The Value of Campus Recreation

Campus Recreation programs and services enhance the student experience in many different ways and evidence continues to demonstrate the degree to which various forms of recreation influence multiple, student-related outcomes. The positive effects of recreation participation reinforce the value that campus recreation provides to the campus community. An organizational framework was developed by the 2019-2020 NIRSA Research & Assessment committee to describe the full scope of these effects. For more information visit NIRSA: Leaders in Collegiate Recreation.

Academic Success

Campus rec participants are more likely to report higher GPAs.

Diversity & Inclusion

Recreation participation provides an opportunity for students to develop relationships with individuals from different cultures.

Mental Wellbeing

Recreation participants are more likely to report improved feelings of wellbeing.


Engagement & Belonging

Recreation participation enhances students’ sense of belonging.

Physical Health

Physically active individuals sleep better, feel better, and function better.

Leadership Development

Student recreation employees develop decision-making and problem-solving skills.


Recruitment & Retention

Students who think rec programs are important are more likely to report an intention to return to school.

UNC Asheville

UNC Asheville is committed to living the core values of diversity and inclusioninnovation, and sustainability, and ensuring that they permeate everything that the university does. 

Campus Recreation

UNC Asheville Campus Recreation activates our community to explore, move, play, and thrive through diverse and inclusive learning experiences while cultivating balance and lifelong wellbeing.