Student Recreation & Fitness Center
"We want our students to be active, to be fit, and to be well. The student recreation and fitness center is the perfect complement to our dynamic living and learning environment on campus." - Chris Howard, RMU President
The student recreation and fitness center at the campus's North Athletic Complex features two indoor intramural basketball courts, a fully-equipped weight room and cardio room, two exercise studios, and men's and women's locker rooms, all for general student use.
The 2-story building also houses offices for intramural sports, practice and storage rooms for the band, new locker rooms for the Colonials men's and women's soccer teams, and offices for soccer and softball coaches.
- "We are thrilled to be able to provide our students with a world-class fitness center and the space that students have been seeking for sports and recreation. We have a very physically active campus, even among non-athletes, and we are happy to give them what they need." - John Michalenko, Vice President of Student Life and Dean of Students
- "Our new recreation and fitness center provides our students with a convenient place to stay active with their peers, relieve stress, have fun, and create memories during their time on campus." - Armand Buzzelli, Director, Campus Recreation
Frequently Asked Questions
WHY DOES RMU NEED A NEW RECREATION AND FITNESS CENTER?
A new recreation and fitness center contributes to an enhanced student and student-athlete experience. The significant enhancements of a modern facility make for a better experience for the student body, and also for the faculty and staff. It provides the exercise and training amenities that prospective students now expect when considering where to enroll. The former student exercise facility was in Jefferson Center, which is more than 50 years old. Yorktown Hall also has exercise facilities, but they are not conveniently located for students on the main campus.
HOW DOES THE RECREATION AND FITNESS CENTER FIT THE UNIVERSITY STRATEGIC PLANNING?
The recreation and fitness center is a priority of the RMU Board of Trustees. It is expected to significantly transform the campus community.
WHERE IS THE LOCATION OF THE BUILDING?
The center is located on the current North Athletic Complex grounds.
WHAT IS THE TOTAL CONSTRUCTION COST OF THE RECREATION AND FITNESS CENTER?
$7 million, all raised from individual and corporate donors.
HOW MUCH WILL THIS PROJECT AFFECT THE UNIVERSITY OPERATING BUDGET, AND WHAT WILL IT DO TO TUITION?
The fitness center's construction was paid for by corporate and private donors and state development funding. The Student Government Association voted in 2016 to authorize a new per-student fee beginning in Fall 2017 to cover the center's annual operating budget. The fee is $125 per semester for full-time undergraduate students and $63 per semester for part-time undergrad students.
DO STUDENTS WANT A NEW CENTER?
A 2013 student survey conducted by the Student Government Association found strong support for building a new facility. In November 2016, SGA voted overwhelmingly in favor of formal plans for the center, as well as a plan to enact a new student fee to support its operations.
WHAT DOES THE FACILITY CONSIST OF?
It has expanded free weight and cardio exercise rooms for weight training and fitness instruction, and two rooms for group exercise, yoga, and wellness programs. There is a space for recreational sports such as volleyball, basketball, and indoor soccer, and modern locker rooms with private showers as well. The center includes an indoor social gathering and programming space and outdoor patio with a healthy food and beverage center. The recreation and fitness center has dedicated office space and locker rooms for three of our NCAA Division I sports teams: men’s and women’s soccer and women’s softball.
WHAT IS THE RESIDUAL IMPACT OF THIS BUILDING, BOTH FOR STUDENT-ATHLETES AND THE OVERALL STUDENT BODY?
Today’s consumers, which include students, expect a top-tier experience when they enroll at a university, and this recreation and fitness center meets those needs. RMU attracts interest from students nationally and internationally for our academic reputation, quality of professional preparation, and the overall beauty of the campus. A recreation and fitness center that is state-of-the-art makes our campus even more attractive to the student body and future students.
IS THERE PARKING AT THE FACILITY?
Yes, next to the building.
HOW CAN INTERESTED DONORS GET INVOLVED?
Contact Josh Diller, Interim Chief Development Officer at diller@rmu.edu or 412-397-5453