To learn how to rock climb a University of Memphis student would need to enroll in a program outside of college, right? Wrong.
The U of M's Human Movement Science program offers students many courses in which they can learn almost everything about fitness and health. And some of these courses are unlike anything many students have experienced before.
"We have something for everybody," said Harriette Lavenue, assistant professor of the HMSE program. While the program offers the usual sports classes like swimming and basketball, there are many non-traditional courses offered like camping, yoga, kayaking and scuba diving.
Lavenue emphasized the classes can establish lifetime sports habits and provide students with exercise and health guidance.
Micah-El Austria, undecided freshman, said the variety is a good thing.
"It's better to have a variety of (HMSE) types of courses," he said. He added that while he heard many of the courses were a bit unusual, none of them seemed different than activities he had participated in before.
"We are constantly trying to feel the pulse of the student body and right now a number of classes do quite well, so we have figured out about the right numbers," Lavenue said.
Two of the new programs the department is adding next year include indoor biking and pilates, a type of stretching similar to yoga. As far as attendance and student interest, the courses are among the highest-rated on campus and the classes are regularly filled each semester, according to Lavenue.
"Most students are very appreciative and the instructors always get high ratings," she said.
Another important aspect to the program is that students get to learn how to play sports and exercise for credit, instead of paying fees off campus. Lavenue said students can also get well-paying summer jobs working as lifeguards as a result of their courses.
"We have had students doing lifeguard work at Disney World the past few years, and they are usually very picky and only choose those who know what they're doing," she said.
As for favorites, she immediately lists rock climbing as one of the most popular among students.
"Lots of the kids love (the rock wall) and usually many of them come around to watch everything," she said.
James Callicott, a freshman chemistry major, said that while he is not taking any of the courses now, it is interesting.
"I say that if someone is interested in one of those classes, then go for it," he said.
