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HISTORY

Over the past seven years, the USUBOT and the Associated Students, Inc. (ASI) conducted a number of discussions, meetings and focus groups, as well as an online survey of the CSULB student body, to ascertain the students’ interest in a Student Recreation and Wellness Center. As a result of these actions, the USUBOT and ASI proposed the construction of a 120,000 sq. ft. facility in a student fee referendum in February 2007.

The CSULB Survey

In Fall of 2005, Associated Students, Inc. conducted an online survey that asked students about their recreational needs. About 8,000 CSULB students took the survey. That's about 23% of the student body. That's roughly 1 in 4 CSULB students. The demographic characteristics of the survey respondents matched CSULB's overall student population.

There was a slightly higher number of women to take the survey, which is typical with surveys. Additionally, a slightly higher number of first year students to take the survey. The survey and the results showed that in general students were not aware of what a Student Recreation & Wellness Center is. The high response rate of the survey means the results can be considered a strong indication of the general student body opinion.

 

What it found …

80% of the students surveyed say they engage in some type of recreation off campus. 54% were in support of building the SRWC. 45% pay club memberships at an average of $33/month. 79% of students that took the survey had never heard of a student recreation & wellness center. Most CSULB students prefer to participate in recreational activities from 3p.m.-9p.m.

Resources

  • August 2006 article in Business Officer magazine about recreation centers.
  • Chronicle of Higher Education and the 2006 National Survey of Student Engagement found that students who participate in activities outside the classroom get better grades, are more satisfied with their education, and are more likely to remain in college. The findings are even higher for students from underrepresented racial and ethnic backgrounds. This survey covers 260,000 freshman and seniors at 523 four-year college and universities.
  • According to the National Intramural and Recreational Sports Association, 75% of college students nation-wide participate in some type of campus recreation. Of those 25% are HEAVY users.
  • According to the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, about 1/3 of all children aged 12 to 19 do not meet the minimum standards for physical fitness. A recent study, which projects average lifespan of children based on their current health conditions, found that for the first time in US history today's children will live SHORTER lives than their parents because of the epidemic of childhood obesity and diabetes.