RSM at USF

We are USF'S Recreation & Sport & Management Department. 'Like' us for the latest news and events! The USF Iota Chapter was chartered in 1998.

Since 1974, the Recreation & Sport Management program has prepared students for diverse career opportunities in parks and recreation, outdoor recreation, recreation therapy, sport management. Our Mission:
To create a transformative learning environment which fosters excellence, leadership, and service. Our Vision:
The RSM Department strives to be a premier leader within the institution, community,

region, and discipline. We will demonstrate leadership through professional and experiential education; pursue scholarship and research; and actively engage in service and outreach. Our Values:
The RSM department provides an engaging learning environment which:
Emphasizes wellness and quality of life;
Supports environmental stewardship;
Promotes inclusion, diversity, and social justice;
Engenders commitment to professionalism;
Advocates community development;
Facilitates opportunities for active learning;
And prepares servant leaders. The RSTM program offers concentrations in Recreation & Park Resources, Outdoor Recreation, Sport Operations Management, and Recreation Therapy. In addition, students can minor in Youth Development, Leadership Studies, Sport Communications and Sport Marketing. As part of the curriculum, students must work full-time for 12 weeks at an internship in an area of their interest. In the past, USF students have worked for places such as Walt Disney World, WNBA Chicago Sky, Holliday Home Camp, and Silver Cross Hospital. The hands-on experience gained during these internships is invaluable. Outside of the curriculum the RSTM department oversees USF’s Recreation Club. The club offers leadership, professional development, and recreational service opportunities for all students regardless of major. Students gain experience in leadership through active participation in events, professional conferences, workshops, and guest speakers. Recent activities include skiing/snowboarding trips, camping, paintballing, movie nights, and professional networking. In addition, the Rho Phi Lambda Club is the national honor fraternity for recreation, park, and leisure studies majors. Students must obtain certain GPA and course hour qualifications to join. With an excellent, knowledgeable faculty and learning in and out of the classroom, the RSTM program at USF has been training students to become leaders in the industry. Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/RSTMUSF
Instagram: RSMUSF

Workforce Recruitment Resource Kit - Take a Walk in the Park

06/18/2026

A career as a park and recreation professional promises meaningful work and excellent benefits. Props to IPRA for offering outstanding workforce recruitment resources to advance the profession.

Workforce Recruitment Resource Kit - Take a Walk in the Park Boost your recruitment success! IPRA’s Workforce Recruitment Resource Kit provides customizable tools and resources to attract professionals

05/29/2026

🛶Canoes loaded. Packs strapped. Sense of direction…questionable 🤣

USF’s Rec & Sport Mgmt. Outdoor Leadership students traded the classroom for the wilderness as they explored the Boundary Waters, developing leadership, teamwork and resilience.

The miles traveled will eventually be forgotten, but the experience, friendship, and confidence gained will last a lifetime!

05/16/2026

Rec & Sport Management Outdoor Leadership students prepping for a week in the wilderness 🌲⛺️

05/10/2026

Congratulations to our newest Recreation & Sport Management graduates! 🎓💛🤎

05/06/2026

The Recreation and Sport Management Senior Symposium Poster Session showcased the scholarship and hard work of our students. Students and visitors engaged in meaningful conversations around advocacy issues including access, inclusion, and the role of recreation in well-being. Thank you to our campus and professional guests for your time, engagement, and support.

04/26/2026

Splash into kindness 💦☀️
End of Summer Bash is HERE!
Food, fun, raffle & a balloon fight 👀
📍 The Quad | ⏰ 1PM
Don’t miss it!

04/21/2026

RSM Program Planning students designed and lead special programs at Nowell Recreation Center and Timbers of Shorewood!

03/31/2026

We had an incredible night at this year’s annual ProFusion ✨

We brought together students and professionals for an evening full of meaningful conversations, new connections, and shared passion for the field. It’s always inspiring to see future leaders engaging with those who are shaping the industry today.

We were also proud to induct our newest members of our Rho Phi Lambda Honor Society members, recognizing their hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence 👏

To top it off, we celebrated Megan Williams from the Joliet Park District who received the 2026 USF Recreation & Sport Management Distinguished Professional Award, honoring outstanding impact and leadership in our field.

Grateful for everyone who made this night so special. The future is bright! 🌟

Recreational Therapy: Facts, Data, and Career Insights That Counter Misconceptions

03/05/2026

Excellent succinct data-backed summary of career insights in RT. The future is bright!

Recreational Therapy: Facts, Data, and Career Insights That Counter Misconceptions Prospective students and their families who explore Recreational Therapy as a college major often bring a strong interest in helping others and/or working in healthcare. They might also be holding some misconceptions that do not match the realities of the profession.