1. How did you get started in Campus Recreation?
Mostly by accident. In high school I worked for the Iowa City Recreation Department and didn’t realize it was a profession, mostly just thought of it as a part time job. I came to school, and didn’t really do well and thought school wasn’t for me. I was good friends with the then athletic director’s son and it was his influence that convinced me to go back to school and get my undergraduate degree. He introduced me to the Recreation Director. After my undergraduate degree, I worked for the City of Iowa City for two years, went into the military briefly and then came back to get my masters in Campus Recreation and College Union Administration. My first job I worked for
2. What were your goals when you first became director?
I wanted the program to develop into a co-ed operation open and available to everyone. When I first started, the intramural program was for men only and the women’s program was completely separate. There was a lot of opposition to combining the programs. We finally were able to get both programs under recreational services. I am also a big proponent of an open door policy, and wanted and still want everyone to use our facilities. People will be more likely to recreate with those they feel most comfortable. As the director I wanted to create that opportunity for everyone.
3. Recreational Services at The University of Iowa has a successful working relationship with Iowa Athletics. Many schools aren’t so lucky. What is the key to creating such a great working relationship?
The key for us has been the establishment of mutual respect for our program needs between the recreation director, athletic director and coaches. The relationship requires a mutual understanding of what athletics needs to be successful and what our needs are. In the beginning, I was in charge of scheduling the facilities and this helped athletics understand they couldn’t have rooms whenever they wanted. They had to follow the same rules as all other university groups and programs. The former athletic director also worked for me for five years. He had a great understanding of what Recreational Services requires to be a successful service to students. An athletic director who understands campus recreation philosophies helps the relationship as well. One thing campus recreation professionals need to understand is that athletics runs their business differently, and you can’t let their ways bother you philosophically. Once you understand that, you can make larger strides in the development of your program.
4. What kind of road blocks do you see the profession of campus recreation encountering in the future?
Financially, I think it will always be a bit of a struggle. Campus recreation directors shouldn’t give up all revenue sources and become 100% student fee money based. This leaves such little room for flexibility and could stifle smaller programs. I believe we need to be innovative to generate revenue to maintain flexibility to get things done. I believe we will need to do more fundraising to get buildings built, and it may require us hiring full time fundraisers.
5. As a director you are often representing the department at many meetings, how do you stay connected to the student population?
Staying connected to the students is often difficult to do. I try to stay connected primarily to the students who work for us. I also visit the recreation centers at night and observe programs and facility operations to get a good feel for student enjoyment. I always encourage our graduate assistants and interns to be active and ask questions so we don’t get complacent and our programs stay innovative.
6. A large part of being a director is acting as a public relations executive. What would you say contributed to your success at representing Recreational Services?
I had a great mentor and observed him through many business interactions. He taught me about the politics of dealing with different departments and community members. In order to be successful you need to establish who makes the decisions, and put yourself in a position so they know who you are and that they like you. Establish a relationship with them, and the type of relationship it favors you. I would find a reason to call the new decision makers to ask for advice or for their opinion to develop rapport with this person who has the potential to influence my program.
7. With the construction of a new campus recreation building, you will be hiring several new professionals. What is the first thing you notice about a candidate?
I am more concerned with the attitude of the candidate more than anything else. It is the number one thing that determines if they will be a good employee. I pick professionals on their attitude and ability to fit in with the rest of the staff.
8. Many campus recreation experiences are very similar, how can a student stand out when applying for jobs?
Employers can pick up on enthusiasm and attitude but you certainly need someone who can speak on your behalf. It is easier for your supervisor or boss to sell you to a school then it is for you to sell yourself. So many students are fairly close in experience and attitude that they just need support, and someone pushing for you. I think the staff at
9. If you had the chance to be a graduate student again, would you do anything differently?
Absolutely, I was only a graduate student when I was getting my masters. If I could do it over I would’ve had an assistantship. Graduate students are given such great opportunities and job training now, and I missed out on all of that. I will admit I didn’t have good exposure to different programming areas before I became a director and I think a graduate assistant position would’ve helped out with that tremendously.
Thank you Harry for your time and good luck with your new campus recreation building!
0 comments:
Post a Comment