UREC FAQ

General Questions

Program & Activity Questions

Registration and Rental Questions

Marketing Questions

Helpful Hints

Don't forget your JACard,
as you may only get in
without your JACard twice
per semester!

Aside from the smoothie bar,
we ONLY take FLEX.

Bring a water bottle!

We have a locker
and towel service.

Have more questions?
Contact us on our 24-hour UREC Hotline: (540) 568-UREC (8732), or for general information: (540) 568-8700, visit our website at http://www.jmu.edu/recreation, or stop by and visit us in person!


Answers to General Questions

» What are UREC's hours during the week/weekend?(top)
During normal times, our hours are as follows:
Monday - Thursday 6:30 am - 11:30 pm
Friday 6:30 am - 10:00 pm
Saturday 9:00 am - 10:00 pm
Sunday noon - 11:30 pm

Our hours may vary during holidays, break periods, and summer hours. Monday - Friday, UREC's front doors, locker room, and the Equipment Center will open at 6:15 am to better accommodate individuals who have early morning commitments. Activity areas (i.e. fitness center, gym, pool, track, etc.) will open at 6:30 am.

» When are UREC's busiest times?(top)
UREC definitely has some busy times during the day, but by planning ahead, you can easily avoid the crowds. We usually start getting busy by the time that classes end in the afternoon (around 4 pm) and stay busy until about 8 pm. Generally, during the morning hours, around lunch time, and late in the evenings, fewer people are in the building, so those could be great time to fit in your workout!

» How do I get started and who is eligible to participate at UREC?(top)
Use of the University Recreation Center (UREC) and related programs is intended for the students, faculty, and staff of the JMU community and access is limited to those authorized users that have a valid JACard. All participants must enter through the Welcome Center with their JACard and exit at the end of their visit with their JACard through the turnstiles.

UREC is also open for tours and immediate family can workout for free on the weekends from 6 pm on Friday to 6 pm on Sunday. Guests of students, faculty, and staff can also use the facility for a small fee paid through FLEX (hosts must be in the facility while their guest is in the facility). For more information on our policies, please visit our website at http://www.jmu.edu/recreation/about.

» I think I lost something at UREC. What can I do?(top)
Visit the JMU Lost and Found online database and fill out the "Lost Item Form". We'll take it from there!

» Are there any employment opportunities available at UREC?(top)
Yes! Please visit our student employment page.

What are the fields under construction on Port Republic Road?
Construction is currently underway on the campus’ newest outdoor recreation facility, University Park, which is located near the corner of Port Republic Road and Neff Avenue. University Park is expected to open Summer 2012 and will include opportunities for drop-in recreation, structured intramural sports and sport club programs, as well as a team and leadership development program.  For more information please visit: http://www.jmu.edu/recreation/Facilities/universitypark.html

Why do students have to swipe out of UREC?
UREC is a controlled access facility.  Authorized users must have a JACard to both enter and exit UREC.  All participants who have entered through the Welcome Center should exit through the turnstiles to help us monitor participants in the building. In the case of an emergency, UREC would also be able to tell which participants still remained in the building.

Where should I park?
The primary parking options for students using UREC facilities are Commuter Convocation Center lots; Convo A, F and G Lots are available year-round for Commuter parking. Convo B and E Lots are available during the majority of the year, with the exception of basketball season, at which time signage will be placed indicating that Convo B and E Lots are no longer available for Commuter parking. Convo D Lot is a Faculty/Staff lot that becomes available to students after 4:00pm on weekdays, and from 4:00pm Friday through 7:00am Monday on weekends. In all Commuter lots, students must display a current, valid JMU parking permit to park. JMU Parking Services oversees all parking on campus, and questions or concerns should be directed to their office. We encourage UREC participants to carpool, take a bus, or get active and bike, walk or jog to UREC!

Answers to Program & Activity Questions

» How can I find what programs/activities will be offered this semester?(top)
We publish a variety of different brochures that provide in-depth information on certain areas, but the best source of information about all the programs and activities offered during a semester is the Program Guide. You can pick up a Program Guide, or any other brochure, at the Program Information rack. Another great source of up-to-date information is our website...http://www.jmu.edu/recreation.

» I've never worked out before. Where can I get some pointers?(top)
We offer many forms of assistance to those who are either new to working out altogether, or for those who simply need to learn more about a specific machine or want to make an existing workout more effective. If you fall into any of those categories, take advantage of all the fitness options we offer. As a first time visitor, a Fitness Assistant, located in both Fitness I and II, can provide an equipment orientation or answer questions about individual machines or actions.

We also offer two types of assessment - Fitness and Nutrition. For those new to working out, or those who have a workout plan already in existence and want some help coming up with new options, a Fitness Assessment is a great way to sit down with a member of our staff and evaluate your current level of fitness, examine your goals, and set you up on a plan that can help you achieve your goals. If you would like to examine your diet and eating habits, we offer a Nutrition Assessment that examines what you eat, what eating habits are healthy, and how you can aim for a more healthy and balanced diet.

» I love the outdoors! Does UREC offer any outdoor trips?(top)
Be adventurous. The UREC Adventure program offers plenty of outdoor, as well as indoor, adventures. Central to UREC is the 33-foot indoor climbing wall. From beginner to expert, ALL students, faculty, and staff can feel comfortable and safe climbing the wall. As far as outdoor adventure is concerned, UREC offers hiking, canoeing, backpacking, skiing and snowboarding trips throughout the year! There is always something new to try with the Adventure program.

» Are there any sport clubs, like baseball, that I can join?(top)
Yes! UREC provides meeting and practice space for over forty different sport clubs here on campus, as well as the Sport Club Executive Council. As each sport club has its own season and president, the best way to get in contact or find more information about a sport club is to check our website...http://www.jmu.edu/recreation/sportclubs. Each year, the Sport Clubs participate in Student Organization Night in the Fall. This is a great way to meet the members and learn about tryouts, dues, and more.

Why does the pool close from 9-11am and half an hour earlier than the building?
The pool closes from 9-11am in order for daily chemical maintenance. The pool closes before the building closes so that lifeguards can close the area and participants have time to shower, get dressed and exit the building before the building closes.

Is the ropes course available for student organization use?
Yes! UREC’s low ropes course is available to student organizations. JMU student pricing begins at $10/person for half-day programs and $18/person for full-day programs.  Contact Steve Bobbitt at bobbitsr@jmu.edu or 540.568.8707 for more information or schedule a group. Learn more!

How much do Group Fitness classes cost?
Students do not have to pay any additional fees to take weekly group fitness classes offered at UREC. These classes (and most of UREC programs) are funded by the Student Comprehensive Fee.

Answers to Registration and Rental Questions

» How can I sign-up and pay for UREC programs and activities?(top)
We offer online registration for all non-fee classes and intramurals. For program/class questions or any fee-based program go to the Program Registration Desk at the Welcome Center in UREC. Remember, all transactions must be paid for on your FLEX account - we do not accept cash.

» How can I sign up for a Lifeguarding or First Aid course?(top)
Our Aquatics and Safety program offers a variety of programs, such as First Aid and CPR, Lifeguarding clinics, Stroke clinics, and fun events like our Dive-In Movie. You can sign up for our programs at the Program Registration desk, and pay for classes, such as First Aid and CPR, at the time of registration using your FLEX account.

» How do I reserve a racquetball court?
Please call the UREC Equipment Center at x88722. Reserve your court up to 24 hours in advance.

» How do you rent camping or recreation equipment?
(top)
Our Equipment Center can handle your indoor and outdoor recreation needs! From canoes to sleeping bags, soccer balls, and wetsuits, all you need is a deposit on your FLEX account and you are ready to roll! Our Equipment Center also handles all in-house check-outs, such as towels, basketballs, or racquetball equipment, and all you need is your JACard.

When are Group Fitness rooms most available for organizational use?
The Group Fitness rooms are available for organizational use in the mornings and some afternoon times. Evenings are usually scheduled for Sport Clubs when Group Fitness classes are not scheduled. Learn more about reservations at UREC.

Answers to Marketing Questions

» Can I take photos or videotape at UREC?
All photography and videography requests should be directed to Kristin Gibson, UREC Coordinator of Marketing and Development (gibsonkj, x88709) or the Operation Supervisor on duty. We assess each request individually, basing our decision on keeping the safety and privacy of UREC participants our first priority. Media requests must be made to Kristin Gibson (gibsonkj, x88709) 24 hours in advance.

Approved photographers/videographers...

  • ...must have verbal approval of any participants that may be in my photo or video before proceeding.
  • ...must not engage in photographs that may be a safety risk to themselves or other participants.
  • ...must not interrupt the experience of any participant (for example, if they are taking photos of a group fitness class, they must arrive 15 minutes early and speak with the instructor and participants).
  • ...must not take any photos or video in a bathroom, locker room or personal space.
  • ...must not solicit interviews with UREC participants unless they know the participant.

» Can I post flyers in UREC?
Because our mission is to promote and advance healthy lifestyles, UREC aims to keep all of the advertising within the building wellness-related. Please drop off flyers at the Welcome Center and allow at least two business days for your flyers to be hung. We will contact you in the case that your flyer does not meet UREC's visual standards or departmental values. We ask that you limit the number you drop off to no more than four. All flyers must be stamped by University Unions.

» Can I submit an ad for the REACH TV at the Welcome Center?
The REACH screen, located by the Welcome Center, is a digital display that is divided into three sections: facility schedule, announcement ads and commercial advertising. Announcement ads are created by UREC to advertise UREC events and programs. If you would like to advertise a JMU or Community Educational Event or Program that is wellness-related, you may submit the artwork for the ad (specifications below) for approval and posting. Email the .JPG to the Coordinator of Marketing and Development, Kristin Gibson, at gibsonkj@jmu.edu.  Allow at least 1 business day for it to be posted or for a response. UREC reserves the right to deny or request edits to ads that do not meet UREC’s visual standards or departmental values. Due to the large number of ads that run, your ad will run no longer than one week before the event. Any questions can be directed to her at 540.568.8709.

  • .JPG ONLY
  • 611 pixels (wide) x 768 pixels (high)
  • Keep text to a minimum.
  • Fonts should be large and easy to read.
  • Using color is encouraged.

» Can I advertise my business in UREC?
Because our mission is to promote and advance healthy lifestyles, UREC aims to keep all of the advertising within the building wellness-related. The UREC facility averages about 4000 participants a day during the Fall and Spring semesters. If you are interested in advertising a wellness-related business at our facilities, please contact Kristin Gibson (gibsonkj@jmu.edu, 540-568-8709). UREC reserves the right to deny advertising requests that do not meet UREC’s visual standards or departmental values.

 

Publisher: University Recreation
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(540) 568 - 8737

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