Appalachian State University
HPC 5440-101 Student Affairs and the Great Outdoors
Fall 2010
Meeting Time: Friday 9-11:50am
Location: ED 200
INSTRUCTOR
Dr. Diane M. Waryold
Office location: 223E Edwin Duncan Hall
Office telephone: 262-6067
Home telephone: 297-2292 (please do not call after 9:00pm)
Email: waryolddm@appstate.edu
Office Hours: Posted on office door-sign up, drop-in and by appointment
GA: Jessica Abt
Course Description
The purpose of this course is to explore the connections between student affairs and outdoor
education/experiential education. This course is required for the concentration in College
Outdoor Program Administration under the Master of Arts degree in College Student
Development. Students will have the opportunity to experience hands on training in theoretical
approaches to integrating outdoor experiences into their work in student affairs.
Course Objectives
Much of College Outdoor Program Administration is really centered in effectively dealing with the
people (students, faculty, staff, public) who use the facilities and enroll in activities. Colleges and
universities seek outdoor recreation/education professionals who can combine knowledge and skills
in the technical aspects of outdoor recreation with the human dimensions of recreation management.
With that said, by the completion of the course, each student should be able to do the following:
1. Recognize the differences in delivery systems of Outdoor Programs units in colleges and
universities across the nation.
2. Understand the nature and scope of the outdoor recreation/education profession within
colleges and universities.
3. Understand the importance and role of outdoor recreation/education in facilitating growth
and development in students (and other participants).
4. Articulate the value of outdoor recreation/education opportunities within college and
university settings to campus and off campus constituents.
5. Understand the competencies and practices basic to the effective management of outdoor
program units within a college and university setting.
6. Identify contemporary issues and ideas salient to outdoor recreation/education profession.
Several approaches will be employed to attain these course objectives. These include- readings,
case studies, simulations and role plays, discussions, video, guest speakers, campus visits,
projects, and several writing and presentation assignments.
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Required Texts
Prouty, D., Panicucci, J., & Collinson, R. (2007). Adventure education: Theory and
applications. Champaign, IL:Human Kinetics.
Other texts that you might find helpful
American Psychological Association. (2009-SECOND PRINTING). Publication manual of the
American Psychological Association (6th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.
Brayley, R.E. & McLean, D.D. (1999). Managing financial resources in sport and leisure service
organizations. Champaign, IL: Sagamore.
Drury, J.K., Bonney, B.F., Berman, D., & Wagstaff, M. (2005). The backcountry classroom.
(2nd ed.). Connecticut: The Globe Pequot Press.
Ibrahim, H. and Cordes, K. A. (2008). Outdoor recreation: Enrichment for a lifetime (3rd. ed.).
Champaign, IL: Sagamore.
Leopold, A. (1966). A Sand County almanac. New York: Ballantine.
Louv, R. (2006). Last child in the woods: saving our children from nature-deficit disorder.
Chapel Hill: Algonquin Books.
On-line Resources
http://outdoored.com
http://www.outdoorsafety.org/
http://www.environmentalgraffiti.com/
http://outdoorlifestyle.com/
http://www.wilderdom.com
http://www.wilderness.net/
http://www.aee.org/
http://www.weainfo.org/
http://www.eoe-network.org/
http://www.acacamps.org/
http://aeoe.org/
www.outdoorfoundation.org
http://www.outdoor-learning.org/
http://www.outdooredcoalition.org/
http://www.naaee.org/
Kurt Hahn.org
http://www.lnt.org/
http://www.outwardbound.org/
http://www.nols.edu/
https://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/cgi-bin/webadmin?A0=outres
http://www.reviewing.co.uk/research/links.htm
http://www.noc.com/
http://www.isu.edu/outdoor/bookpol.htm
http://www4.ncsu.edu/~leung/recres1.html
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Journals
Taproot Journal
Pathways
Journal of Experiential Education
Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning
Australian Journal for Outdoor Education
New Zealand Journal of Outdoor Education
Group dynamics theory, research, and practice
Group facilitation
Group psychotherapy and psychodrama
Journal for Specialists in Group Work
Journal of Multicultural Counseling and Development
EXPECTATIONS
Attendance and participation in class
This course has intentionally been designed to be experiential in nature. Therefore, regular class
attendance and full participation are necessary to achieve the course objectives. Effective
learning is enhanced when students complete all reading assignments, written assignments and
experiential exercises. The input of each student is valuable. There is much that we can learn
from each other’s contributions. Unexcused absences will jeopardize the student’s final grade.
Notify instructor in advance if you will miss class. Punctuality is one of the hallmarks of a
professional. With this said, please provide classmates and the instructor with the professional
courtesy of being on time for class and avoid leaving early.
Student Religious Observance Policy Requirement (S.L. 2010-211)- NC law authorizes a
minimum of two excused absences each academic year for religious observances required by the
faith of a student. If you will be missing class because of a religious holiday/observance, please
e-mail me prior to class to alert me of your anticipated absence.
Inclement Weather
In the event of inclement weather, class may be postponed. Check e-mail for notification of class
cancellation. If e-mail is down due to electrical outage or if you are uncertain as to whether or
not class will meet, please phone Dr. Waryold at home.
Noise Making Devices
If you must bring a cell phone/pager or any other device that makes noise and has the potential to
disrupt class, please ensure that it is either OFF or in the SILENT mode. If you must take an
urgent call, leave the classroom.
Academic Integrity
Academic Integrity is central to effective learning in all academic communities. It is expected
that students will neither engage in nor facilitate cheating. Students should know and adhere to
ASU’s Academic Integrity Code. It can be found at http://studentconduct.appstate.edu
Timely submission of assignments
It is expected that all assignments will be submitted by the deadlines noted in this syllabus. Late
assignments will not be accepted except for extraordinary circumstances that are pre-approved
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by instructor. Assignments are due at the beginning of class on the dates indicated on this
syllabus.
Writing Style
All work is expected to be of graduate level caliber. Papers should be written using APA style.
You are encouraged to have your work proofread. Excessive typographical and grammatical
errors detract from the content of your work and will be reflected in your grade. All assignments
should be typed, with 1 inch margins, double-spaced, and stapled. Double side use of paper is
encouraged. Fancy packaging is expensive and unnecessary. Please turn in original copies onlyXerox copies will not be accepted.
Accommodations
ASU and the Department of Human Development and Psychological Counseling are committed
to providing a classroom and institutional climate in which all students can thrive. Those seeking
accommodations based on a substantially limiting disability must contact and register with The
Office of Disability Services (ODS) at http://www.ods.appstate.edu/ or 828-262-3056. Once
registration is complete, individuals will meet with ODS staff to discuss eligibility and
appropriate accommodations. Reasonable accommodations will be made for all students without
regard to race, color, national origin, religion, gender, sexual preference, disability or veteran
status.
ASSIGNMENTS
Philosophy Paper- Develop a two-page (typed, double-spaced) paper on your philosophy of
outdoor recreation and education. Include in the paper, appropriate definitions, preferred
instructional methods, benefits and purpose of adventure activities with college populations, and
how you integrate adventure education/recreation into your professional life.
Organizational analysis of a college or university outdoor programs unit- Just as
postsecondary institutions come in many shapes and sizes, so do college and university outdoor
programs! Using principles of organization, legal/ethical foundations, planning, marketing,
finance, human resource practices, and decision making- conduct an analysis of a college or
university outdoor program. Students may NOT analyze a program of which they are employed
(currently or previously) or intimately acquainted. Students cannot study the same program as other
students. The program under study must employ at least one full time professional who serves in a
“director” role. UNCC Venture and Davidson Outdoors is off limits! Use interviews, a site visit (if
possible), document and web analysis etc. to conduct the analysis. See attached for more detail.
Critique and “In-Box” Discussion – In order to become more vibrant professional, students
must stay current on events and trends in higher education that affect student affairs practice.
They must be able to lead staff discussions pertaining to cutting edge issues in the field. Students
are asked to review an article from a journal, newspaper, or industry magazine on outdoor
recreation/education. Prepare a written critique of the article. Critiques must be based on a
current article (2002 to date). Critiques should be 400-500 words. Use the word count function of
your word processor and note/type the word count at the end of the paper.
Content:
 Summarize the key points of the article (very briefly).
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

Respond to the article and take a stand. What are your beliefs related to the issue?
What are the implications of this article on practice? Offer a thoughtful reaction to the
article and how the article relates to your practice.
Prepare 2-3 questions to use in leading a discussion of the article, the issue it is about, and its
implications for your work in college outdoor program administration. Lead a discussion with
your classmates. Discussions should be kept to 15 minutes.
Grading/Evaluation
Attendance and Participation
Philosophy Paper
20 points
20 points
OP unit analysis
In box class discussion and critique
40 points
20 points
Total
100 points
ASU Graduate School Grading Scale
A = 95-100
A-= 90-94
B+= 86-89
B = 83-85
B-= 80-82
C+= 76-79
C = 73-75
C- = 70-72
F = Less than 70
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CALENDAR OF CLASS ACTIVITIES Note: the professor may modify the calendar of
activities during the semester to accommodate the needs/progress of the class. This syllabus is
subject to change at the discretion of the instructor
DATE
Friday 8/27
TOPIC
Course overview & expectations
Review of syllabus
ASSIGNMENT
Davidson Outdoors & UNC Venture –
site visits--- FRIDAY NOVEMBER 12th
10am- Jeremiah- Professional Practice-Peru
11am- Dr. Mandy Harrison- RM 5561
Friday 9/3
Outdoor Education Theory
The importance of theory to practice
James Neill (U of Canberra, Australia)
video keynote
What motivates students/humans to
participate in leisure?
Outdoor Education and Student
Development
ER-Mitten
pgs. 20-26
ER- Louv
pgs. 70-84
Drury et.al
pgs. 1-60
PPC
pgs. 3-48;
pgs. 63-76
Outdoor Foundation research on youth (ages 6-24)
http://www.outdoorfoundation.org/pdf/ResearchYouth.pdf
Graffiti Project
Class-Decide due dates and assign In-box dates
10am-Alex, Grant, Kate- Professional Practice-Wales
Friday 9/10
Competencies
PPC
pgs. 77-123; 181-206
In box discussion -Alex
In box discussion - Keith
10:45am- RM 5561 Field Lab Planning
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DATE
Friday 9/17
TOPIC
Case Study Analysis and role plays
ASSIGNMENT
In box discussion- Lee
11am-RM 5561 Field Lab Planning
Friday 9/24
Wilderness Orientation programs
9:15am- Dr. Brent Bell-University of NH
via Skype
ER-Bell, Holmes,
Williams pgs.1-18
In box discussion- Shane
11 am- RM 5561 Field Lab Planning
Friday 10/1
Sustainability- How can outdoor programs
in a college/uni setting act as an example of
sustainable operations and education?
Natural resource management issues regarding
adventure based recreation
ACCESS: Population increases and the impacts
on wilderness areas. Getting permits and using places
w/o adding to the crowds.
http://earthfirst.com/college-spotlight-green-mountaincollege%E2%80%99s-sustainable-orientation/
In box discussion - Grant
In box discussion - Al
11 am- RM 5561 Field Lab Planning
Friday 10/8
Friday 10/15
UK make-up trip- RM 5561 students meet 1:1 w/ Dr. Harrison
UK make-up trip- RM 5561 students meet 1:1 w/ Dr. Harrison
Friday 10/22
University Break- No class
Friday 10/29
Educational Expeditions9am-Dr. Simon Beames
University of Edinburgh
ER-Beames
pgs. 25-32
In box discussion - Jeremiah
In box discussion- Andrew
Philosophy
Paper due
11 am- RM 5561 Field Lab Planning
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DATE
Friday 11/5
TOPIC
Diversity and the Outdoors
ASSIGNMENT
10 am-Katie Coley- Outdoor Recreation Director
University of South Carolina
http://campusrec.sc.edu/orec/
Guest Speaker
In box discussion - Kate
In box discussion - Jessica
Friday 11/12
Site visit- Davidson OUTDOORS- Ed Daugherty, Director in
(am)- & UNC VENTURE- Sandy Kohn, Director (afternoon)
Meet at 7:15am @ SRC Lot
Friday 11/19
Risk Management Considerations
in college outdoor programming
PPC
pgs. 49-61
10:30am- Zack Green-University of Southern
Oregon- Principles of Risk Management & ;
Zack’s observations on US v. NZ perspectives on
risk management and safety in the field
via Skype
Organ. Analysis
In box discussion- Craig
Paper due
9am- RM 5561 Field Lab Planning
Friday 11/26
Thanksgiving Break- No class
Friday 12/3
Professional DevelopmentPPC
Professional Practice & Internships
pgs. 207-224
Database
Job prospects and what certs the industry demands
Other uses of outdoor skills in Student Affairs
Accreditation
10:45am- Steve Pace, Chair Accreditation Council-AEE
Professor, Prescott College
Wrap up
Course Evaluation
Outing
12/6-12/13
Field Lab Cumberland Island National Seashore –sea kayak
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OP Organizational Analysis
Mission Statement
Accredited? If so, by whom?
What population(s) do they serve? (i.e.- students, faculty & staff, corporate, schools, etc.).
Is the campus population served ----representative?
Number of “clients” served per year?
Activities offered?
Facilities? Ropes course, climbing wall etc.- are facilities adequate? Future plans?
Gear inventory ; gear rental program?
Academic courses?
Expeditions?
International trip?
Staffing pattern?
Full time staff- credentials and back ground
Who leads trips? Professional staff on each trip?
1st Year Orientation Program?
Collaboration w/other programs on campus or off campus (ie-service learning and/or service
in general-trail bldg.)
Financial Management- self-supporting auxiliary? Cash cow? How are revenues generated?
Is there an expectation to make money, break even…is it okay to operate in the red? Where are
funds used? Who oversees unit budget?
“Per unit” costs if known- Total (year or season) operating expenses divided by total demand
(clients, trips, etc.).
Average cost of challenge course; trips; rentals etc.
Paid v. volunteers staff
Full time v. part time
SWOT analysis- the key resource strength and weaknesses. Any market opps that they may be
missing?
Risk Management
Communications and technologies used?
Assessment and Program Evaluation
Emphasis on sustainability and green behaviors
Overall impressions? Would you want to be employed there? Changes you would
recommend?
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