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Southern Utah University

Fall Semester 2026

Organization and Administration for ORPT (Face-to-Face)

ORPT 4740-01

Course:	ORPT 4740-01
Credits:	3
Term:	Fall Semester 2026
Department:	Kinesiology & Outdoor Rec
CRN:	30985

Course Description

Organization, administration, and evaluation of outdoor recreation programs. Topics include planning, programming, evaluation, budgeting, human resources, risk management, policy, and procedures.

Required Texts

Required: None - all readings and media will be provided via Canvas.

A sample of reading materials will include, but is not limited to the following:
Readings and Media - Fall 2026

https://recdesk.com/2024/10/effective-budgeting-strategies-for-parks-and-recreation-departments/

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will:

Be able to analyze current knowledge, skills, and abilities to create professional goals
Participate in an event(s) that will demonstrate knowledge of the program planning cycle
Be able to discuss different types of organizational and administration techniques
Implement elements of program design in order to begin planning an on-campus event for the Spring semester (ORPT 4745 Lab)
Become familiar with administrative/management elements including budgeting, marketing, staffing, and evaluation
Develop professional skills such as preparing a resume, writing a cover letter, interviewing, and applying for positions in a variety of settings
Become familiar with standard career competencies for Outdoor Recreation
Demonstrate professional writing and presentation skills

Course Requirements

Assessment/Evaluation/Grading:
This class will use a form of contract un-grading, with un-grading meaning your final grade will be determined not by points, but by your proof that you met the learning outcomes of the course above.

For this course, I have prepared a "Job Description" that we will use to guide 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
Participate in meetings (in and out of class) as a full member of the team
Complete all required staff trainings (assignments and readings)
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
Demonstrate skills in administration - including as budgeting, marketing, program design, and strategic planning
Demonstrate writing and presentation skills
Other duties as assigned

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 Thursday, November 5.
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/or 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.

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.

Course Outline

Weeks 1 - 4:
Overview of the course, expectations, “job description”, plan an event as practice
Discuss the outdoor recreation economy, jobs forecasts, and course schedule
Define terms such as management, organization, administration, leadership
Examine knowledge, skills, abilities, build a resume and cover letter, find jobs using available online tools
Discuss what it means to be an outdoor recreation professional
Discuss leadership, management, government, nonprofit, and for profit sectors of employment and differences

Weeks 5-8:
Discuss the program planning process, including assessment, goals, planning, implementation, evaluation
Examine strategic planning, organizational theory, and management theory
Develop goals, mission statements, and vision statements
Discuss applicable laws related to management of ORPT professions
Conduct a SWOT analysis

Weeks 9-11:
Discuss administrative techniques and responsibilities including; marketing, budgeting, personnel management, hiring, program evaluation, and event planning
Work on developing a special event for the spring semester that includes all aspects of the class
Develop an instrument to help review student success in the class (assessment/appraisal) of course objectives based on "job description"

Weeks 12-14:
Complete all job duties, plan work for the spring semester, review job descriptions and KSAs, meet to determine final grade (as a performance review).

AI and Digital Technology Policy:

AI is a tool we honestly don’t know a lot about yet, especially as it evolves so rapidly. Like all major changes in technology (the internet, smart phones), there are some who want it to be abolished, and others who are using it for everything. I’m not sure where I stand yet, and as such will list specific AI usage policies on the individual assignments. But to keep it simple, let’s be honest about everything we do for class.

What that said, there is some evidence from research that I’d like you to consider:

Writing things down by hand, and thinking and discussing ideas leads to better learning than just typing or watching a video. Consider ditching the tech for old school pen and paper and maybe a discussion with a peer or mentor.
The feeling of awe and accomplishment you get from walking/climbing up a mountain is much higher than if you are able to take a ride to the top of that same mountain. The discomfort, stress, sustained effort, and earned success sticks with you far longer and gives that experience a greater value. AI shortcuts may be similar according to this study.
A study on using LLMs such as ChatGPT have found that “LLM users consistently underperformed at neural, linguistic, and behavioral levels. These results raise concerns about the long-term educational implications of LLM reliance and underscore the need for deeper inquiry into AI's role in learning.” article

How that relates to AI is that by taking shortcuts as a means to an end (a good grade in the case of college classes), or even as a way to make the process easier and more efficient, we are actually harming our ability to be resilient, anti-fragile, thoughtful, quick thinking, and empathetic humans, and these skills are SO important in Outdoor Rec.

AI is fairly ubiquitous these days, in Google Searches or using Canva to make a flyer. You may not even know AI algorithms are doing something in the background of your browser. That is different from copying an assignment’s instructions into AI with the intent to deceive. Use of generative AI as a means to complete assessments and assignments is Academic Misconduct under SUU Policy. 6.33. Any suspected use of AI to deceive or cheat will result in a zero on the assignment until we have a meeting to discuss. Egregious use of AI will result in a zero on the assignment as well as referral to academic integrity specialists on campus for academic misconduct violations, with all the possible consequences.

If you are anti-AI for ethical/environmental reasons, then you are certainly welcome to not utilize it at all, even when an assignment explicitly allows it.

TL:DR

IN GENERAL

If the assignment does not explicitly list specific expectations for AI Use, these general restrictions apply.
Allowed: Brainstorming ideas, checking grammar, summarizing long readings, asking for a skill to be explained a different way.
Never Allowed: Generating text for discussions, copying and pasting directly from AI outputs, solving problems through prompts without critical analysis, fabricating citations, utilizing AI as an attempt to cheat or deceive.

Instructor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work

Any late work will not be eligible for full credit without prior written approval.

In general, without prior approval, the following will apply: Each assignment will be given a due date and time. If you turn an assignment in after that it will be graded as though turned in on time, then whatever grade earned will be reduced by 50%. After 72 hours the assignment will be given an automatic zero (0)

Attendance Policy

This class meets in person twice a week, and your presence and participation are essential to your success and the overall learning environment. You are allowed up to 3 free absences over the course of the semester. These are intended to cover things like minor illnesses, travel, or other personal obligations—so I encourage you to use them wisely.

If you find yourself needing to miss more than three class sessions due to illness, family emergencies, or other significant circumstances, please reach out to me as soon as possible. I understand that life can be unpredictable, and I’m willing to work with students who communicate and show commitment to the course.

Please note that excessive absences (more than 3) without communication will affect your ability to keep up in class and will result in a lower grade or difficulty passing. Make-up work is not guaranteed but may be offered in certain situations depending on the nature of the absence and the coursework missed.

Ultimately, I want you to succeed and stay healthy—physically and mentally—so please keep me in the loop if something comes up.

Course Fees

$7.50 per credit hour

ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or by phone at (435) 865-8042. The Disability Resource Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services.

If your instructor requires attendance, you may need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy. Please contact the Disability Resource Center to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Academic Credit

According to the federal definition of a Carnegie credit hour: A credit hour of work is the equivalent of approximately 60 minutes of class time or independent study work. A minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit. Credit is earned only when course requirements are met. One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours of lecture, discussion, testing, evaluation, or seminar, as well as 30 hours of student homework. An equivalent amount of work is expected for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours. Credit granted for individual courses, labs, or studio classes ranges from 0.5 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Academic Freedom

SUU is operated for the common good of the greater community it serves. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic Freedom is the right of faculty to study, discuss, investigate, teach, and publish. Academic Freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research.

Academic Freedom in the realm of teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty member and of you, the student, with respect to the free pursuit of learning and discovery. Faculty members possess the right to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects. They may present any controversial material relevant to their courses and their intended learning outcomes, but they shall take care not to introduce into their teaching controversial materials which have no relation to the subject being taught or the intended learning outcomes for the course.

As such, students enrolled in any course at SUU may encounter topics, perspectives, and ideas that are unfamiliar or controversial, with the educational intent of providing a meaningful learning environment that fosters your growth and development. These parameters related to Academic Freedom are included in SUU Policy 6.6.

Academic Misconduct

Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (see SUU Policy 6.33). You are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Please Note: The use of websites or services that sell essays is a violation of these policies; likewise, the use of websites or services that provide answers to assignments, quizzes, or tests is also a violation of these policies. Regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should check with your individual course instructor.

Emergency Management Statement

In case of an emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at https://www.suu.edu/emergency.

HEOA Compliance Statement

For a full set of Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) compliance statements, please visit https://www.suu.edu/heoa. The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law; additional information can be found at https://my.suu.edu/help/article/1096/heoa-compliance-plan.

You are also expected to comply with policies regarding intellectual property (SUU Policy 5.52) and copyright (SUU Policy 5.54).

Mandatory Reporting

University policy (SUU Policy 5.60) requires instructors to report disclosures received from students that indicate they have been subjected to sexual misconduct/harassment. The University defines sexual harassment consistent with Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106, Subpart D) to include quid pro quo, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. When students communicate this information to an instructor in-person, by email, or within writing assignments, the instructor will report that to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure students receive support from the Title IX Office. A reporting form is available at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv

Non-Discrimination Statement

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners and believes our university's encompassing of different views, beliefs, and identities makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared for the global society.

SUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

SUU strives to cultivate a campus environment that encourages freedom of expression from diverse viewpoints. We encourage all to dialogue within a spirit of respect, civility, and decency.

For additional information on non-discrimination, please see SUU Policy 5.27 and/or visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination.

Pregnancy

Students who are or become pregnant during this course may receive reasonable modifications to facilitate continued access and participation in the course. Pregnancy and related conditions are broadly defined to include pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery. To obtain reasonable modifications, please make a request to title9@suu.edu. To learn more visit: https://www.suu.edu/titleix/pregnancy.html.

Religious / Conscience Belief Accommodation

RELIGIOUS / CONSCIENCE BELIEF ACCOMMODATION: In accordance with SUU Policy 6.7 Student Belief Accommodation, students may request, in writing, that their faculty accommodate their sincerely held religious or conscience beliefs. Students should provide their faculty with sufficient advanced notice, if possible within the first five (5) business days of the semester or session, or thereafter with good cause for requesting an accommodation after the first five (5) business days.

Faculty must provide a schedule accommodation or excuse an absence, in any course, for students to observe or participate in religious holidays or an organized activity conducted under the auspices of the student’s religious tradition or religious organization.

In courses that are required for graduation or for an academic major, a faculty member may accommodate a religious or conscience belief by modifying an assignment or examination if its content conflicts with the student’s belief. Faculty may decline the accommodation if it would fundamentally alter the course requirements. If declined, the student may request review by a neutral arbiter using the Belief Accommodation Request Form: https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv&layout_id=5

Questions go to Assistant Provost Jake Johnson at johnsonj@suu.edu.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.

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