Major changes to the recreational programs offered at UCSD will be made, pending the analysis of the 1,256-student Healthy Physically Active Lifestyles survey. HPAL, which tackles issues such as nutrition, physical exercise and emotional health, is part of an effort by the Office of Student Affairs to improve student health at UCSD.
The survey, which was conducted last winter via the Web and organized in the last few weeks, will guide decisions about changing existing programs, adding new ones and making programs more convenient, according to Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Joseph Watson.
“”One of our major priorities right now is a second pool at Canyon View,”” Watson said.
Exactly what changes will be made to the recreational programs have not been decided. HPAL Chair and Director of Sport Facilities Don Chadwick said that the Student Health Center, Psychological Services and ResLife would also draw on information from the survey.
“”We want [HPAL] to be a defining feature of life at UCSD,”” Watson said. “”This is a major thrust of Student Affairs.””
The survey highlighted distinct differences between men and women in their attitudes towards recreation, as well as the different activities they prefer. Therefore, different marketing strategies will be used towards each gender, according to Watson.
“”[The survey] will be evaluated progressively as we move through it,”” Chadwick said. “”It is a goal of ours to try to snare freshmen early on … and try to get them engaged in our programs.””
Watson said that he wanted more of a focus on promoting physical activities during Welcome Week.
“”We want a high profile, and we want all students involved in it,”” Watson said about the HPAL program.
Watson said the HPAL survey, or a similar one, is to be conducted on a periodic basis in the future so that changing trends can be measured.
Of those polled in the study, 23 percent said that finances were a barrier to an “”active lifestyle,”” while 23 percent also said that being self-conscious prevented them from having an “”active lifestyle.”” Watson contends that informal and cheap programs should be offered to overcome such barriers.
Chadwick said the HPAL program is an attempt to build on a base of athletic participation at UCSD.
“”The San Diego campus of the University of California is pretty active when compared to other universities,”” Chadwick said. “”We have many more intramural teams and recreation classes than any other UC campus.””
Thurgood Marshall College sophomore Martin Storrow said that he was satisfied with the recreational facilities and programs offered at UCSD.
“”I think they have a lot to offer,”” Storrow said. “”I played intramural softball last year. It was really laid-back, even though my team lost.””
Graduate student Maria Cesena says that the price is right for the free programs.
“”I probably wouldn’t have done it if it had cost, like, $50,”” he said. “”But it’s free, so that’s a big incentive.””
