PART II: BACCALAUREATE DEGREE STANDARDS

The baccalaureate degree standards have three series:

7.00 series addresses foundation understandings (general education)

8.00 series sets forth the professional competencies

9.00 series provides opportunity for the academic unit to offer options which are accredited

The baccalaureate program of an institution must include coursework to meet all of the standards in the 7.00 and 8.00 series. The 9.00 series is at the discretion of the academic unit - it may choose to accredit one or more options, or none. Inasmuch as the option standards build upon the 700 and 8.00 series, there are for each option standards both for additional foundation understandings (designated 7A, B, C, D) and for professional competencies (9A, B, C, D).

The standards specify levels of competence --

level one -- knowledge, basic learnings

level two -- understandings, in respect to professional performance

level three -- abilities, competence of application, of "doing"

Frequently the terms "understanding" and "ability" are both used.

Note: Since no single standard currently confirms or denies accreditation, each standard must he viewed in connection with all the other standards. However, if the university departs from a standard, the burden of proof rests with the institution to show that the waiver of this standard is in the best interest of the students and of the program.

The program will meet the 7.00 series standards if the institution is in compliance with the regional accrediting body's general education requirements. As evidence of compliance, the program must provide in its self study the name of the regional accrediting body, the date of the institution's last review by that body, and an explanation of the institution's general education requirements. When the general education requirements do not meet the requirements of the regional accrediting body, the program must provide evidence of student preparation in comparable foundation understandings that enhance their quality of life, enable them to function effectively in society as professionals, and provide an education base from which professional competencies can evolve. (For the 7A, B, C, and D standards, see the section on options.) (Revised April 1994)

The following standards delineate the professional competencies for all students. For ease of identifying areas of competence, the competencies are clustered in to eight topical areas, shown as side headings, below.

CONCEPTUAL FOUNDATIONS

8.01 Understanding of the conceptual foundations of play, recreation, and leisure for all populations and settings

8.02 Understanding of the psychological, sociological, and physiological significance of play, recreation, and leisure from an historical perspective of all populations and settings

8.03 Understanding of the technological, economic, and political significance of play, recreation, and leisure in contemporary society

8.04 Understanding of the significance of play, recreation, and leisure throughout the life cycle relative to the individual's attitudes, values, behaviors, and use of resources

8.05 knowledge of the interrelationship between leisure behavior and the natural environment

LEISURE SERVICES PROFESSION

8.06 Understanding of the history and development of the leisure services profession

8.07 Understanding of contemporary professional issues and how they impact the delivery of leisure services

8.08 Understanding of the concept of a profession and professional organization as related to leisure services

8.09 Understanding of ethical principles and professionalism as applied to all professional practices, attitudes and behaviors in leisure services delivery

8.10 Understanding of the importance of and resources for professional development

LEISURE SERVICES DELIVERY SYSTEM

8.11 Understanding of and ability to use diverse community, institutional, natural, and human service resources to promote and enhance the leisure experience

8.12 Understanding of the roles and interrelationships of diverse leisure service delivery systems, including such specialties as the therapeutic recreation and the business enterprise systems

8.13 Knowledge of the responsibility of the leisure service profession to make available opportunities for leisure experiences for all populations, including those with special needs and disabilities

8.14 Ability to promote, advocate, interpret, and articulate the concerns of leisure service systems for all populations and services

PROGRAMMING STRATEGIES

8.15 knowledge of the role and content of leisure programs and services

8.16 Ability to organize and conduct leisure programs and services in a variety of settings

8.17 Understanding of and the ability to facilitate the concept of leisure lifestyle for continued individual development and expression throughout the human life span

8.18 Understanding of and the ability to use various leadership techniques and strategies to enhance the individual's leisure experiences for all populations, including those with special needs

8.19 Understanding of the concept and use of leisure resources to facilitate participant involvement

ASSESSMENT, PLANNING, AND EVALUATION

8.20 Understanding of and the ability to analyze programs, services, and resources in relationship to participation requirements

8.21 Understanding of procedures and techniques for assessment of leisure needs

8.22 Understanding of principles and procedures for planning leisure services, resources, areas, and facilities

8.23 knowledge of principles and procedures for designing leisure services, resources, areas, and facilities

8.24 knowledge of the purpose, basic procedures and interpretation, and application of research and evaluation methodology related to leisure services

8.25 Ability to apply computer and statistical techniques to assessment, planning and evaluation processes

8.26 Understanding of principles and procedures for evaluation of leisure programs and services

8.27 Ability to formulate, plan for implementation, and evaluate extent to which goals and objectives for the leisure service and for groups and individuals within the service have been met

ADMINISTRATlON/ MANAGEMENT

8.28 Knowledge of marketing techniques and strategies

8.29 Understanding of the concepts of organizational behavior, accountability, interpersonal relations, and decision-making strategies

8.30 Understanding of and ability to apply personnel management techniques, including job analysis, recruitment, selection, training, motivation, career development and evaluation of staff and volunteers

8.31 Understanding of and ability to implement principles and procedures related to operation and care of resources, areas, and facilities

8.32 Understanding of various techniques of financing, budgeting, and fiscal accountability

8.33 Understanding of and ability to implement public relations and promotion strategies

8.34 Ability to utilize effectively the tools of communication, including technical writing, speech, and audio-visual techniques

8.35 Ability to utilize computers for basic functions, including word processing, spread sheets, specialized programs related to leisure services

LEGISLATIVE AND LEGAL ASPECTS

8.36 knowledge of the legal foundations and responsibilities of leisure service agencies, and of the legislative process and the impact of policy formation on leisure behaviors and service in all levels of government, community organizations, and business enterprise

8.37 Understanding of legal concepts, including contracts, human rights, property, and torts, as applied to leisure service agencies

8.38 Understanding of the principles of risk management planning, and the ability to participate in the development and implementation of a risk management plan

FIELD EXPERIENCES

8.39 Field experience prior to internship

8.40 Internship, essentially a full-time continuing experience in a leisure services assignment, of at least 400 clock hours over an extended period of time, not less than 10 weeks (If an option is accredited, the internship should be directly related to such option.)

The options represent an in depth program, and the standards are IN ADDITION to the preceding 7.00 and 8.00 series standards, which are required for accreditation of the Professional Program. An academic unit may select one or more options to be accredited, OR NONE. There are four options.-

A. Leisure Services Management -- basically management-oriented

B. Natural Resources Recreation Management -- provides greater understanding of the natural environment

o Leisure Recreation Program Delivery -- management of program services requiring a greater depth in program and behavioral sciences

D. Therapeutic Recreation-- related to individuals with disabilities and leisure services

All options must meet five standards (9.01,9.02,9.03,9.04,9.05), plus the designated option standards. Each option has standards in both the 700 series (7A, B, C, or D) and the 9.00 series (9A , B, C, or D).

STANDARDS TO BE MET BY ALL OPTIONS

9.01 There shall be a written statement of purpose and goals for each option offered.

9.02 There shall be written evidence of the academic unit's progress toward accomplishing its stated goals.

9.03 There shall be a minimum of one member of the full-time faculty who shall have expertise in and provide service to the option.

9.04 Each option shall be served by an equitable distribution of faculty consistent with enrollments.

9.05 There shall be adequate library and educational materials for the option.

A. LEISURE SERVICES MANAGEMENT OPTION

The following 7A standards must be met in addition to the 7.00 series:

7A. 01 Understanding of and ability to apply both traditional and innovative techniques of financial management, including development of budgets for operating and capital budgets, revenue generation and accountability, pricing of services, cost analysis and financial forecasting

7A.02 Understanding of the management role, including organizational behavior and relationships, politics of organizations, strategic planning, policy development and implementation, decision-making, cooperative problem solving and managing conflict

7A. 03 Understanding of the relationship of business, society and the economy, including the role of the entrepreneur

The following 9A standards must be met in addition to the 9.01 through 9. 05 standards and the 8. 00 series.-

9A. 01 Understanding of and ability to apply organizational and political techniques to foster meaningful and principled relationships with boards, commissioners, staff; governmental, non-profit and private organizations; and the public to enhance leisure service opportunities

9A.02 Understanding of and ability to utilize current technology for the management of leisure services, including organizing, marketing, implementing, and monitoring these services

9A. 03 Understanding of the use of the law in management of leisure services, including land management, personnel, human rights, financing, and risk management

9A. 04 Understanding of the economic impact of leisure service programs upon the general economy

9A. 05 Understanding of and ability to apply techniques of program evaluation and policy analysis which measure service effectiveness and the extent to which programmatic and organizational goals and objectives have been achieved

The following 7B standards must be met in addition to the 7.00 series.

7B .01 Understanding of the social, biological, and physical sciences that underlie sound land use planning and management

7B.02 Understanding of ecology, its application to the management, and use of resources

7B.03 Understanding the principles and practices of stewardship and use of natural resources and the ability to interpret them to the general public, particularly as related to the public's role in stewardship

7B.04 Understanding of and ability to apply both traditional and innovative management, including development of budgets for operations and capital improvements, revenue generation and accountability, pricing of services, cost analysis and financial forecasting

7B. 05 Understanding of the relationship of business, society and the economy, including the role of the entrepreneur

The following 9B standards must be met in addition to the 9.01 through 9. 05 standards and the 8. 00 series:

9B. 01 Understanding of the history and development of natural resources recreation policies and their implications for recreation resources management

9B.02 Understanding of the process of natural resources recreation policy development and its implications for recreation resources management

9B.03 Understanding of the principles of resource economics and their applications to recreation resource management

9B.04 Understanding of the principles and practices basic to the effective management of recreation users in natural resources settings

9B .05 Understanding of the body of law governing natural resources recreation management and its applications in natural resource settings

9B.06 Understanding of the use of the law in management of leisure services, including risk management, land management, human rights, financing, and personnel

9B.07 Understanding of the principles of land-use planning, including identification, evaluation, development, and management of land and water resources

9B.08 Understanding of how and why people perceive and respond to given resources and management practices

9B.09 Understanding of the principles and techniques of planning and developing recreation and park areas and facilities and their applications in natural resource settings

9B. 10 Understanding of the impacts associated with multiple use of natural resources

The following 7C standards must be met in addition to the 7.00 series.

7C. 01 Understanding of and ability to utilize diverse interaction and facilitation techniques, including leadership, instructional strategies, counseling techniques, and crisis confrontation and intervention

7C.02 Understanding of and ability to utilize supervisory techniques

7C.03 Understanding of social psychology and ability to apply its principles

7C.04 Understanding of community organization and the role of social institutions

7C.05 Understanding of people within diverse social groups and the relationship of such groups

The following 9C standards must be met in addition to the 9.01 through 9. 05 standards and the 8. 00 series:

9C.0 l Understanding of and ability to utilize programmatically a breadth of diverse activity content areas

9C.02 Ability to organize and lead/conduct in one or more programmatic areas

9C.03 Ability to conceptualize, develop and implement recreation programs for various populations, marshaling diverse community and human service resources

9C.04 Ability to apply methods of assessing recreation activity and leisure needs

9C.05 Understanding of and ability to apply techniques of program evaluation and policy analysis which measure service effectiveness and the extent to which programmatic and organizational goals and objectives have been achieved

9C.06 Understanding of program management, including organizational behavior and relationships, politics of organizations, strategic planning, policy development and implementation, decision-making, cooperative problem-solving and managing conflict

9C.07 Understanding of and ability to operationalize legal concepts related to negligence, specifically the conduct and supervision of activity

The following 7D standards must be met in addition to the 7.00 series.

7D.01 Understanding of human anatomy and physiology

7D.02 Understanding of and ability to use basic medical and psychiatric terminology

7D.03 Understanding of abnormal psychology

7D.04 Understanding of the characteristics of illness and disability and their effects on functioning, including leisure behavior

The following 9D standards must be met in addition to the 9.01 through 9.05 standards and the 8.00 series.

9D.01 Ability to analyze and to apply the theories and concepts of therapeutic recreation

9D.02 Understanding of the psychological, sociological, physiological, and historical significance of therapeutic recreation

9D.03 Understanding of the impact of social attitudes toward illness and disability and of the attitudes and self-concepts held by individuals with illnesses and/or disabilities for all leisure participation opportunities

9D.04 Understanding of the role of the therapeutic recreation professional as an advocate for leisure and human rights and services for individuals with illnesses and disabilities

9D.05 Understanding of the nature and implications of professional standards of practice and external accreditation standards relative to therapeutic recreation service

9D.06 Understanding of credentialing processes and the ability to comply with credentialing standards in therapeutic recreation service

9D.07 Understanding of the content and services of therapeutic recreation delivery systems

9D.08 Understanding of the role and function of health care and human service systems, including therapeutic recreation's contribution to each

9D.09 Understanding of the role and function of other health and human service professionals and of interdisciplinary approaches

9D.10 Ability to apply the concepts of mainstreaming, integration, and normalization in all programming

9D.11 Understanding of and ability to apply leisure education content and techniques to the therapeutic recreation client

9D.12 Ability to apply activity and task analysis to various populations and settings

9D.13 Ability to apply programming concepts, including conceptualization, planning, implementation, and evaluation of comprehensive and specific therapeutic recreation services

9D.14 Ability to implement a variety of individual and group techniques, including therapeutic intervention, instruction, leadership, supervision and counseling techniques

9D.15 Understanding of and ability to utilize a variety of assistive techniques, adaptive devices, and equipment related to specific illnesses and disabilities in therapeutic recreation services

9D.16 Ability to select, conduct, analyze and utilize a variety of assessment techniques and procedures in therapeutic recreation programs

9D.17 Understanding of and the ability to design individual program and/or treatment plans

9D.18 Ability to apply management techniques, particularly financial, personnel, and reimbursement, in therapeutic recreation services

9D.19 Understanding of inter-agency and intra-agency client referral processes

9D.20 Understanding of the nature and function of and the ability to use documentation, as it relates to clients, staff, programs, management, and quality assurance in therapeutic recreation

9D.21 Understanding of and ability to use legal tools and processes to enhance therapeutic recreation services

9D.22 Understanding of and ability to apply local, state, and federal legislation, regulations and standards to therapeutic recreation services

Return to Electronic Discussion Paper Index Page