Ready, Set, Rec!
Ready, Set, Rec! is a strategic messaging and programming plan that spans the academic year month-by-month. This program builds on itself from the initial touchpoints that we have as students arrive at the University of Vermont through to the final days in the semester. There are various “entry points” throughout the year to be active, try new programs, participate in events, and for students to find themselves at Campus Rec.
Rec Respect is the cornerstone of our programming. To honor the Campus Recreation mission, vision, and values, Rec Respect is about cultivating a culture of respect, inclusion, and community where everyone feels safe, welcomed, and valued in a judgment free environment. All belong here.
Below is a summary of our month-by-month messaging and programming. The language in the descriptions is written in a casual tone with students as the target audience.
August/September
Welcome (back) to campus! We kickoff the semester with RecFest for all first year and transfer students. Find YOUR Fit this month (or any time) with Campus Rec. This month try group fitness classes for free during FREE Week. Purchase a group fitness pass and attend unlimited classes through the entire semester or academic year. The first session of intramural sports begins this month. Don't forget that UVM students have free access to the Gucciardi Fitness Center and drop-in sports throughout the building. Check out all our facilities including the Forbush Natatorium, Gutterson Ice Rink, Gutterson Fieldhouse indoor track and courts, indoor turf, the MAC, and bouldering wall.
Engagement Data
- RecFest (first years & transfer students)
- 2023: 3,300 participants Post-event video
- 2024: 3,000 participants Post-event video
- What the Heck is Rec? (orientation leaders & RAs)
- 2023: 250 participants
- 2024: 250 participants
- Group Fitness Free Week
- 2023: 1,012 participants
- 2024: 1,185 participants
October
Have fun with movement this month (and every month really!). Join in the Get Jacked Challenge, which encourages you to meet the ACSM and CDC recommendations that adults perform activities that maintain or increase muscular strength and endurance a minimum of two days per week. RISE, Rally's Introductory Strength Essentials, can help you with this challenge as it is a progressive, 5-week pre-designed strength training program. Or give BOOST, a 4-week movement series, a try. We also have tours and orientations in the Gucciardi Fitness Center, a Capture the Pumpkin tournament, and free Glow Cycling the day before Halloween.
Engagement Data
- Get Jacked Challenge
- Self-led programming
- 2023: Video here
- 2024: Video here
- Self-led programming
- Capture the Pumpkin Tournament
- 2023: 80 participants Tournament video
- 2024: 70 participants
- RISE
- No data - New program introduced in October 2024
- Fitness Center Orientations
- 2023: 31 participants
- " I love this idea of showing how to properly use the equipment!" ~ Participant
- 2024: 6 participants
- 2023: 31 participants
- World Mental Health Day Fair
- 2023: N/A; this was a new initiative in 2024
- 2024: 111 Students
- "I enjoyed learning about new ways to better my mental health." ~ Student Attendee
November
This month we focus on the impact of physical activity on personal well-being and the gratitude we can express through our actions. Join the Autumn Ascent bouldering challenge or the Campus Rec Mini Triathlon and donate food to UVM's on-campus food pantry, Rally Cat's Cupboard. Add to Gratitude Grove with your notes of inspiration and thankfulness.
Engagement Data
- Mini Indoor Triathlon
- 2023: 50 participants, 175 items donated to Rally Cat's Cupboard Post-event video
- "Thank you for being so accommodating and making this triathlon accessible to me! I had just completed my first sprint triathlon in the Summer of 2016 when I started having symptoms of my neurological disorder. It’s made it impossible for me to participate in similar events because I cannot complete the distances required. The format of the mini triathlon was perfect, and I hope you continue hosting it each year!" ~ Triathlon Participant
- 2024: Event scheduled for Sunday, November 17.
- 2023: 50 participants, 175 items donated to Rally Cat's Cupboard Post-event video
- Gratitude Grove
- 2023: 800 submissions Post-grove video
- Selection of gratitudes: My TEAM; W Lax; My animals; Words cannot describe how much you're slaying; I am grateful for ski season; the fact that I have access to the mental health resources that I need; I am grateful for waking up this morning; Grateful for music and to be blessed with a healthy loving body; I am grateful for the light I have within myself.
- 2024: Gratitude Grove begins November 1.
- 2023: 800 submissions Post-grove video
December
Stretch out, don't stress out, Catamounts. Relax, slow your breath, and focus on the present during free yoga classes. Grab a sticker at the check-in desks. Take a time out from studying and manage your stress through play during open rec.
Engagement Data
- Stretch Out Don't Stress Out
- 2023: 130 participants in yoga classes
- 2024: classes will be offered the week of December 2.
January
Welcome back! This month, build exercise and play into your schedule to help set you up for an active and successful semester. Try a group fitness class during Free Week, workout at the Gucciardi Fitness Center, drop in on open rec, open skate, open swim, or stick & puck, climb on the bouldering wall, participate in intramural sports, learn to play broomball or try esports.
Engagement Data
- Group Fitness Free Week
- 2023: 1,165 participants
- 2024: 1,205 participants
February
There are hundreds of ways to play hard, live well, be involved, stay active, and have a good time with UVM Campus Rec. You may find that when you exercise with a partner, you’re likely to feel more motivated and be more consistent with your activity. Stop by the Group Fitness Hub, the MAC, or the Gucciardi Fitness Center and Grab a Buddygram. Buddygrams are like the old-school Valentine’s. Invite roommates, partners, or friends to workout, play, be adventurous, and try new things this month!
UVM Campus Rec Sweat Pact!
This initiative is about connecting you with a Sweat Squad – fellow UVM students who share your fitness or recreational passions and goals. The goal is to provide you with gym accountability buddies, group fitness partners, bouldering buddies, or potential teammates for intramural sports.
Engagement Data
- BuddyGrams
- 2023: No data
- 2024: 1,297 BuddyGrams picked up and distributed
- Sweat Pact
- 2023: 25 participants
- 2024: 60 participants
March
Move More March! Move your body. Record your time. Win a prize! Regular physical activity offers numerous health benefits. The CDC recommends 150 minutes of physical activity per week. UVM Campus Rec is encouraging you to move 600 minutes during March. Move your body any way YOU choose. Challenge yourself!
BONUS: Invite a family or friend who may not live close by to the challenge. Grab a postcard at any of the Campus Rec check-in desks, address it to your person, and drop it in the box. Campus Rec will add a stamp and get it into the mail!
Engagement Data
- Move More March
- 2023: 114 participants
- 2024: 154 participants
April
This month, reconnect with yourself, with friends, and with the environment around you. Mix it up, be active, and have fun! We have listed some outdoor activities in the area that you can try out at your leisure. In honor of Earth Week… join us for Plogging! Check out the free fitness classes on Denim Day in honor of Sexual Violence Awareness Month.
Engagement Data
- Plogging
- 2023: N/A
- 2024: 10 participants
- Denim Day Free Classes
- 2023: N/A
- 2024: 333 participants
- Yoga Day
- 2023: 34
- 2024: 54 participants
May
Stretch out, don't stress out, Catamounts. To support you during finals week we offer free yoga classes. Stop by and take a class or two! Or, take a time out from studying and manage your stress through play. Check out the open rec schedule for the MAC, indoor turf, ice rink, pool, courts, and track. Gucciardi Fitness Center has regular hours through mid week, then break hours begin.
Engagement Data
- Stretch Out Don't Stress Out Yoga Classes
- 2023: 147 participants
- 2024: 80 participants
- Finals Week Engagement
- December 2023: 5,565 engagements
- May 2024: 6,972 enagements
Summer
Stay active all summer long with Campus Rec Cat Fit Strength Training, group fitness classes, open rec, and personal training.
