Equipment checkout is a vital component of campus recreation centers, enabling students to explore new activities and opportunities without their own gear. However, Utah State University (USU) ran into an issue with its checkout process — the student staff running the checkout desks spent too much time waiting for someone to assist and less time engaging with other students. That’s why the campus rec department turned to RecRe.
Katie Burns, the executive director of Campus Recreation at USU, said they’ve been a customer of RecRe for just over a year. Now, student staff can focus on more important and interactive tasks.
Below, Burns explains her department’s decision to partner with RecRe, surprises from the partnership and more.
Why did you decide to partner with RecRe? What problem were you looking to solve or what solution were you looking to incorporate?
Here at Utah State University, we had two checkout desks in two different buildings, where our student staff reported that the jobs were pretty boring. They sat around waiting for someone to come check out equipment, and because they were solo at the desk they couldn’t leave to assist with other tasks. Enter RecRe. We introduced RecRe at one service desk, closed it and moved student hours to a different building. Patrons are still able to check out the equipment they want to use and our staff can focus on offering a higher level of customer service. Based on the success of these first two lockers, we added lockers to our climbing wall. Now our climbing wall staff can offer greater attention to patrons climbing and are less concerned with needing to check out shoes. We’ve continued to add more lockers, feedback from patrons has been positive, and staff appreciate the ability to interact with more people and work on higher-level projects.
What are the benefits to your rec department as a result of this partnership?
Mostly, we’re able to revise our staffing structure, offering student staff more opportunities to learn and develop workforce skills. We’ve also moved equipment to lockers in areas where patrons most often use it. The backend system for RecRe is so easy to use and offers really helpful data and information.
What are the benefits to your members as a result of this partnership?
Equipment that members want to use is now conveniently located in the space where they’re most likely to use it. Patrons have also expressed appreciation that they can access equipment without needing to talk to someone all the time. They have more autonomy now.
Have you been pleasantly surprised by working with RecRe in any way?
Honestly, working with RecRe is a breath of fresh air. The company is professional and deeply believes in its product. From the first inquiry to installation, Griffin Harrington, the CEO and co-founder of RecRe, and his team are so helpful and care about the user experience. RecRe has become a partner in our operations. Our member services team appreciates the ease and consistency of management.
What else can you tell other campus rec professionals about the benefits of working with RecRe?
From equipment management to workforce development, patron autonomy, and easily accessible data, RecRe offers opportunities to reconsider how we operate and helps to improve the overall experience in a rec center.
