Environment Analysis

“Well-come to Western: Exploring Physical Wellness” is a collaboration between University Housing and Dining Services, Campus Recreation, and Student Development and Success Center (SDSC).

Length:

This intervention is scheduled to be a 60 minutes from start to finish and will include a modified low-impact version and a high-impact version taught simultaneously. Students will be required to register for the program ahead of time to ensure enough space is available for all participants to be fully engaged in the exercises.

Location:

The intervention is set to take place in Fitness Studio West located inside the Donald S. Spencer Student Recreation Center (Rec Center). The Rec Center is not only centrally located on campus but is also closest to Thompson Hall. This location is particularly important because Thompson Hall is home of the Transfer Year Experience Floor(s) in which residents have the opportunity to learn and live among students with similar experiences.

Rationale:

While all transfer students are welcomed to the intervention, students living on the transfer year experience floor(s) will be specifically targeted. This is due to the fact that research shows that the frequent use of Recreation Centers not only helps with physical wellness but also allows students create a feeling of community (Powers et al., 2019). This is one of the goals of a Living Learning Community so it is essential that this intervention contributes to the mission of this floor and provides educational opportunities for the residents of this floor. These spaces were also intentionally selected to promote ongoing use of the Recreation Center (Rec Center) after the intervention is completed. This is a huge part of the intervention because recent studies done at a Midwestern University shows that students who have and use their Recreation Center membership had a higher GPA and were more likely to be retained (Guan et al., 2018).

Accessibility:

Transfer students who attend the program will be asked to enter the East Doors of the building, the side closest to Hanson Field and North Quad. This entrance is ADA accessible and allows transfer students of all abilities into the building. When students enter the building, they will be greeted by a Rocky’s Rec Crew employee who will check them in using their WIU ID and help them navigate where the fitness studio is located if needed. Having two different styles of workout allows this intervention to provide the individual needs for different ability statuses. Participants will get to select into an experience of their choice based on accommodations or specific modifications. The space we will use is Fitness Studio West. This space is located in the basement of the Rec Center closest to the weight-room. The Rec Center has both stairs and an elevator available for students to use to get to the basement level. The fitness center is used regularly for Cycling and Mixed Martial Arts and can be seen from the ramp above the East Entrance of the Rec center. Fitness Studio West features floor to ceiling mirrors and has matted flooring to ensure safety for the high impact version of this intervention.

Resources Needed:

While some resources needed for this intervention will be similar, others will depend on which version of the intervention students are engaged in. The first need is co-instructors trained by the Rec Center to help demonstrate the workout. The intervention will also require co-facilitators from the SDSC to provide additional information, support, and resources about physical wellness. I also believe it to be important for staff members of University Housing and Dining Services to be there to support students including the Resident Assistants (RAs) of the Transfer Year Experience Floors. Additionally, a clean playlist of music will be played in the room and headset microphones will be used to allow for folks to hear in a larger space while listening to music. Disinfectant wipes and exercise mats will also be provided to each Transfer student who participates. Dumbbells will be a necessary resource for those selecting the high impact version. However, participants who are active in the low-impact version will work more with their own body weight so dumbbells or additional exercise equipment will not be necessary. Additionally, a functional trainer will be present to help those who need further accommodations.

Campus Partners:

I will work with Nick Knowles, Director of Campus Recreation, Mishelle Oaks, Director of Residence Life, and Samantha Klingler, Director of SDSC, to be sure that all the necessary staff is available. I will also work with Nick Knowles to reserve the needed equipment and space for the intervention. I will also work with Samantha Klingler to gain access to the resources the SDSC is able to provide such as handouts that include office locations, wellness tips, apps available for use, programs available, etc.