Rogers State University has reorganized and renovated its health promotion and fitness center to better meet the needs of its students, faculty and staff.
The Wellness Center, located in the Bushyhead Fieldhouse on RSU’s Claremore campus, reopened on Aug. 15 after being closed during the summer for repairs and remodeling.
The Wellness Center’s operating hours during the academic year are 6 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 6 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 1-6 p.m. Sunday.
The Wellness Center features free weights, weight training machines, cardiovascular equipment and a full size basketball court. Additional cardiovascular equipment such as elliptical trainers and a new treadmill have been ordered. The on-site locker rooms and aerobic room currently are closed for renovation, but they should be available later this year.
“The improvements to the Wellness Center will provide our students with access to up-to-date exercise facilities and professional staffing,” said RSU President Dr. Joe Wiley. “The expansion of intramural and club sports programs will better allow our students to improve their physical fitness, and help them build their teamwork and other interpersonal skills outside the classroom.”
Chris Whittington, a 1991 Claremore High School graduate, will serve as the Wellness Center coordinator responsible for the facility’s day-to-day operations. He previously worked for the City of Tulsa to develop a wellness program for the Tulsa Fire Department.
The Wellness Center also is the hub for RSU’s intramural and club sports. Whittington is coordinating the intramural sports including basketball, football, soccer and volleyball.
Ron Bradley, former Claremore High School head baseball coach, will serve as physical education coordinator and will oversee the university’s rugby and baseball clubs where RSU students compete against other teams representing communities, organizations, and other university club teams. Bradley is also teaching a physical fitness activities class for a one-hour credit through RSU.
Other club and intramural sports may be added in the future according to student interests.
The renovations at Bushyhead Fieldhouse also include the addition of a student health center inside the facility. Planned to open later this year, the student health center will provide students with consultation, assessment and treatment relating to minor injuries, personal counseling and general wellness. The center also will coordinate general health education among RSU students and promote healthy lifestyles.
Use of the Wellness Center facilities is free for RSU students, faculty and staff. Memberships also are available for alumni and the immediate families of student, faculty and staff. For the families of students, faculty and staff, a membership is available for $40 per semester or $100 per year for the first family member, and $20 per semester or $50 per year for each additional family member. Members must be at least 16 years old. If under 18, the member must be accompanied with the RSU student, faculty or staff member while using the facility. Memberships are available to RSU Alumni at the rate of $50 per semester or $120 per year.
All students, faculty and staff using the facilities will be required to check-in using their RSU identification card and have a signed liability release form on file.
For more information about Wellness Center offerings or intramural/club sports, contact the RSU Wellness Center at (918) 343-7894. For information about the student health center, contact the RSU Office of Student Affairs at (918) 343-7579.