Campus Recreation: The ARC By Max Tane

Introduction

Campus Recreation at the University of Illinois is a great way to partake in leisurely activities, find job opportunities, and network with other people.  While Campus Recreation can be found all over campus, the main source of leisure can be found at the Activities and Recreation Center, better known as the ARC.  Renovated within the last 10 years, the ARC has jumped to the top 3 of all campus recreation programs among all major universities.

Background

Residing next to Memorial Stadium, and the Residential Housing known as the "Six Pack," the ARC is a convenient place to get to.  Even the MTD has put a stop right outside the building for all students to reach.  After the renovation, the ARC is now a multi-floor structure that screams Leisure.  Two pools, indoor track, basketball and volleyball courts, just to name a few.  This renovation was based on what the students wanted.  Not only does the ARC have athletics, it provides a lounge for relaxing and/or studying accompanied with several flat-screen TV's.  Even a small cafe has been keeping students hydrated and nourished.

Current Trends

As the fall season approaches, signups for fall intramural sports have brought a rush of traffic to the ARC.  I had the chance to attend a meeting for my flag football league, where the commissioner mentioned how the league has become a hot commodity on the university scene, and how now intramural leagues have begun to create a maximum number of teams. However intramurals are just one of the many things that bring traffic in and out of the ARC.  I was able to speak to Dennis Rogers, a sophomore who is now in his second year working in Campus Recreation, and he said,  "You will never get bored at the ARC.  There are still things here I haven't discovered to done yet.  You should honestly get credit hours if you complete every activity in the building."

Employment Oppurtunities

Campus Recreation is the third largest source for student hiring on the Illinois campus.  They have two hiring cycles year: one in the fall for the fall and winter, and one in the spring for spring semester and summer.  There is a job for anyone at Campus Recreation.  Jobs range from Lifeguarding, Officiating, Personal Training, even as basic as manning the front desk or cafe.  Rogers added to his hiring by saying, "Getting hired by Campus Rec has expanded my boundaries, and now I have made great relations that can benefit me down the road."

Leisure

The way Campus Recreation defines Leisure is that there is a place for anyone at Campus Recreation.  No matter what physical ability you have, you can still find your niche at Campus Recreation, specifically with all the luxuries that the ARC has to offer.

Synopsis

The ARC is bigger and better than ever.  It provides great jobs, and most importantly, the ability to enjoy your free time with any form of activity or entertainment that suits you.  Easy to get to and access, the ARC has now become nationally known amongst all major universities.  Most Importantly, student feedback has been tremendous as the student population keeps coming back to the ARC to take advantage of all it has to offer.