The University of Toledo

Recreation and Leisure Studies

Welcome to the Division of Recreation and Leisure Studies in the Department of Health and Recreation Professions in the College of Health Sciences.

The University of Toledo’s Division of Recreation and Leisure offers a Bachelors of Science (BS) in Recreational Therapy (RECT). NOTE:  The undergraduate program in Recreation and Leisure Studies (RLS) is no longer accepting new students.  Baccalaureate degree concentrations currently include:

                Administration in Recreation & Park Services (This program is no longer accepting undergraduate students)
                Recreational Therapy
               

The University of Toledo’s Division of Recreation and Leisure also offers a Master of Arts (MA) degree in Recreation and Leisure Studies with an emphasis in: 

                Recreation Administration
                Recreational Therapy
                Recreational Therapy & Therapeutic Arts           
               

 Students enrolled in the baccalaureate RLS or baccalaureate RECT program receive a National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) accredited degree.  Students completing a baccalaureate degree in RLS or RECT qualify to apply for the following certification examinations based on the baccalaureate degree completion:

                Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP)
                Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS)
                Note: CTRS examination eligibility can also be obtained at the Master’s level.

 DIVISION MISSION

 The Mission of the Division of Recreation and Leisure Studies is to provide academic course work, experiences, and research which prepare students to provide a diverse population of consumers with recreation and recreational therapy services to enhance the quality of their lives.

DIVISION GOALS

• To provide students with a comprehensive understanding, knowledge, and appreciation of a broad based education that promotes the intellectual and personal development of the student and that emphasizes the importance that a broad based education plays in:  developing professional competencies; enriching life satisfaction; and enhancing the ability to effectively function in society.
  
• To provide students with a knowledge and understanding of the conceptual foundations of Recreation and Leisure and Recreational Therapy and provide experiences that allow for the development and application of knowledge learned during course of study.
  
• To provide professional interaction between local practitioners and students that enhances student understanding and knowledge related to the abilities and skills needed to become an effective member of the Recreation and Recreational Therapy services profession.
  
• To prepare students to successfully pass the Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) certification examination or the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) examination.
  
• To provide an environment that allows faculty to continue to engage in recreation-related research and develop research agendas that incorporate students into research studies and utilize the opportunity to collaborate with other academic units.
  
• To assist the student in creating a network with peers, faculty and professionals in the field of recreation.

DIVISION VISION

 The Division of Recreation and Leisure Studies will be recognized by the university community, professionals in the field, alumni and friends for the high quality of its academic programs, exceptionally prepared graduates, and its engaged and well respected faculty.

 

 For additional information about the programs offered by the Division of Recreation and Leisure at the University of Toledo please contact the following:

 Recreation & Leisure Studies

Bruce Groves, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Division of Recreation & Leisure Studies
Mail Stop 119
The University of Toledo
Toledo, OH
(419) 530.4353
bruce.groves@utoledo.edu

Eric L. Longsdorf, Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Coordinator
Division of Recreation & Leisure Studies
Mail Stop 119
The University of Toledo
Toledo, OH
(419) 530.2742
eric.longsdorf@utoledo.edu

Recreational Therapy

Ruthie Kucharewski, Ph.D.. CTRS
Division of Recreation & Leisure Studies
Mail Stop 119
The University of Toledo
Toledo, OH
419-530-2762
r.kucharewski@utoledo.edu

Wendy Maran, M.A., CTRS
Lecturer
Division of Recreation & Leisure Studies
Mail Stop (MS) 119
The University of Toledo
Toledo, Ohio
(419) 530.4955
wendy.maran@utoledo.edu