Developing a Comprehensive Esports Program in Campus Recreation

Developing a Comprehensive Esports Program in Campus Recreation

Recorded On: 02/24/2021

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As the demand for esports programming continues to spread across the country, many campus recreation programs feel the need to provide support for this student population, but aren't sure where to start.

With a focus on student engagement, I've used the skills I developed from my time in NIRSA and campus recreation to provide students multiple pathways to participate in esports and gaming. This presentation will discuss a campus recreation friendly three-tier program model that was successfully developed at the University of Akron and saw over 2,200 unique students regularly participating in esports programming over the course of one year.

We will discuss casual/recreational gaming, club esports, varsity esports, and additional engagement opportunities surrounding the esports and gaming industry. Facility consideration and navigating the various associations and leagues will also be covered. Come learn from a NIRSA professional who has experience building two high profile collegiate esports programs.

Learning Objective(s)

  1. Apply current skills in order to develop esports programming for a variety of student needs.
  2. Identify equipment and facility needs in order to develop a successful esports program.
  3. Describe the collegiate esports landscape and determine how best their program can support their students’ needs.

CEUs: .75 NIRSA CEUs

Antonio Gonzalez

Assistant Director, Sports Programs and Outdoor Facilities

University of South Florida

Cybbi Barton

Program Manager - Club Sports & Esports

University of Michigan

David Kirk

Esports Program Director

Illinois State University

Joni Richardson

Programmer, Intramural/Outdoor Recreation

University of Victoria

Joni Richardson has worked in the Vikes Athletics and Recreation Department since 2007. Her current role consists of managing the Intramural department but has previously been responsible for Business Systems, Summer Camps and Outdoor Recreation.
 Richardson graduated from Trinity Western University where she played soccer and obtained a bachelor degree in Kinesiology. Richardson’s playing experience ranges from the provincial to the international level.  
As a traditional sport specialist, staying fit is of the utmost importance and as such you will see her running, at crossfit or enjoying a spin class. 

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