Indiana University - Bloomington Department of Recreation and Park Administration, Indiana University - Bloomington
 

Park and Recreation Management

320 Hours Requirements

Development of a professional involves a combination of academic preparation and practical field assignments including observations and leadership functions. Foundations, attitude development, and competencies provided in the classroom are tested by the student through practical experiences. Students are encouraged to more fully develop skills and knowledge by becoming involved in the exploration of the various agencies providing leisure or recreation therapy services, observing the program and operations of several agencies, and becoming involved through paid and volunteer service in a variety of professional positions.

320 Hour Field Experience Form


1. Practical experience of 320 hours (equivalent to an eight week full time position) is required of all majors.

2. All hours shall be conducted in a recreation, park, therapeutic recreation, or hospitality setting involving leadership and/or programming experiences.

3. The volunteer or paid experience can by completed at any time after the student graduates from high school.

4. The 320 hours shall be completed prior to graduation. Effective for students entering IU in the Fall, 2000 or later, all hours must be completed before the R363 internship.

5. Students are responsible for conducting an audit of total hours completed with their professional mentor (or internship coordinator for students entering IU in Fall, 2000 or later) prior to registering for their last semester.

6. Students may accumulate all 320 hours from one agency. However, it is recommended that the student gain practical experience from a variety of agencies. A minimum of 100 hours must be performed with agencies recognized by that specialization area.

7. Volunteer hours required in courses, such as R272 and R367, may be credited towards the 320 hour requirement. However, only hours actually spent in conducting or implementing the special event/class project will be given credit.

8. It is up to the discretion of each professional mentor or internship coordinator for verification of hours listed on the report form. Completed report forms should be mailed or hand-delivered to the student's professional mentor or internship coordinator. Students are encouraged to keep a duplicate copy of each form for their file.

The following are suggested agencies in the Bloomington area that students may contact to inquire about the possibility of engaging in field experience hours. (Note: Students may use any sport related agency from other locales and/or in their own hometown for the fulfillment of this requirement.)

  • Banneker Community Center, 930 W. 7th St., Bloomington, IN, 47404, 349-3735.
  • Bloomington Parks and Recreation, Showers Complex, Bloomington, IN, 47402,
    349-3760.
  • Boys & Girls Club, 311 S. Lincoln, Bloomington, IN, 47402, 332-5311.
  • Briscoe Wellness, Briscoe Residence Hall, Bloomington, IN 47406, 855-8520,
  • Cascades Golf Course, 3550 N. Kinser Pike, Bloomington, IN, 47404, 349-3763.
  • Evolution Fitness Corp., 213 S. Rogers St., Bloomington, IN, 47401, 333-7098.
  • Family Housing, Campus View, Bloomington, IN, 47405, 855-2679.
  • Fitness Island Health Club, 411 W. Temperance Ave., Ellettsville, IN, 47429.
  • Frank Southern Center, 1965 S. Henderson, Bloomington, IN, 47401, 349-3740.
  • Girls. Inc., 1108 W. 8th St., Bloomington, IN, 47404, 336-7313.
  • IMU Outfitters, Indiana Memorial Union, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405,855-1795.
  • IU Athletic Department, Assembly Hall, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, 855-0337.
  • IU Bowling Center, Indiana Memorial Union, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, 855-2328.
  • IU Division of Recreational Sports, HPER Room 290, Bloomington, IN, 47405,
    855-2371.
  • Meadowood Retirement Community, 2455 Tamarack Trail, Bloomington, IN, 47404, 336-7060.
  • Monroe County Parks and Recreation, 119 W. 7th St, Bloomington, IN, 47404,
    349-2800.
  • Monroe County YMCA, 2125 S. Highland, Bloomington, IN, 47401, 332-5555.
  • Older Americans Center, 349 S. Walnut St., Bloomington, IN, 47401, 349-3720.
  • Tulip Trace Girl Scout Council, 5488 E. St. Rd 46, Bloomington, IN, 47401, 336-6804.
  • Women's Health & Fitness Center, 2375 S. Walnut St., Bloomington, IN, 47401.