NIRSA Research and Assessment Agenda
NIRSA provides for the education and development of professionals and student members and fosters quality recreational programs, facilities and services for diverse populations. NIRSA supports engagement in scholarly research to advance practices in the field.
The NIRSA Research and Assessment Committee has identified the critical areas listed below as research priorities. The context of such studies is intended to focus within the framework of recreation, yet may include collaboration with other entities. Research related to the field outside of the areas listed below is also encouraged and supported.
-
Student Retention. Identify factors, characteristics, or practices that contribute toward student persistence and degree completion.
-
Health and Wellness. Assess the impact of activity, educational programming, and/or facilities on health and wellness behavior or indicators in students, faculty, or staff.
-
Student Recruitment. Investigate factors, characteristics, or practices that impact students’ decisions to attend college.
-
Student Learning Outcomes. Assess the effectiveness of participation, volunteering, and employment on achievement of student learning outcomes.
-
Risk Management. Study risk management practices, policies, and cases to assess effectiveness in controlling programmatic, financial, and human resources risks.
-
Funding. Systematic analysis or description of revenue sources including referenda, user fees, investing, and fundraising.
-
Student Staff. Analyze the relationship of student employment and factors such as engagement, retention, learning outcomes, job skills, and competencies.
-
Student Affairs Partnerships and Collaboration. Examine partnerships and collaborative endeavors with Student Affairs entities for effectiveness in delivery of programs, achievement of student learning outcomes, delivery of services to students, faculty, or staff.
NIRSA's Guiding Principles in research are to:
| 
