Recreation and Leisure Services Fast Track
- Credential:
- Ontario College Diploma
- College Code:
- CONS
- School:
- Community Services
- Program Code:
- 00081
- Accelerated Delivery:
- Yes
- Campus:
- DO
- Academic Year:
- 2018 / 2019
About the Program
This one-year fast track program is designed to provide students who are graduates of an accredited university or college program with the opportunity to obtain a Recreation and Leisure Services diploma. Throughout the program, students will experience active learning opportunities that connect theory and practice through in-class projects, community connections, and practice placements, making learning engaging and meaningful. As champions of recreation and leisure services, students will provide leadership in designing, implementing, and evaluating inclusive programs for diverse populations (children, youth, adults and seniors). Through social entrepreneurship, students will enhance community wellness, research-informed practices, professional leadership, and interprofessional collaboration.Note: The Fast Track version of the Recreation and Leisure Services program is designed to be completed in two plus academic semesters (9 consecutive months) of full-time study.
Program Information
Length: Two-year Ontario College Diploma programDelivery Sequence: Doon (Kitchener) - September/2018 - Fall | Winter
Location: Doon (Kitchener)
Start: September
First-Year Capacity: 15
Admission Requirements
- A degree or diploma in humanities, social sciences, or business from an accredited university or college
Note re: Admission Requirements
- Applicants with documents (transcripts) from an educational institution from a country other than Canada must have their documents evaluated for equivalency at an approved provider of credential evaluation services. Applicants to this program require a Comprehensive or Course-by-Course Report. Please see How to Apply for more information.
- Applicants with transcripts from institutions where the language of instruction is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency with a minimum test score on one of the following language proficiency tests or equivalent scores from another internationally recognized English language test:
- IELTS overall band of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0
- TOEFL iBT 88
- CAEL 70, no sub-test band score less than 60
- PTE Academic 58
- Conestoga English Language Test (CELT) Band 6
- We offer a language program for students whose English language skills are below the standard required for admission but all other admission criteria have been met. An applicant will be eligible for admission to the graduate certificate program after completion of level 4 of the General Arts and Science - English Language Studies (ELS) program with an overall grade average of 80% and no grade less than 75%. Placement in the ELS program is determined by scores on an in-house English language test or TOEFL or IELTS.
Admission Procedures
- Submit proof of admission requirements.
- Final acceptance is based on a review of post-secondary background and relevant documentation.
Program Requirements
- All students must complete a minimum of three general education courses in Conestoga diploma programs. Based on the admission requirements for Recreation and Leisure Services Fast Track, students may have fulfilled the general education course requirements through the successful completion of a previous diploma, advanced diploma and/or degree.
- Mandatory practicum health and safety requirements must be completed by students prior to student field/clinical placements. Successful placement completion is required for students to progress to program completion. To qualify for field/clinical placement learning experiences, students must present the following at the start of the program in accordance with pre-admission information provided by the College:
- A complete immunization record including MMR, Tdap, Varicella, and Hepatitis B. Seasonal flu vaccination is required during flu season (October - March).
- TB Testing: Evidence of current 2-step or previous 2-step + current 1-step if more than one year has passed since 2-step testing.
- Standard First Aid and CPR - Level C
- A Police Check for Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS). Police Checks must be clear of any unpardoned criminal offences. An unclear criminal record may result in the inability to participate in field placement/clinical which will jeopardize progress in the program. Acceptance for placement is at the discretion of the agency; some agencies may request students to provide a VSS completed within six months of placement start date. Students with criminal records are advised to meet with the program chair for academic counselling to determine program suitability.
- Applicants should display integrity, reliability, maturity and determination. It is important that professional people have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, poise and attributes of leadership.
Tuition & Fees
Tuition fee details for the 2018-2019 year are listed below. Books and supplies are additional.
Domestic Fees
Estimated fees based upon the previous academic year (2018 / 2019) for Recreation and Leisure Services Fast Track - Program # 00081
| Description | Fall 2018 | Winter 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time Program Tuition | $1498.00 | $1498.00 |
| Student Priority Fee | $50.65 | $50.65 |
| Recreation/Athletics Fee | $70.50 | $70.50 |
| Graduation/Alumni Services Fee | $28.45 | $28.45 |
| Administration Fee | $25.90 | $25.90 |
| Technology Enhancement Fee | $142.75 | $142.75 |
| Program Supply Fee | $22.50 | $22.50 |
| CSI Capital Development Fee | $72.65 | $72.65 |
| CSI Association Fee | $110.00 | $110.00 |
| CSI - Advocacy Fee | $5.75 | $5.75 |
| CSI Health Plan Fee | $295.00 | $0.00 |
| Health Documentation Fee | $106.00 | $0.00 |
| ONE Card Fee | $12.75 | $12.75 |
| CSI Legal Protection | $28.00 | $0.00 |
| Session Total | $2468.90 | $2039.90 |
| Year Total | $4508.80 |
International Fees
Estimated International fees based upon the previous academic year (2018 / 2019) for
Recreation and Leisure Services Fast Track - Program # 00081
| Description | Fall 2018 | Winter 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| International Program Tuition | $6000.00 | $6000.00 |
| Student Priority Fee | $50.65 | $50.65 |
| Recreation/Athletics Fee | $70.50 | $70.50 |
| Graduation/Alumni Services Fee | $28.45 | $28.45 |
| Administration Fee | $25.90 | $25.90 |
| Technology Enhancement Fee | $142.75 | $142.75 |
| Program Supply Fee | $22.50 | $22.50 |
| CSI Capital Development Fee | $72.65 | $72.65 |
| CSI Association Fee | $110.00 | $110.00 |
| CSI - Advocacy Fee | $5.75 | $5.75 |
| CSI Health Plan Fee | $295.00 | $0.00 |
| Health Documentation Fee | $106.00 | $0.00 |
| ISR | $375.00 | $375.00 |
| ONE Card Fee | $12.75 | $12.75 |
| CSI Legal Protection | $28.00 | $0.00 |
| CSI International Health Fee | $485.00 | $0.00 |
| Session Total | $7830.90 | $6916.90 |
| Year Total | $14747.80 |
Financial Assistance
The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) is a needs-based program designed to help Ontario students cover the cost of post-secondary education. Funded by the federal and provincial governments, OSAP is intended to promote equality of opportunity for post-secondary studies through direct financial assistance for educational costs and living expenses. These interest-free loans are intended to supplement your financial resources and those of your family. The majority of students apply for loan assistance via the OSAP website. Students can also print the application booklet through the OSAP website.For more information, please visit Financial Services/Awards.
Graduate Opportunities
Graduates find employment in the public sector (i.e. municipal community service departments, school boards, continuum of care facilities for seniors and special populations), commercial sector (i.e. outdoor education and recreation facilities, entertainment venues, travel and tourism agencies), and not-for-profit sector (i.e. YMCA, YWCA, United Way, Big Brothers, Big Sisters).On average, 93% of graduates from the last three years (2014 to 2016) found employment within six months of graduation.
For more details on related occupations, job market information and career opportunities, see the Government of Canada website: https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/home
Pathways & Credit Transfer
Conestoga pathways enable students to build on their academic achievements in order to earn a degree or additional credential. Pathways are formed through agreements between Conestoga programs or partner institutions. View the transfer agreement opportunities for this program.Often applicants have earned credits from another college or university that may allow a student to be granted advanced standing or exemption. Learn more about credit transfer opportunities at Conestoga.
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)
Conestoga recognizes prior learning of skills, knowledge or competencies that have been acquired through employment, formal and informal education, non-formal learning or other life experiences. Prior learning must be measurable at the required academic level and meet Conestoga standards of achievement for current courses. Challenge exams and portfolio development are the primary methods of assessment. Other methods of assessment may be available depending upon the nature of the course objectives. Successful completion of the assessment results in an official course credit that will be recorded on the student's Conestoga transcript. PLAR cannot be used by registered Conestoga students for the clearance of academic deficiencies, to improve grades or to obtain admission into a program.Learn more about PLAR.
Program Courses
| Course Code | Course Title and Description |
|---|---|
| Level 1 | |
| OHS1320 | Safety in the Workplace
Description: This course focuses on developing awareness and skills for the student to safely manage and conduct him or herself within a variety of employment settings. Through the nine units of the course, participants will have the opportunity to enhance their understanding and knowledge of General Health and Safety guidelines, including WHMIS, Fire Safety and Workplace Violence. The unit on Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act will instruct the student on the requirements for Accessible Customer Service and Integrated Accessibility Standard Regulations. General information on Safe Driving, Privacy of Information and Hand Washing will be addressed as well. The course also provides participants with critical information regarding their insurance coverage (WSIB or other) while employed. As well as guidelines to follow in the event of an injury. Participants will receive a printable Record of Completion upon successful conclusion of this course, in order to demonstrate awareness of safe working practices to their employers. |
| REC1150 | Fundamentals of Practice
Description: Situated in community agencies, students will strengthen their appreciation of the diverse nature of recreation and leisure services field. Working with diverse groups in the community, they will assess needs, interests and abilities in order to develop, implement and evaluate inclusive programs and events. Through guided exploration and reflective seminars, students will identify the fundamental elements of professional practice and relate those elements to personal performance in the field. |
| REC1180 | Conceptual Frameworks in Recreation and Leisure Services
Description: This course will examine the conceptual frameworks related to leadership in the recreation and leisure service industry. Students will analyze, discuss and critique the importance of programmed leisure, the principles of leisure programming, and inclusive and therapeutic frameworks.Through situated and integrative learning,they will apply and evaluate the program planning process, the volunteer involvement cycle and the emerging approaches to program evaluation as they relate to the field. |
| REC2100 | Special Event and Festival Planning
Description: The dynamic field of special event and festival management will be covered in this course. Topics include needs assessment and community research; event administration (human resources; finances; leadership); event co-ordination (contracts; on-site co-ordination; special services); marketing and sponsorship; risk management and legal issues; and event implementation and evaluation. This course is part of the Recreation and Leisure Services program. |
| REC2160 | Leisure Education in Recreation and Therapeutic Settings
Description: This course invites students to consider how recreation and leisure can be used as a therapeutic tool for promoting health and wellness. Students will promote the benefits and values of recreation, leisure, and healthy active living and recommend inclusive programs, events, and services for all individuals and groups in therapeutic settings. They will develop inclusive programs for diverse populations, articulate the reasoning for these programs and defend their therapeutic benefits for individuals, groups and communities. In addition, they will become familiar with the inter-professional nature of working in therapeutic settings and the process of referral to other related professionals. |
| REC2170 | Community Research and Planning
Description: Community research and planning have emerged as increasingly important areas of focus in the field of recreation and leisure services. Through an integrative learning framework, learners will strengthen their theoretical knowledge of research and planning while uncovering applications in community settings. Through discussion, debate, and analysis, this course will emphasize the importance of evidence based practices and collaborative and inter-professional relations. |
| REC2180 | Program Design and Development
Description: This course provides opportunity for learners to explore population focused program design and development. Through case studies and workshops, learners will review, and critique models of program design through a lens of community needs and accountability. In addition, learners will develop and defend innovative program designs that respond to community assets and needs. This course is part of the Recreation and Leisure Services program. |
| Level 2 | |
| REC1190 | Intentional Service Delivery in Recreation and Leisure Services
Description: This course will focus on the emerging themes of evidence-based practice and current research in the field of recreation and leisure service. Students will have opportunity to analyze, discuss and integrate the relationships between theoretical concepts covered and field work. In addition, they will be challenged to reflect on their knowledge and understanding of these concepts to create service delivery plans that speak to advancing community within an evidence-based framework. |
| REC2010 | Community Development
Description: This course gives students an appreciation of the process of community development. Students will investigate the concept of community development and the roles of community development practitioners. This course is part of the Recreation and Leisure Services program. |
| REC2020 | Applied Facilitation
Description: The course is designed to identify the skills, knowledge and abilities required to effectively facilitate recreation and leisure services. The role of facilitators in the process of community development and in volunteer management will be investigated. Students will have an opportunity to analyze their strengths and limitations as it relates to facilitation. This course will be offered through hybrid delivery with some classes on-line and some in-class. |
| REC2190 | Expansion of Practice
Description: Situated in community agencies, learners will broaden their scope of practice and deepen their professional practice skills through field placement. Through guided reflections of their experiences and review of their portfolios, learners will create plans for expanding their professional practice through community involvement and engagement. This course is part of the Recreation and Leisure Services program. |
| REC2200 | Advanced Therapeutic Practices in Recreation
Description: This course will provide the learner with the opportunity to explore the conceptual elements of health, wellness, quality of life, and leisure-related concepts in therapeutic practices in recreation. Models related to therapeutic recreation service provision and accountability will be investigated as will program and activity design tools. The course will focus on client assessment and the recreation practitioner's role on the inter-professional care team. Learners will be encouraged to integrate concepts and models through situated learning experiences. This course is part of the Recreation and Leisure Services program. |
| REC2210 | Community Evaluation and Service Enhancement
Description: In this course the principles of community evaluation, the content areas and the processes will be explored through situated and integrative learning. The course will provide the learners with both a theoretical framework and practical guidelines for conducting evidence based evaluations. An emphasis will be placed on the importance of collaborative and inter-professional practice as well as individual, group and community accountability. This course is part of the Recreation and Leisure Services program. |
| REC2220 | The Emerging Professional
Description: Building on previous field placement experiences, students will integrate theory and research through consolidated practices of inclusive recreation, leisure and wellness programs and events for individuals, groups and communities through direct leadership and community development strategies. Working as a member of a team, students will initiate ideas for service delivery, program development and event management, defend decisions, and create a plan for implementation. They will advocate for and promote the benefits and values of sustainable and inclusive recreation, leisure and healthy active living. |
Program Outcomes
- Create, plan implement, and evaluate recreation and leisure programs and special events which respond to identified needs and maximize the delivery of the benefits of recreation.
- Apply the principles of marketing to the promotion of the benefits of recreation and leisure programs, special events, services, and facilities.
- Generate revenue for recreation and leisure programs, special events, services and facilities by applying sound business principles.
- Contribute to strategies for effectively managing the performance and development of staff and volunteers in recreation and leisure settings.
- Apply administration skills to recreation and leisure settings.
- Contribute to the safe and effective management of recreation venues.
- Design and implement appropriate research and planning strategies.
- Educate others regarding the value and benefits of recreation, leisure, and lifestyle enhancement.
- Apply community development strategies for advocating and facilitating the personal, social, economic, and environmental benefits of recreation.
- Apply principles of lifespan growth and development to individuals and groups in recreation and leisure settings.
- Apply the concept of inclusion to the design and delivery of recreation and leisure programs, special events, services and facilities.
- Develop plans for ongoing personal and professional growth and development.
Program Advisory Committees
The College appoints Program Advisory Committee members for diploma, degree, certificate and apprenticeship programs. Committees are composed of employers, practitioners and recent program graduates. College representatives (students, faculty, and administrators) are resource persons. Each committee advises the Board on the development of new programs, the monitoring of existing programs and community acceptance of programs.Program Handbook
Apply Now
Domestic students should apply online at www.ontariocolleges.ca or by phone at 1-888-892-2228.ONTARIOCOLLEGES.CA
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario
Canada N1G 5J3
Detailed steps on the application process may help you to apply.
International students should apply online using the Conestoga College International Application Portal. Please note: not all programs are open to international students. Interested students should check the listing of open programs on our international students web page before applying.
Disclaimer
The College reserves the right to alter information including requirements and fees and to cancel at any time a program, course, or program major or option; to change the location and/or term in which a program or course is offered; to change the program curriculum as necessary to meet current competencies in the job market or for budgetary reasons; or to withdraw an offer of admission both prior to and after its acceptance by an applicant or student because of insufficient applications or registrations, over-acceptance of offers of admission, budgetary constraints, or for other such reasons. In the event the College exercises such a right, the College’s sole liability will be the return of monies paid by the applicant or student to the College.
Students actively registered in cohort delivered programs who take longer than the designed program length of time to complete their studies are accountable for completing any new or additional courses that may result due to changes in the program of study. Unless otherwise stated, students registered in non-cohort delivered programs must complete the program of study within seven years of being admitted to the program.
