Rec Center survey improve facility

By Paula Ramsey, News Writer

Frequent users of the Student Recreation and Wellness Center have been asked to complete a survey on their experiences there.

“This survey is part of a national survey that is conducted by Campus Labs, in coordination with NASPA (the national association for Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education) and NIRSA (the national organization for Campus Recreation Professionals),” said Brian Humm, Assistant Director of Programs.

Participation in the survey provides the university with input on the use of equipment and activities and the social and academic impact from the utilization of  the amenities provided as well as student satisfaction with the condition of the facilities.

“Student Recreation and Wellness Services utilizes the survey to provide useful information directly from the students, faculty and staff of The University of Akron that utilize the recreation facility,” Humm said.

The SRWC, a relatively new building, offers many different activities such as a leisure pool, cardiovascular and strength training equipment, five gymnasiums, two group exercise studios, and a 53-foot rock-climbing wall. The usage of the rec and all of its amenities is covered by tuition and requires no additional cost to current students.

Though many students and faculty members make use of the facility, the survey was not available to everyone. It was limited to a set number of students in order to ensure an appropriate amount of responses. Students were randomly selected to take the survey based on if they attend the rec. Those students were then sent a link to complete the survey through an email.

The use of these surveys can help to gain better insight on how students and faculty members feel about what is being offered, and what, if anything, can be done better.  “Continuous assessment of the programs, facilities and services that SRWS [Student Recreation and Wellness Services] offers is critical to growth of the Recreation programs and understanding the needs of the students, faculty and staff that use the facilities and programs,” Humm says. By gathering such input, users of the Rec are given a chance to reveal some of their personal opinions on the facility, and can help to make it even better for years to come.