Employment at the CU Recreation Center has a bright future once the Renovation and Expansion Project is complete in 2013.
According to Steve Najera, associate director for facilities, an increase of 30 percent in student staffing is expected due to the addition of space, which will create a demand for more jobs.
Najera said the increase in student fees for the fall semester of 2013 will help fund the new Rec Center employees.
Cheryl Kent, director of Recreation Services, said this is similar to other aspects of the Rec Center because programs are dependent on revenue.
“Intramurals for example, are funded through participation fees,” Kent said. “We can hire more students if activity is popular.”
With the addition of space, including doubling strength and conditioning and cardiovascular fitness training areas, there will be more opportunities available for students to participate in activities,” Najera said. “More activities and programs means a greater need for staff, especially certified instructors.”
Najera also said job opportunities could include fitness and wellness instructors, lifeguards, swim instructors, and much more. Specifically which new jobs might be available will depend on programmatic needs.
Current student employees said they look forward to the Buff Up the Rec project.
Molly Rogan, a 19-year-old sophomore speech, language, and hearing science and communication double major, has worked as one of the Recreation Center’s main office receptionists since May of this year.
“I love the people that I work with,” Rogan said.
During construction, which is planned to begin in May 2012, employees will have to make some changes to their usual job routine.
“We’ll be in a transition stage, so there will be a lot of things they will need to adapt to,” Kent said.
Najera said that, though there will be accommodations, there will be no job cuts.
“Our hope is that we’re able to move our equipment to Carlson,” Najera said. “People will be affected both from a user’s standpoint and an employee’s standpoint.”
Najera said he expects current employees to have the benefit of first pick when new jobs appear after construction.
“I think after the project is done, the current employees will get first choice, which will provide additional leadership opportunities,” Najera said.
Through the Buff Up the Rec project, leadership opportunities are not only available to employees. but CU students as well.
“Students will be part of not only planning, but delivery of what we hope is a bigger, more inviting space for everybody,” Kent said. “We’re passionate about getting information from students.”
According to the Project Update issued Sept. 14, students can attend design workshops in order to bring their ideas to the table, and the next set will be from Oct. 4-5.
“It’s their project,” Kent said. “We need students to continue being interested in how we design this.”
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Catarina Massa at Catarina.massa@colorado.edu.
