Introducing Campus Rec Essentials: Facility Operations

Facility management and operations is a job responsibility shared by more than a third of NIRSA members. It is often among a student or new professional’s first responsibilities as they begin their work at a campus recreation facility. A position in facility operations is a great way to learn about how all parts of a recreation department fit together—how they share space and time. Good relationships between a campus rec facility and other campus departments can contribute to the institution’s shared goal of supporting student success and increasing retention.

In Campus Recreation Essentials: Facility Operations, staff new to the management of a facility can get a crash course in budgeting, staffing, risk management, technology, and more. Though each chapter could be its own book, the authors have distilled the content into an easily digestible publication appropriate for someone either entering the field or transitioning into facilities from another area within collegiate recreation.

Key topics covered in the publication include:

1. Programming & Events—Learn how to balance building demands with the needs of patrons, set priorities, and manage reservations effectively.
2. Facility Policies—Understand the foundation of safe and efficient facility operations through well-crafted policies and procedures.
3. Maintenance—Discover essential maintenance practices to keep your facilities in top shape; from preventative measures to dealing with deferred maintenance.
4. Operational Budget—Gain insights into managing your budget, including different types of funding, and strategies for effective financial planning.
5. Staffing—Explore best practices for staffing your facilities, including training and management of student employees and professional staff.
6. Technology—Learn how to choose software that can streamline operations and enhance the user experience.
7. Risk Management—Implement robust risk management strategies to ensure the safety of all facility users.
8. Intradepartmental & Interdepartmental Relationships—Foster strong relationships within your department and across campus to achieve seamless operations.
9. Assessment and Reporting—Learn how to assess the effectiveness of your operations and report findings to stakeholders.

The facilities we manage and operate are just as important as the programs and people who do the work within them. With careful consideration of some of the principles shared within this publication, we can ensure future generations of students have high-quality experiences and find value in their participation in collegiate recreation.

This book is perfect for anyone looking to broaden their scope of understanding regarding the fundamental aspects of operating and managing a campus recreation facility.