It is important for freshmen and new students to know about the many opportunities that Wright State University provides.
General access to campus recreational (rec) facilities like the climbing gym, fitness classes and workout facilities are free for all students.
Fitness programs of over 30 classes include cycling, Zumba, hip-hop dance classes, water aerobics, TRX, yoga and circuit training, along with intramural sports. All classes are free for students, except intramural sports, which require a team fee.
The campus rec also offers Healthy Haven, a club dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyles. Nutritionists often visit campus and an off-site yoga retreat is included.
“Intramural sports are a great way to meet people [and] interact. People sometimes become fearful of [having not played a sport before]; it doesn’t matter, that’s what intramural sports are all about,” said Billy Willis, Program Director of Campus Recreation.
Higher-level club sports, which often compete at universities across the country, are also offered. Club sports that compete include club bowling, football, gymnastics, ultimate frisbee and the dance and cheer teams.
If you are looking to get involved, sport clubs like football, women’s volleyball, baseball, competitive cheer, competitive dance, softball, women’s soccer and bowling will be having tryouts.
There are also sports, like the fencing team, that are laid back and do not focus on competing.
The Outdoor Resource Center oversees the climbing wall and low ropes course, and plans trips around the country. Snowshoeing in New Mexico, sea kayaking in the Florida Everglades, ice climbing in northern Michigan and visiting the Grand Canyon are among the opportunities offered through the Outdoor Resource Center.
Local trips to John Bryan State Park and Five Rivers MetroParks for kayaking, biking, backpacking and rock climbing are also included.
Fun events include the homecoming football game, canoe battleship and innertube water polo.
Students can work at the rec center. Most positions like intramural sport officials, outdoor recreation, fitness center and working at the rec desk are no-experience-needed, except for a lifeguard, which requires a lifeguard certification.
“It can be overwhelming, but we are welcoming. If you need help, our staff is there to help you with a smile on their face. The community that utilize our facility and spaces are fantastic about helping others and motivating [them] to achieve whatever goal that person wants to achieve,” said Willis.
Keep up with the rec center’s social media through their Facebook, Wright State University Campus Recreation, and Snapchat, Twitter and Instagram @wrightstrec.
At the rec center, there is something for everyone.
Along with campus recreation activities, students can also benefit from the many things that Student Involvement & Leadership offers.
“Everyone can benefit from co-curricular activities! Involvement leads to a well-rounded student with leadership experience and experience working with a [diverse group of people]. Simply put, co-curricular involvement makes you employable! Besides, it makes college life fun and memorable,” said Debbie Lamp, associate director of Student Involvement & Leadership.
With almost 200 organizations, there is something for everybody.
“[Organizations include] club sport organizations, fraternities and sororities, honoraries, special interest groups, cultural organizations, faith-based groups, academic-oriented groups and service organizations,” said Lamp.
If you are a leader, or working to become a leader, opportunities like Raider Camp and Take Flight take place toward the end of the year.
“Students can simply walk into our office and say they want to get involved and we’ll work with them to find a few groups that they would enjoy,” said Lamp.
Visit Engage to learn about organizations and download the CORQ app to find upcoming events and service opportunities.
