The mission of the Grambling State University (GSU) Leisure Studies Program (LSP)—in
alignment with that of the College of Educational, Professional and Graduate Studies
along with that of the University—is to promote academic excellence, quality assurance
and accreditation of its degree program inclusive of being committed to the preparation
of competent, skilled young professionals in the field of Leisure Studies.
The vision of the Leisure Studies Program is to be among leaders in the field committed
to honoring 21st century educational and industry standards for a global workforce.
The Leisure Studies Program values and expects all majors to:
Initially established in 1958, the Leisure Studies Program has prepared students entering the field of leisure studies for over 58 years. The program at Grambling State University (GSU) was the first Historically Black College & University (HBCU) to receive accreditation from the former Council on Accreditation (COA) in October 1986 and has maintained accreditation since that time. COA’s name was changed to the Council on Accreditation for Parks Recreation and Tourism (COAPRT). GSU has maintained accreditation for 30 years.
The Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions (COAPRT) recognizes academic programs in colleges and universities that prepare new professionals to enter the parks, recreation, tourism and related professions. COAPRT Accreditation is a status granted to an academic program that meets or exceeds stated criteria of educational quality. In the United States, accreditation of professional preparation curricula is conferred by non-governmental bodies, which are often closely associated with professional associations in the field. COAPRT accredits baccalaureate degree programs in this profession. Read an overview of the COAPRT Accreditation process.
The COAPRT Handbook will also provide additional information on the process of obtaining accreditation.
COAPRT is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Association(CHEA).
Important Information Regarding Degree Mills Please watch this important video (http://youtu.be/a1voHNMQDrk) regarding degree and accreditation mills. According to CHEA, "Degree mills and accreditation
mills mislead and harm. In the United States, degrees and certificates from mills
may not be acknowledged by other institutions when students seek to transfer or go
to graduate school. Employers may not acknowledge degrees and certificates from degree
mills when providing tuition assistance for continuing education. “Accreditation”
from an accreditation mill can mislead students and the public about the quality of
an institution. In the presence of degree mills and accreditation mills, students
may spend a good deal of money and receive neither an education nor a useable credential."
Read more on CHEA's website (https://www.chea.org/ciqg-publications).
COAPRT standard 2.05.05 requires reporting of aggregated results of learning outcomes
assessment. Results for the most recent academic year:
7.01 Students graduating from the program shall demonstrate the following foundational knowledge: a) the nature and scope of the relevant park, recreation, tourism or related professions and their associated industries; b) techniques and processes used by professionals and workers in these industries; and c) the foundation of the profession in history, science and philosophy.
Outcome 3-Students engage in a number of assignments related to developing a foundational knowledge of the parks, recreation, and tourism or related professions and their associated industries; techniques and processes used by professionals and workers in these industries; and, the foundation of the profession in history, science and philosophy. In particular, students enrolled in REC 380, one of the core courses in the curriculum, have completed an assignment. Students have met this metric according to the standard we have set with between 75% and 100% earning at least 75% or above. Outcome Measure Style: Direct
7.02 Students graduating from the program shall be able to demonstrate the ability to design, implement, and evaluate services that facilitate targeted human experiences and that embrace personal and cultural dimensions of diversity
Outcome 3-The desired goal was for at least 70% of students would meet this goal on each assignment. In each year, the vast majority of the assignments related to the 7.02 standard met the targeted goal. In cases where the assignment did not meet the targeted goal, actions have been taken to improve in the future. In each year, there are multiple assignments that had 100% of students earning 70% or higher. Outcome Measure Style: Direct
7.03-Students graduating from the program shall be able to demonstrate entry-level knowledge about operations and strategic management/administration in parks, recreation, tourism and/or related professions.
Outcome 3-The desired goal was for at least 70% of students would meet this goal on each assignment. In each year, the vast majority of the assignments related to the 7.03 standard met the targeted goal. In cases where the assignment did not meet the targeted goal, actions have been taken to improve in the future. In each year, there are multiple assignments that had 100% of students earning 70% or higher. Outcome Measure Style: Direct