responder Educator; and American Canoe Association Canoe Instructors and Instructor Trainer.

COAPRT Standard 7.01. - Students graduating from the program shall demonstrate the following entry-level knowledge: a) the nature and scope of the relevant park, recreation, tourism or related professions and their associated industries; b) techniques and processes used by professionals and workers in these industries; and c) the foundation of the profession in history, science and philosophy.
  • Outcome:
    Students will demonstrate entry-level knowledge of: a) the nature and scope of outdoor and environmental recreation; b) the techniques and processes used by outdoor recreation professionals including their personal and professional environmental ethic; and c) the foundations of outdoor and environmental recreation in history, science, and philosophy including the importance of professional development and certifications.
  • Measure Type:
    Direct
  • Assessment Method:
    (Direct Measure) Program Exit Exam - Foundations Section (Direct Measure) Post-Internship Evaluation - (1) Foundations Section; (2) Overall Performance Measure; (3) Overall Peer Ranking (Direct Measure) Environmental Perceptions Post-Test (Direct Measure) Certification and Professional Development Log - (1) Certifications, PD workshops, Conference Activities and (2) Volunteer/Work Experiences
  • Result:
    Program Exit Exam: Foundations Section = Average Score - 100% - MET Post-Internship Evaluation: Foundations Section = Average Score - 4.77 - MET Post-Internship Evaluation: Overall Performance = Average Score - 9.56 - MET Post-Internship Evaluation: Overall Ranking = Average Score - 100% - MET Environmental Perceptions Post-Test = Average - 4.17 - MET Certification and Professional Development Log: PD/Certifications/Conference Activities = 100% - MET Certification and Professional Development Log: Volunteer/Work Experiences = 100% - MET
COAPRT Standard 7.02. - Students graduating from the program shall be able to demonstrate the ability to design, implement, and evaluate services that facilitate targeted human experiences and that embrace personal and cultural dimensions of diversity.
  • Outcome:
    Students will demonstrate the ability to appropriately design, plan, implement, evaluate, lead, and facilitate outdoor recreation programs, projects, and human experiences that embrace personal and cultural dimensions of diversity.
  • Measure Type:
    Direct
  • Assessment Method:
    (Direct Measure) Program Exit Exam - Programming Section (Direct Measure) Post-Internship Evaluation - Programming Section
  • Result:
    Program Exit Exam: Programming Section = Average Score - 73% - MET Post-Internship Evaluation: Programming Section = Average Score - 4.73 - MET
COAPRT Standard 7.03. - Students graduating from the program shall be able to demonstrate entry-level knowledge about operations and strategic management/administration in parks, recreation, tourism and/or related professions..
  • Outcome:
    Students will demonstrate an entry-level knowledge and ability to use appropriate management and administration techniques and strategies related to outdoor recreation programs, sites, parks and natural resource agencies.
  • Measure Type:
    Direct
  • Assessment Method:
    (Direct Measure) Program Exit Exam – Administration/Management Section (Direct Measure) Post-Internship Evaluation - Administration/Management Section
  • Result:
    Program Exit Exam: Administration/Management Section = Average Score - 91% - MET Post-Internship Evaluation: Administration/Management Section = Average Score - 4.65 – MET

The Recreational Therapy and Rehabilitation (RTR) program gives students experience and knowledge needed to be successful in the field of therapeutic recreation. The mission of the program is “To inspire students to transform client lives through evidenced based Recreation Therapy services.” Through both classes and applied experiences, our curriculum focuses in the areas of behavioral health, physical medicine and rehabilitation, geriatrics, developmental disability, facilitation, administration, and programming. Student select one of two academic tracks depending on their long term career goals: 1.) Bachelor of Science students (those interested in graduate school) complete a 15-week internship coupled with additional coursework in the social sciences, natural sciences, and humanities. Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Applied Arts (seek immediate work in therapeutic recreation) complete both a 15-week clinical and a 15-week non-clinical internship instead of taking extra coursework in social sciences, natural sciences, and humanities. Upon graduation students are prepared to work in a variety of therapeutic recreation settings including inpatient and outpatient behavioral health, PM&R, long term care, Veteran’s Administration Hospitals, community parks and recreation inclusion programs, pediatric and adult medical specialty camps, and adapted sport.

COAPRT Standard 7.01. - Students graduating from the program shall demonstrate the following entry-level knowledge: a) the nature and scope of the relevant park, recreation, tourism or related professions and their associated industries; b) techniques and processes used by professionals and workers in these industries; and c) the foundation of the profession in history, science and philosophy.
  • Outcome:
    Students graduating from the program shall demonstrate the historical, philosophical, theoretical and scientific foundations of therapeutic recreation: • Scope of therapeutic recreation • Practice of recreation therapy • The historical, philosophical, theoretical, and scientific foundations.
  • Measure Type:
    Direct
  • Assessment Method:
    (Direct Measure) Post Internship Evaluation: The RT concentration has developed the Final Internship Evaluation to reflect the content of 1.) foundation, 2.) assessment, 3.) implementation, 4.) documentation, 5.) administration, and 6.) advancement of the profession. The final internship evaluation is completed by the internship supervisor (CTRS) at the end of the student’s 15-week internship. Each category is scored on a scale of 1-5 based on the supervisor’s direct observation of the student over the course of the internship in those respective areas. The internship evaluation provides an opportunity for an independent evaluation of the CMU recreational therapy students by a working practitioner. Student cohorts are expected to average a score of 3 or better on the various domains. (Direct Measure) The NCTRC National Exam: The national exam for the field of therapeutic recreation is utilized as a direct measure of learning for CMU students. Scores are sent by NCTRC to CMU on an annual basis with an overall passing rate coupled with categorical rankings for the following areas: 1.) foundation, 2.) assessment, 3.) implementation, 4.) documentation, 5.) administration, and 6.) advancement of the profession. NCTRC provides an independent industry level standard evaluation of the CMU students in recreational therapy. 80% of students are expected to attain at or above minimum competence compared to the national average score on the various sections of the NCTRC National Exam (Direct Measure) The RT Program Exit Exam: This internal examination was created by the recreational therapy faculty with reliability and validity considered by an outside expert. Scores are compiled each semester with a running database of scores recorded for over 10 years. The exam is given to students at the end of their last class and prior to beginning their internship. The following focus areas are embedded within the exit exam questions: 1.) foundation, 2.) assessment, 3.) implementation, 4.) documentation, 5.) administration, and 6.) advancement of the profession. Student cohorts are expected to average a score of 60.1% or better on the various sections of the test.
  • Result:
    2023 Met 4.26 / 5 Will attain an average of 3.0 or higher on the Foundations section of the Post Internship Evaluation 2023 Met 85.7% / 100% 80% of students will attain at or above minimum competence compared to the national average score on the Foundations section of the NCTRC National Exam 2023 N/A Score not reported on 2023 exit exam / 60.1% target Students cohorts will average a score of 60.1% or above on the Foundations portion of the RT Program Exit Exam
COAPRT Standard 7.02. - Students graduating from the program shall be able to demonstrate the ability to design, implement, and evaluate services that facilitate targeted human experiences and that embrace personal and cultural dimensions of diversity.
  • Outcome:
    Students graduating from the program shall demonstrate the ability to use the therapeutic recreation process of: • Assessment • Planning • Implementing and facilitation • Documentation • Evaluation
  • Measure Type:
    Direct
  • Assessment Method:
    (Direct Measure) Post Internship Evaluation: The RT concentration has developed the Final Internship Evaluation to reflect the content of 1.) foundation, 2.) assessment, 3.) implementation, 4.) documentation, 5.) administration, and 6.) advancement of the profession. The final internship evaluation is completed by the internship supervisor (CTRS) at the end of the student’s 15-week internship. Each category is scored on a scale of 1-5 based on the supervisor’s direct observation of the student over the course of the internship in those respective areas. The internship evaluation provides an opportunity for an independent evaluation of the CMU recreational therapy students by a working practitioner. Student cohorts are expected to average a score of 3 or better on the various domains. (Direct Measure) The NCTRC National Exam: The national exam for the field of therapeutic recreation is utilized as a direct measure of learning for CMU students. Scores are sent by NCTRC to CMU on an annual basis with an overall passing rate coupled with categorical rankings for the following areas: 1.) foundation, 2.) assessment, 3.) implementation, 4.) documentation, 5.) administration, and 6.) advancement of the profession. NCTRC provides an independent industry level standard evaluation of the CMU students in recreational therapy. 80% of students are expected to attain at or above minimum competence compared to the national average score on the various sections of the NCTRC National Exam (Direct Measure) The RT Program Exit Exam: This internal examination was created by the recreational therapy faculty with reliability and validity considered by an outside expert. Scores are compiled each semester with a running database of scores recorded for over 10 years. The exam is given to students at the end of their last class and prior to beginning their internship. The following focus areas are embedded within the exit exam questions: 1.) foundation, 2.) assessment, 3.) implementation, 4.) documentation, 5.) administration, and 6.) advancement of the profession. Student cohorts are expected to average a score of 60.1% or better on the various sections of the test.
  • Result:
    ASSESSMENT 2023 Met 4.15/5.0 Students will attain an average of 3.0 or higher on the Assessment section of the Post Internship Evaluation 2023 Met 90.5% / 100% 80% of students will attain at or above minimum competence compared to the national average score on the Assessment section of the NCTRC National Exam 2023 MET 86.8% Students will average a score of 60.1% or above on the Assessment portion of the RT Program Exit Exam PLANNING 2023 Met 4.1/5.0 Students will attain an average of 3.0 or higher on the Planning section of the Post Internship Evaluation 2023 Met 90.5% / 100% 80% of students will attain at or above minimum competence compared to the national average score on the planning section of the NCTRC National Exam 2023 Met 86.8% Students will average a score of 60% or above on the Planning portion of the RT Program Exit Exam IMPLEMENTATION & FACILITATION 2023 Met 4.05 / 5.0 Students will attain an average of 3.0 or higher on the Implementation section of the Post Internship Evaluation 2023 Met 85.7% / 100% 80% of students will attain at or above minimum competence compared to the national average score on the Implementation section of the NCTRC National Exam 2023 Met 85.6% / 100% Students will average a score of 60.1% or above on the Implementation portion of the RT Program Exit Exam DOCUMENTATION & EVALUATION 2023 Met 4.1 / 5.0 Students will attain an average of 3.0 or higher on the Documentation section of the Post Internship Evaluation 2023 Met 90.5% / 100% 80% of students will attain at or above minimum competence compared to the national average score on the Documentation section of the NCTRC National Exam 2023 Met 82.5% / 100% Students will average a score of 60.1% or above on the Documentation portion of the RT Program Exit Exam
COAPRT Standard 7.03. - Students graduating from the program shall be able to demonstrate entry-level knowledge about operations and strategic management/administration in parks, recreation, tourism and/or related professions..
  • Outcome:
    Management and administration of therapeutic recreation services: • Management of theories and funcitons, organizational structures, and ethical management practices • Planning, decision-making, and problem solving • Human resource management • Fiscal management • Legal aspects, risk and safety management • Maintenance of agency physical resources • Accountability and quality improvement • Marketing and advocacy • Continuing professional development
  • Measure Type:
    Direct
  • Assessment Method:
    (Direct Measure) Post Internship Evaluation: The RT concentration has developed the Final Internship Evaluation to reflect the content of 1.) foundation, 2.) assessment, 3.) implementation, 4.) documentation, 5.) administration, and 6.) advancement of the profession. The final internship evaluation is completed by the internship supervisor (CTRS) at the end of the student’s 15-week internship. Each category is scored on a scale of 1-5 based on the supervisor’s direct observation of the student over the course of the internship in those respective areas. The internship evaluation provides an opportunity for an independent evaluation of the CMU recreational therapy students by a working practitioner. Student cohorts are expected to average a score of 3 or better on the various domains. (Direct Measure) The NCTRC National Exam: The national exam for the field of therapeutic recreation is utilized as a direct measure of learning for CMU students. Scores are sent by NCTRC to CMU on an annual basis with an overall passing rate coupled with categorical rankings for the following areas: 1.) foundation, 2.) assessment, 3.) implementation, 4.) documentation, 5.) administration, and 6.) advancement of the profession. NCTRC provides an independent industry level standard evaluation of the CMU students in recreational therapy. 80% of students are expected to attain at or above minimum competence compared to the national average score on the various sections of the NCTRC National Exam (Direct Measure) The RT Program Exit Exam: This internal examination was created by the recreational therapy faculty with reliability and validity considered by an outside expert. Scores are compiled each semester with a running database of scores recorded for over 10 years. The exam is given to students at the end of their last class and prior to beginning their internship. The following focus areas are embedded within the exit exam questions: 1.) foundation, 2.) assessment, 3.) implementation, 4.) documentation, 5.) administration, and 6.) advancement of the profession. Student cohorts are expected to average a score of 60.1% or better on the various sections of the test.
  • Result:
    Administration 2023 Met 3.89 / 5.0 Students will attain an average of 3.0 or higher on the Foundations section of the Post Internship Evaluation 2023 Met 95.2% / 100% 80% of students will attain at or above minimum competence compared to the national average score on the Administration section of the NCTRC National Exam 2023 Not Met 87.4% / 100% Students will average a score of 60.1% or above on the Administration portion of the RT Program Exit Exam ADVANCEMENT OF THE PROFESSION 2023 Met 4.05 / 5.0 Students will attain an average of 3.0 or higher on the Advancement of the Profession section of the Post Internship Evaluation 2023 Met 81% / 100% 80% of students will attain at or above minimum competence compared to the national average score on the Advancement of the Profession section of the NCTRC National Exam 2023 Met 87% / 100% Students will average a score of 60.1 % or above on the Advancement of the Profession portion of the RT Program Exit Exam