September 1996 - this survey is closed to new responses

The On the Internet College Challenge Contest (Survey)

Response- 71

Did you attend college or currently attending college?

• University of Southern Maine - 41
• Clemson University- 6
• Indiana University at Bloomington - 3
• Penn State University - 3
• Central Michigan University - 2
• Cal. State University, Northridge - 1
• Eastern Michigan University -1
• Erskine College - 1
• The Floirda State University - 1
• Florida International University - 1
• Metropolitan State College of Denver Colorado - 1
• Monctlair State U, N.J. - 1
• College of St. Francis, Joliety, IL - 1
• Southern University, Baton Rouge Campus, Baton Rouge, Louisiana - 1
• The University of North Dakota, Grand Forks - 2
• University of North Texas - 1
• Virginia Commonwealth University - 1
• Wayne State University - 1
• Western Carolina U. - 1
• West Virginia University - 1
• York College of Pennsylvania - 1

I am currently enrolled at the University of Southern Maine in the TR program.I find my classes with this program to be very interesting and feel that I have picked the right major. I would however like to go into the physical therapy field and hope to do so after I have a degree in TR. To other students: Getting involved in an agency where TR is working is a great on hands look at what is to come in the future and also gives you that extra learning that you do not get in the classroom.

We are particularly fortunate to have Ann James and Fran McQuire at Clemson. Along with the other outstanding faculty members, they have a lot of knowledge and experience to share with the students. Coming from an Accounting and a Computer-oriented background, I have a lot to learn from all of them! A full-time employee of the University, I will take longer to obtain my M-PRTM than some students. I am enjoying the journey as I am trying to determine my main emphasis area. At this point, my advice and hints are somewhat limited. It is better for all concerned to get early and frequent hands-on experience while in school. Environmental Education and it's use in Therapeutic Recreation particularly interests me. It would great to correspond with others who may have similar interests. Thanks. Manella

For the most part my experience with the program (University of Southern Maine) has been great. I am a junior, so I haven't been able to use my learned skills as of yet. There is only one particular problem that I have with the programa and that is with a certain teacher. He often refers to himself as a professional.. This bothers me because I just don't see him in this light. He constantly talks about himself and really has no point to his lectures. He also teaches an entry level T.R. class and that scares me because I am certain that he is scaring people away from the feild. I guess other than him everything is great.!!

Very good school and program (Clemson University), but I wish it were more related to Health Sciences than Parks and Recreation. There is a Nursing School on campus which helps for the Anatomy & Physiology needs but more links to practical medical areas needs to established. There is a large Teaching hospital 30 miles away in Greenville which has some TR and more Child Life employees.

Clemson University has a very strong, well recognized TR program. The TR courses I have taken have offered me a tremendous amount of knowledge regarding the profession, trends in TR, and different philosophies surrounding the field. The professors have all worked in the field with different populations and, they share many of their stories and experiences with students. So, as a student who has chosen the professional master's route, I have been happy with the TR program and coursework at Clemson. I feel that I will be well prepared to enter the field upon completion of the program.

Program is excellent (at University of Southern Maine)-it has great continuity from one professors teachings anothers.Haven't done an internship, but think it will be a fantastic learning experience.

I feel the Parks, Recreation, and Tourism program I am currently in is top-rate (Clemson University). The TR professors are excellent, including several who are nationally recognized- Dr. Fran Mcguire and Dr. Ann James. Like many universities, ours has been undergoing major restructuring which has caused all kinds of headaches. Aside from this, which hopefully will be completed soon, I have been extremely happy with the quality of my education and I feel that I will be adequately prepared to enter the work arena, wherever that may be!

The University of North Texas has a very good TR program. They use instructors as well as professionals currently in the field to conduct classes. We get the "book" and "real life" versions of TR at the same time. Hints for upsoming TR students: make sure this is what you want to do, this is an "all or nothing" career.

I just began the program this fall (at University of Southern Maine), but so far I find the setting very entertaining. The professors are always willing to help and get the students situated. I find that the program truly makes you think about yourself and the leisure in your life. I'm very excited to learn more aboout this program and myself.

I think the program here (at University of Southern Maine) is great, and the professors really care about you as a student. The only drawback is that it is hard to get into some classes in other departments that we need for our degree. Some classes are only offered at certain times. Over all though I think that I could not have made a better choice as to the field that I'm getting into! TR rules!WOO HOO!!

Yes, the class is meeting my needs. I really enjoy my T.R. class (at University of Southern Maine) and I am starting to want to become a recreational therapist more and more every day. A lot of the things that we learn in class is repetitive, but I guess we must know our major inside and out.

I graduated from Penn State in 91' and have had a successful trip up the corporate ladder since. Penn State prepared me for the theology/ideology for becoming a manager, however I do wish that there was a better base in kinesiology, physics, modalities, transfers, and documentation skills. All of these I have picked up since graduation, however the need was present during the internship. I would also suggest that if NCTRC continues only to require 1 internship that colleges and universities require 2 in different fields. I say this because with one internship it limits you to where you can get a job. With the experience in psych and rehab or community then you increase your marketability professional knowledge. I would also like to see more colleges present a 1 credit course in professional writing skills. In my student interns, I have noticed a lack of ability to professionally convey what they have to say without redundancy and grammatical errors. All of which hurts when you work in a profession that continues to prove itself day in day out. Thank you.

The therapeutic recreation program that I am taking in college (University of Southern Maine) is very interresting. It is teaching me a great deal. I find the information both current and educational. It is definitely a field that has great potential and many options. It can be applied to nearly any situation, and will benefit you even if you do not end up working directly in the field.

The training and classwork are very appropriate and beneficial (University of Southern Maine). Try to keep updated on what is happening in the field. Get involved as much as possible. Also keep all your notes. Future classes will pertain to things you learned in your first semester and begin to all tie together.

I just recently began the therapeutic recreation program at my University (University of Southern Maine). So far, I have enjoyed it and it has met my expectations. I look forward to learning more about the program and becoming more involved in this field.

UND (University of North Dakota) has a great Therapeutic Recreation program. Dr. Lynn Anderson is the professor of Therapeutic Recreation classes at UND and she is great! I believe that through her classes, I will be fully prepared for my internship and future job in this field. We are taught everything from modules, assessments, documentation, etc. I believe that my true learning has taken place while doing volunteer/practicum hours. It is a chance to apply what I have learned and actually learn my strenths/weaknesses. Our classes are getting larger every year which shows that our field is growing! Grand Forks is a great place to live and UND is a great school w/a super, super Recreation and Leisure Program. I would encourage anyone to check it out!! One hint for upcoming students that I have is: get experience w/ all ages from pediatrics to geriatrics and try to get experience in your fieldwork hours in many different fields of T.R. (psych., rehab., long-term, etc.) as it will help make your internship decision easier and make you more "marketable" for a job in the future. Good luck!!!!!

Listen to word of mouth as to which advisors know their sh__! Ask all your questions! Don't be afraid to ask veteran TR students for advice!Study, Study,and Study some more!!! Educate yourself and others about the validity of TR. (Cal. State University, Northridge)

I am enjoying the TR program at the University of Southern Maine. I find my classes to be very interesting and informative. This is only my first year in this program so I still have a long way to go. My hint to upcoming TR students is to get involved in volunteering at a facility that has TR so that you will be a little more familiar with what is involved in TR.

I really enjoy this program, we have a great instructor who really knows what is going on in the field. Our program is really growing and EMU (Eastern Michigan University) is starting to have stricker requirements to limit the number of majors.

The TR program at my college is very intense. The work quality that is produced in our program is superb. The internships at local clinics and hospitals are also very good. I'm very glad that I decided to proceed in a future of TR. USM (University of Southern Maine) is a good small universtiy for all people.

I found that the volunteer work and practicums (while at Metropolitan State College of Denver Colorado) were one of the best tools in helping prepare me with my career. I was able to explore different aspects of Recreation Therapy and decide which population I was best suited to work in. Without these volunteer hours, I would more than likely have begun my career with a population I am not well suited for. I was also offered a job with the company I am now employed with while volunteering.

The TR program here (at University of Southern Maine) is great. I am an accounting major, and I still take TR classes as electives.

This has been my first TR course (at University of Southern Maine). I've found that this course is fun, but we're kidding ourselves by treating it like a science. For example the other day we discussed the "theories of play". Come on! Play is play. Why try and complicate it by giving it some fancy name borrowed from the field of hard sciences, just to make it seem like it belongs in academics. Who are we trying to kid guys and girls?! Lighten up! TR's your makin' money by corraling us into your classrooms... don't treat us like fools. You're trying to make something a scholarly academic program that is basic common sense.

no TR program here (Erskine College)....browsing for possibilities for grad school....

I think the T.R program is great (at University of Southern Maine). It gave me inspiration to set my goals for the futer. I have developed the skills needed to improve my own well being through recreation and leisure. Now I am ready to share my knowledge with others.

The University of Southern Maine is located in the beautiful city of Portland, Maine. The theraputic recreation program is fairly new at the University. As a sophmore in the major, I have begun to understand the role of the theraputic recreation specialist and its relationship to other disciplines involved in services to special populations. The TR program allows room for a variety of avenues regauring the role that I wish to play in this profession. I have been introduced to a variety of health-care professions which has given me a great appreciation for the degree of diversity the health sciences provide. I believe that theraputic Recreation allows for creative minds with great enthusiam to introduce new ideas and create an understanding for optimum health. The avenue in which I intend to pursue my theraputic career is with the deaf society. The training in which I am involved focuses on the understanding of holistic health and how recreation and leisure can contribute to an individuals health. I am looking foward to reading some hints for theraputic recreation students in the follow up to this survey.

This is only an intro class. I have not had that much experience. (at University of Southern Maine).

I have recently returned to college after raising my family for 18 yrs. U.S.M. (University of Southern Maine) has made me feel very welcomed and I feel like I belong. I have learned alot so far about Therapeutic Recreation from the few classes I am enrolled in. I can't wait to learn more about this wonderful profession.

I am currently enrolled at University of Southern Maine as a TR major. I am learning many new and fascinating things. We usually tend to do our class work in groups so I've been able to meet a lot of nice people, who are interested in learning about the same things I am. I'm not too keene on doing the oral presentation!!

The program at Florida State University is awsome, limited enrollment keeps the class size small. All instructors are excellent. If you are looking for a great college, look no further ... Tallahassee is the place for you!

I really enjoyed visiting different sites in my area to see how the recreational therapy departments were led in each facility. (wayne state university)

The TR program at the University of Southern Maine is excellent!!!

My professer (at University of Southern Maine) has us in small groups alot, which worked in High School but is not working now. However, we do have some hands-on work which is fascinating! We are going to a Ropes Course in a few weeks in the gym.

I got a great deal of inspiration from the T.R program at U.S.M. (University of Southern Maine) The program gave me a specific goal for my future. I have learned to incorporate recreation and leisure into my life to make my whole life experience more pleasurable. I look forward to sharing this with others and help educate people of the importance of recreation and leisur for ones over all well being.

I've been given some thought provoking, ingenious ways of finding out what leisure activities will lead me to a more productive, fuller life and further more I now have some ideas of ways to help others. (at University of Southern Maine)

The work in the intro class (at University of Southern Maine) seems light. The work so far seems like basic, everyday, activities that we are know classifying as leisure. There is a certain childish aspect in the leisure course that makes it both fun, and interesting but also a bit to slow. Keep up on the reading.

The TR class at the University (University of Southern Maine) is excellent. My teacher is helpfull and understanding, and she makes it easy to learn.

Yes the school (University of Southern Maine) is meeting my needs. The professors are great and I feel I am learning a lot.

MSU (Monctlair State U) has a good TR program. TR students should always look for a college that has good clinical affiliates.

VCU (Virginia Commonwealth University) has a good recreation program. The professors are great and are very helpful. I have learned more in my 1 1/2 years of graduate school than I did during my undergraduate years!!!

I am VERY new to the program (Florida International University)...only about 3 weeks,so I cannot accurately answer this question yet. I most enjoy my class on interventions for Physical Disabilites. The Miami area also seems to be very receptive to the profession and for us "students" doing our field visits. So far my most "bad" impression about TR is the field itself and how there is not a unification among the group to grow larger and stronger as far as organizations and associations are concerned as compared with lets say OT. Thats it for now.....See you @ the end of the semester! Perhaps my thoughts will be more than now after I learn some more.

The program (Southern University) is a comprehensive program that has been around for over 20 years and met my needs as an undergrad, and is still meeting my needs as a graduate student. I waited 4.5 years to return to get my master's, and I should have done it sooner. Our department on the Southern Campus is one of the fastest growing curricula. I was most disgusted to find out that Southern University was left out of the college listings on the TRDirectory. Please make sure it is included. Thanks. Lisa R. Spivey, CTRS

Absolutely excellent!!! My college (York College of Pa) prepared me to get out in the real world. The program exposed us to both community and clinical therapeutic recreation. We could make the decision as to which way we wanted to go. As a result of an excellent internship placement, I now work for a VA in blind rehab. I feel it was the opportunities and guidance from the college advisors that helps a student to find there way when school is out. York College of Pa gives a great foundation. What you chose to do with it is your decision. Laura Martino,CTRS

My education in TR at Indiana University has been very challenging and rewarding. Combined with all the volunteer hours, I feel very well prepared to practice in our field. At IU we take 43 hours of classes related to therapeutic recreation. That includes anatomy, physiology and medical terminology - but does not include non TR recreation classes and the internship. That makes this a very comprehensive program. The faculty are also very nice. They are each very active in the profession and are readily available to students. The department also has a great internship location and placement system. They also keep current records of jobs available. I feel these areas are the most important when looking for a TR program. Bloomington, Indiana and the University are also very beautiful. There is a lot to do here no matter what you like.

I have just started the masters program in Outdoor TR and so far it is superb. I graduated with B.S. in TR from Murray State University in Kentucky in 1994, and worked in an acute psych hospital for two years. Indiana University has really made me think about the philosophy of TR and where I want the profession to go in the future. I am impressed with the caliber of my professors who are some of the best known names in the field, and feel quit lucky to have access to the wide variety of resources available to me and my classmates. I would recommend this school to anyone interested in a challenging and thorough education in therapeutic recreation.

I've been out of Penn State for 20 years and I've been in my current position at a state psychiatric facility since I graduated. Penn State was wonderful!! Students, be certain that you are learning good documentation skills and doing assessments well.

Penn States TR graduate program is excellent. I would suggest that anyone looking for a good school to obtain a master's or PhD to look into PSU

UND (University of North Dakota) is a wonderful place. If you can stand the cold, it is worth it. It is small enough to be personal but large enough to offer a wide range of experiences. Dr. Lynn Anderson is the reason I will be an effective TR. The other teachers are good, but she truely shines. She is the best teacher I have ever had. She has taught me not the facts, but how to find them and use them. It is difficult to have classes with a strong Parks and Rec Management class then try to switch to TR. I wish I could drop some of those classes to keep more in my emphasis area. I want a degree in TR, not a emphasis in TR.