Did you tune into Campus Rec Magazine’s special virtual roundtable on COVID-19?
If so, you may not have had your questions answered. Fortunately, the roundtable’s panel has answered them here.
Panel:
Cyndi Costanzo, the executive director of UConn Recreation at the University of Connecticut
Janes Dreamweaver, the director of Fitness-Wellness at Truman State University
Steve Kampf, the director for Recreation and Wellness at Bowling Green State University
Mike Warren, the director of Recreation and Wellness at Purdue University
Question 1: Has there been any talk around opening up with capacity limits (i.e. 10 people allowed in the weightroom)?
Cyndi Costanzo: No discussion to date.
Janes Dreamweaver: No discussion or talk of this yet. We are still in a lock-down as issued by the mayor.
Steve Kampf: We have started the discussion of re-opening the building and developing different scenarios.
Mike Warren: Not at this time. As a state we are still in a “shelter-in place.” With many campuses going to online-only summer school, it may be a challenge to open anytime soon. There have been many conversations about what reopening will look like. We may not be open as normal in the fall. We may need to physically distance equipment, consider restricting certain activities, etc.
Question 2: For those using live classes, how are you working through the music copyright issues?
CC: We are using two services with royalty free music, therefore we are not subject to copyright protection.
JD: We just received notice to refrain from using copyright/licensed music in our “at home” workout videos. We may look to record these videos with instructor cues only and then add a link to an accessible playlist via Spotify, trying to sync up the video with the playlist using cues.
SK: We purchased epidemicsound.com.
MW: Purdue bought a licensed music platform and has the rights to play anything available from that library. For licensed classes like Zumba and Les Mills, they provide music for instructors and have given permission to the certified instructors to use their music on live classes.
Question 3: Are students asking for a live stream campus tour of the grounds because they miss the campus?
CC: Admissions is leading this initiative as a component of their overall recruitment strategies.
JD: Our university counseling center has committed to providing a daily virtual walk around campus/town at the same time each day. Seems to be attracting some views and attention.
Question 4: How do you offer Body Pump with people not having equipment?
CC: Our instructors have developed a series of exercises incorporating equipment commonly found in the home. One of our instructors recently released a video using a standard backpack filled with books.
SK: They can use body weight or whatever they have in their location
MW: Les Mills is offering it on-demand. They can use their own equipment or whatever equipment they have around them.
Question 5: What kind of usage are you tracking? Are you seeing high numbers of hits to your videos and websites?
CC: Participants currently ‘register’ for classes through the same portal as we utilized for registration for our on-ground classes. Therefore, we are easily able to track participation. Additionally, we are tracking social media activity to track the live sessions.
JD: We are paying attention to the “reach” on Facebook with reference to each of our posts and noting the type of content most popular right now.
SK: Using views and hits on social media accounts
MW: We are using analytics to track. Here are some of our views from April 5:
- Group X Participants virtually
- HIIT with Kristina – 2,800 YouTube views
- Barre with Payton – 1,000 YouTube views
- Personal Training – Connecting Personal Trainers to their Clients virtually
- Number of Virtual Sessions to date – 33
- Virtual Wellness
- Wellness Master Classes – Wellness Coaches Will and Ryan present master classes on well-being topics to help Boilermakers thrive in the new normal
- “Keep Your Routine” – 552 YouTube views to date
- “Time Management” – 221 YouTube views to date
- Cooking Classes – Lead Cooking Instructor, Kevin, shows Boilermakers easy, nutritious and budget friendly recipes that can be made at home
- Honey Cayenne Chicken Tenders – 764 YouTube views to date
- Flourless Banana Oat Pancakes – 297 views to date
- Wellness Master Classes – Wellness Coaches Will and Ryan present master classes on well-being topics to help Boilermakers thrive in the new normal
Question 6: Have any of you been asked to restructure your professional staff at this time due to budget cuts?
CC: No, there have been no discussions to date.
MW: Not at this time. We have been guaranteed our positions through June 30, 2020. Purdue is currently on a hiring freeze as well.
Question 7: Can the panel highlight other programs that are being innovative, like outdoor programs?
CC: We are very hopeful for the full return to our on-site programs but continue to explore virtual programming opportunities.
MW: We are currently in research mode. Our Outdoor staff is looking at creating Virtual Team Building sessions. Each programs’ team member was challenged with impacting 100 individuals virtually. So, they have to figure out something.
Question 8: If you still have faculty and staff working on campus, how are you able to serve them while your facility is shut down?
CC: Our Center is closed. Faculty and staff members have been invited to participate in our virtual programming.
SK: No one is allowed in the building. All classes are virtual.
MW: Virtual programs.
Question 9: What are some ideas you have planned for the rec center’s reopening?
CC: At this time we remain actively engaged in supporting the ‘stay safe, stay home’ initiative. This is a critical week for all. The conversation of how and when we return to operation has been put on hold for now. On August 26, 2020 UConn will celebrate the first anniversary of the opening of the new Student Recreation Center. I hope our community will be able to come together and celebrate this milestone.
SK: Starting to plan now. We are developing a two-week plan of re-opening and are trying to develop a list of things that must be accomplished before re-opening. Also, we are trying to answer the question, “What does a re-open look like?”
MW: We are still trying to figure out how to best serve our current students and members virtually. I just don’t see a quick reopening in the near future. We have started conversations and will be creating a task force to figure out our COVID impacts on reopening. I don’t believe it will be “business as usual” even this fall. I think the impacts will be longer lasting. Will equipment spacing need to be altered? How will Clubs and Intramural Sports be impacted if physical distancing remains encouraged? All things for us to think through.
