Assessment/Evaluation/Grading:
This class will use a form of contract un-grading
For this course, I have prepared a "Job Description" that we will use to evaluate your progress. Much like a job, there will be work assignments and deadlines along the way, but these will simply get feedback from me and your peers rather than a grade. Your grade will be determined at the end of the course through a job performance evaluation that we will develop as part of the course. Showing commitment to growth, communication, and learning are the expectations for a passing grade.
A breakdown of these "job" duties and responsibilities are as follows:
Duties:
- Work with a team to develop programs and events that show a high level of professionalism and understanding of the program planning cycle (30%)
- Participate in meetings (in and out of class) as a full member of the team (20%)
- Complete all required staff trainings (assignments) (20%)
- Develop personal management principles and professional skills such as preparing a resume, writing a cover letter, interviewing, and applying for positions in a variety of settings (10%)
- Demonstrate writing and presentation skills (10%)
- Other duties as assigned (10%)
Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement at least one on campus event that will occur during the fall semester. This will require participation outside of out-of-class time. One of these is currently planned for Saturday, September 27, 2025 and is required as an extracurricular (ask off work now).
- Assist in one or more areas of on-campus events
- Be on site for the management of the events
- Work cooperatively with co-workers
- Provide excellent customer service to participants
- Assist with set-up and clean-up after the event
- Be on time for scheduled class meetings, including lectures, having completed assigned readings (without reminders), and participating in discussions that work toward an increased understanding of organization and administration of outdoor recreation for a variety of settings (government, private, non-profit). This will include developing program documents/evaluations/marketing materials as assigned.
- Work independently, including completing class work that requires personal assessment of knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) and writing documents that highlight existing KSAs.
- Exhibit excellent skills in writing and grammar through occasional quizzes, reading responses, and surveys
- Develop professional communication skills
- Work extensively to develop an event for campus in the spring semester by utilizing class learning to assess needs and develop a mission/goals/program plan/marketing plan/evaluation plan/risk management plan for the event. This will become the primary focus of ORPT 4745 in the Spring semester.
Format: This class will be an in person, face to face class with an expectation that students will arrive ready to engage in the material for that day. Classes will be a combination of lectures, discussion, and experiential learning. Expect to be present, part of discussions, and having read all required material for the day based on the schedule.
Classroom climate and full value contract: I am here to teach, but I am also here to learn. I expect all students to be willing collaborators in the learning process. We have much to learn from one another, and can only do so if we can freely share ideas without fear of judgment from your cohort or your instructor. My expectation is you will respect yourself and others, work hard, show up to class and events on time and ready to learn, be committed to learning and teamwork, and try to have fun.
Acceptable and Unacceptable Use of AI: AI is inherently “artificial”, and your learning should not be. Please refrain from using AI unless the specific assignment has additional instructions related to AI use. Use of automated systems is a tool, but not replacement for a skill set in critical thinking. Be intellectually curious and cultivate a desire to learn. Shortcuts rarely are.
When assignments allow for the use of AI, all prompts must be shared, and the following will generally apply:
Allowed: Brainstorming ideas, checking grammar, summarizing long readings.
Never Allowed: Generating entire essays, solving problems without understanding, fabricating citations, utilizing AI as an attempt to deceive.
Assumption of risk: By participating in this class, you are accepting certain inherent risks involved in outdoor recreation. A signed waiver and assumption of risk form will be a requirement of this class as well as a health history form. You may be asked to get physician’s approval before participating in some class activities. Trips for this class may involve riding in a van to the destination and traveling over rough terrain in an environment that has many inherent risks. These risks include but are not limited to falling, weather events, floods, lightning strikes, cold/heat related injuries/illness, plant/animal dangers, rockfall, negligence of instructor or peers, and equipment failures. Further, excursions involve the challenges of traveling outdoors, away from definitive medical/psychological assistance in the event of an incident.