Many campus recreation departments are preparing for the spring semester by refreshing staff, updating programs and maintaining facilities during the winter break to ensure a successful 2026.
The break between the fall and spring semesters offers a window for campus recreation departments to pause, evaluate and recalibrate. With most students off campus, many departments are tackling long-deferred facility projects, reviewing participation data and giving staff time to recharge before the January rush. At the same time, campus rec leaders are setting priorities that balance innovation, well-being and operational efficiency as they look ahead to 2026.
Below, three campus rec departments share how they’re preparing for the new year — from reassessing priorities and programming to making strategic improvements ahead of the spring semester.
Setting Priorities and Guiding Decisions Through Data
At Illinois State University (ISU), priorities set by the campus rec department at the beginning of the academic year help guide how the team prepares for the new semester. This year, their goals included creating a more inclusive environment and refocusing their mission and values.
“The break between the fall and spring allows us time to reflect on the first semester to see where we’ve excelled in meeting our priorities, and where we might need to shift our energy going into the spring,” said Bryan Haunert, the director of Campus Recreation at Illinois State University.
ISU uses a variety of different tools to collect data and feedback to direct its priorities. Experience surveys and program assessments showcase what’s working best for students and where individual areas can improve. Power BI collects facility and program usage along with participant demographics, which aids the department in its mission of inclusivity by reaching populations on campus that they may be missing.
Refreshing Staff and Programming
As they head into the new year, East Carolina University’s (ECU) Campus Recreation and Wellness department is focusing on innovation — from programming to social media.
Greg Corack, the senior director of Campus Recreation at ECU, said one of his team’s priorities is emphasizing innovation in programming to ensure students are engaged. “We always want to offer new programming, and by listening to student feedback, we know some programs are getting stale,” he said. “We want to ensure we’re not offering the same things year after year.”
As such, ECU is adding a Pilates Reformer class to its group fitness schedule after noticing more than 60 participants nightly in fall semester Pilates classes.
Campus rec at ECU is also focusing on reviewing its social media plan to stay current with students, which includes moving away from Instagram and X and focusing on TikTok and YouTube. “This is the direct result of interactions with high school students, our next generation of customers,” said Corack.
Over the break, ISU will also assess its programming. Haunert said the department will launch a new partnership with MOSSA in the spring semester to bring high-quality group fitness programming to their university. The team will also continue to improve programs with Heartland Community College and the Health Promotion and Wellness Department to remove barriers and increase awareness within the organizations.
Another one of the campus rec department’s priorities for the spring semester at ISU is for staff to feel refreshed and recharged with time away from work.
“The fall semester can be a grind that, if you don’t prioritize personal well-being, can catch up with you pretty quickly,” said Haunert. “The month without students on campus allows us to focus on ourselves, take time away from the office, utilize remote work when possible and get us ready for the January rush.”
Maintaining and Investing in Facilities
At Boston College (BC), the campus rec department will focus mainly on equipment maintenance and deep cleaning over the winter break. Rebecca Cegledy, the director of Campus Recreation at BC, said her team has seen an increase in equipment issues likely caused by user error.
“We’ve been focusing on signage and social media initiatives to engage with members about focusing on proper use of equipment and facility policies,” said Cegledy.
She also mentioned how her team will use the break to deep-clean the facility and execute more in-depth projects. They’re currently working on resurfacing and repairing floors on various courts, as well as doing annual pool maintenance that requires shutting down the aquatics area.
Corack said ECU will also take December downtime to work on lingering facility projects like painting and other general maintenance to prepare for the new year.
Turning Preparation into Impact
While much of the planning, maintenance and preparation happens behind the scenes, its impact becomes clear once facilities reopen, students return and programs resume. By using the semester to reflect, recharge staff and make targeted improvements, campus recreation departments are positioning themselves to deliver more intentional, responsive and sustainable experiences as students return and the new year unfolds.
