Program Detail

Grambling State University

Department of Kinesiology, Sport and Leisure Studies

Dr. Obadiah Simmons, Head/Director
Email
P.O. Box 4244
100 Facilities Dr./Suite 148
Grambling, LA  71245
(318) 274-6278

Accredited Program




Grambling State University's Leisure Studies Program was formerly a unit under the previous Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation (HPER) as the Recreation Careers Program. Initial national accreditation was achieved in 1986 under the auspices of the former COA/AALR as the "first" Historically Black College and University (HBCU) to be accredited as such. The program was further strengthened through the assistance of a National Consultant which ultimately led to a name change (Leisure Studies). GSU has maintained national accreditation since 1986.

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: a) the nature and scope of the Leisure Studies Program (General Recreation and Therapeutic Recreation) and their associated industries; b) techniques and processes used by professionals in those industries; c) recognize and analyze the roles and interrelation of diverse leisure service delivery systems; d) recognize basic facts, concepts, principles and procedures of administration/management in parks, recreation administration and related professions; and, e) demonstrate entry level knowledge of historical, scientific and philosophical foundations of the profession.
  • Measure Type:
    Direct
  • Assessment Method:
    Assessment methods included: Capstone assignments; internship/field-based evaluations by Agency Field-Based Supervisor; portfolio; invited Guests; presentations; projects and comprehensive examination (Level Test III); written assignments; and, course examinations. Oral presentations were held for internships.
  • Result:
    Assessment data indicates that students in the Leisure Studies Program are learning and applying knowledge of the scope of the profession, historical, philosophical and scientific basis of practice. Eighty-two percent (80%) of students achieved the target in the entry-level course and 80% achieved the target rate in the core courses (see link). Seventy percent (70%) of the students received a score of 80% or higher on their portfolio assignments within the Leisure Studies Program and 70% achieved a score of 80% or higher on their exams. Approximately 92% of students passed the Level Test III Comprehensive Examination. Our plan is to expose our LSP majors to an upcoming regional conference (Gulf States Regional Conference) in April which will enhance our efforts to engage our majors professionally. For instances where students were not as high on achieving the learning outcomes, course instructors have made strives to revising the curriculum, including redesigning and adding new assignments, using checklists and rubrics, and improving communications with students.
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:
    Leisure Studies Program graduates are provided ample opportunity to achieve learning outcomes including demonstrating the ability to design, implement and evaluate recreational-related services. These opportunities also facilitate personal human encounters that engage students to embrace dimensions of cultural diversity. Students are able to demonstate their 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:
    The methods by which the learning outcomes were assessed include: Capstone assignments; internship/field-based evaluations by the Agency Field-Based Supervisor; course portfolios; invited Guests; presentations; case studies; projects and comprehensive examinations (Level Test III); and, written assignments.
  • Result:
    Approximately 90% of students scored 70% or above on their portfolio including information relative to on-site planning, program development, data analysis and evaluation. Additionally, approximately 92% of students passed Level Test III. Plans have been About 85% of students scored 70% or above on projects related to providing recretation services for ´people with disabling conditions. As stated earlier, Leisure Studies Program (LSP) majors are scheduled to participate in a future regional conferences. The actual level of participation will depend on the number of students that will be supported to participate in the conference.
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 completing the undergraduate degree program requirements in Leisure Studies, through various resources, shall be able to explain and apply the principles/practices of operations, strategic management and administration as it relates to recreation, tourism and related professions.
  • Measure Type:
    Direct
  • Assessment Method:
    Methods used to assess these items include: examinations; demonstration of marketing plans in class projects; strategic/risk management plans including evaluations; internship evaluations by/from Agency Internship Supervisors; and, projects along with the comprehensive examination (Level Test III). Also, other indirect measures included the use of: curriculum review; exit interviews; graduate school entrance; and, the field-base practicum. Much of the assessment appeared to be more of direct measures.
  • Result:
    Results indicate that 74% of the students earned a score of 70% above on: the development of budgets and strategies for financing programs; risk management and safety plans; and, public relations and marketing strategies. Also, approximately 92% of students passed the Level Test III Comprehensive Examination.