PARTNERSHIPS WITH ACADIA RECREATION STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
Partnership does not seem quite the right term to describe the relationship between the academic unit and the student organization, given that the students have always been central to the core of the Recreation degree program. However, the students did form, and run, their own club/society independent of faculty although they did certainly partner with faculty on certain initiatives over the years. The student society would have a faculty member who would serve as an advisor and mentor, but the organization was not accountable to the faculty. The strength of the student group at any point in time was determined by the degree of involvement of the students, the strength of leadership shown by specific students, and the amount of energy and guidance offered by the faculty advisor. Although the club/society always facilitated social gatherings, the underlying mandate was to serve as a professional association creating opportunities for members to engage in activities that would enhance their professional knowledge, skills, and attitudes. At times, the club/society operated on a membership basis serving the needs of those who joined, whereas at other times, by virtue of status as a student in the Recreation degree program, one was considered a member.