UREC has limited availability remaining for Spring 2024 practicums and internships. Applications for Spring 2024 recieved after October 13, 2023 will be placed on a waitlist.

Summer 2024 application review will begin late January 2024. 

Please reach out to the Associate Director for UREC Services with any questions!

UREC's Internship and Practicum program is designed to complement your classroom instruction with practical learning experiences. Opportunities are available for the Fall, Spring, and Summer. All majors are welcome.

As you browse these different opportunities, you are encouraged to be creative in your thoughts as to how this program can meet your individual goals, while fulfilling your academic requirements. It is also important to understand that this is a mutually beneficial relationship that requires a pre-determined level of commitment on the part of both the student and the supervisor. Once you have made a commitment to enter the program and complete your learning contract, you will have the support of all of us here at UREC to help you be productive and successful. Additional benefits include an on-site supervisor, professional development sessions, and UREC orientation. 

Please note UREC practicum and internship experiences are NOT student employment at UREC. Practicum and internship experiences are completed for class credit as a part of an academic program over the course of one semester. If you are interested in applying for paid student employment at UREC, please visit the UREC Student Employment page. If you are a current UREC student employee interested in a practicum or internship, you may apply for placement in an area that is different than your regular position. 

1. Find out what the internship or practicum requirements are for your particular major by speaking with your advisor or practicum/internship course instructor.
   
   
2. Take a look at the experience areas below. In your application, you will be asked to list (in order of preference) the areas you are interested in being placed. Please note that there may not be placement availability in certain areas at the time of your application. Questions should be directed to the Associate Director for UREC Services (not potential site supervisors) at this stage of the process.
   
   
3. Fill out the following application form completely: APPLICATION (download .doc).
   
   
4. Email three attachments (PDF or Microsoft Word) to urec@jmu.edu: the completed application, your resume, and a cover letter.

Apply Today

Adventure and TEAM Programs
The student may assist with the operation of the climbing wall, the annual climbing competition, and the logistical support for the adventure programs. The experience may also include an apprenticeship with the trip leader program or team program following an interview.

Aquatics and Safety
The student will learn the day to day operations of the aquatics and safety programs, which includes assisting with the Learn to Swim program, education programs, incentive programs, and aquatic facility management. Other program opportunities could include special event planning and program development.

Fitness
The student will learn the day-to-day operations of all fitness spaces. Responsibilities may include assisting with educational programs, administrative duties, and special events. Students interested in Fitness Assessment and Personal Training may also be trained to assist with these programs. A long-term project may be assigned for the duration of the internship or practicum.

Group Exercise
The student will gain experience in group exercise and small group training programming. The student may also assist with the group exercise instructor prep course, learn proper evaluation skills, and eventually be able to apply this knowledge to assist in the evaluation of group exercise staff.

Nutrition
The student will gain experience in nutrition programming. Responsibilities include assisting with educational programs, administrative duties, and special events. 

Intramural Sports 
The student will gain knowledge in the day-to-day operations of an intramural sport program and develop leadership skills by helping involve students socially in a sports setting.

Youth Programs (Summer Only)
The student will assist with the programming of traditional and creative activities for Camp UREC. More information coming soon.

Marketing
The student will gain knowledge of campus recreation marketing and communications. Students will attend and participate in training sessions, staff meetings and UREC events. Opportunities may include planning marketing events/promotions, creating social media content, designing, editing and/or distribution of various marketing efforts, photographing events, representing UREC at information fairs, and conducting research.

Member Services
The student will gain knowledge and experience that will enhance their customer service skills. These students will learn the daily functions of the member services areas in UREC and how they play a role in our participants' and visitors' perception of UREC. Projects may include incentive programs, overall UREC customer service, and management techniques. Lastly, they will develop the ability to handle customer questions and complaints.

Recreation Operations
The student will gain experience in the day-to-day operations of the UREC facility. The individual will assist with drop-in recreation, emergency protocol training, maintenance issues, facility reservations, and special events. A long-term project may be assigned for the duration of the internship or practicum.

Questions? Contact the Associate Director for UREC Services.