Outdoor Recreation (OREC)

OREC 5000 (2) Introduction to the Outdoor Recreation Economy

In this course, the outdoor recreation economy is viewed holistically. Content in this course provides an introduction to public lands and natural resources policy, challenges and opportunities for community economic development, and the outdoor recreation industry. Discuss and critically examine Outdoor Recreation Economy definitions, theories, and frameworks and explore the diverse career opportunities that exist within the outdoor recreation industry. Key stakeholders are identified, along with current and future trends, opportunities, and challenges. The need for sustainable practices and cross-cultural understanding and communication within the outdoor recreation economy is also emphasized. Finally, we will explore the diverse career opportunities that exist within the outdoor recreation industry.

Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade

OREC 5001 (2) Sustainability Practices within the Outdoor Recreation Economy

Explore sustainability practices that create a diverse, resilient, equitable, and just outdoor recreation industry. Focus on sustainability practices for outdoor products and businesses, tourism and guiding services, as well as communities and destinations. Various certi¿cation programs and processes for outdoor brands, companies and destinations that are relevant to the Outdoor Recreation Economy are examined, alongside broader social, environmental, and economic movements and factors in¿uencing the future trajectory of the Outdoor Recreation Economy. Examine best practices surrounding the implementation and communication of sustainability efforts.

Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade

OREC 5002 (2) Leading Sustainable Change in the Outdoor Recreation Economy

Explore the relationship between self-awareness, personal purpose, and leadership. Focus on the building blocks of collaborative leadership and organizational ethics. Examine different philosophies of leadership and explore how to engage with diverse constituencies. Learn how to participate in ethical decision-making. Compare training, tools, and techniques to promote and endorse ethical professional behavior within organizations.

Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.

OREC 5003 (2) Outdoor Recreation Project Tools and Skills

Project management skills are critical for anyone wanting to lead sustainable change. In this course, students will learn to assume responsibility for ensuring overall success of a project given an array of challenges with a focus on projects related to the outdoor industry. They will learn to apply their skill and knowledge, both of project management best practices as well as of team leadership, to ensure the successful progression and completion of the undertaking at hand. This remote, synchronous course will integrate project management concepts, knowledge, and skills to provide the foundational knowledge and a working understanding of project management processes, systems, tools, and leadership.

Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Recommended: restricted to Outdoor Recreation Economy students.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade

OREC 5004 (2) Environmental Justice and Stewardship

Explore an interdisciplinary approach to environmental justice and stewardship. Learn how law, policy, and outdoor recreation practices are connected to class, gender, racial, and religious disparities. Learn how law and outdoor recreation practices can contribute to both environmental integrity and social equity. Issues of water justice, public lands, sacred sites, biodiversity, wildlife management, public health, and access to nature through broader outdoor recreation are also addressed.

Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade

OREC 5005 (2) Issues in Public Lands

Explore the historical legacy, present controversies, and the projected future of public lands. Review the role that federal, tribal, state, and local governments play in the management of public lands and develop an understanding of the statutes governing public lands management and agency actions. Apply analytical lenses to understanding the drivers of conflict over public lands management using examples of place-based case studies, such as Bears Ears National Monument and the roadless rule in the Tongass National Forest. Learn from guest lectures with practitioners on current issues in public lands management, including the balance between outdoor recreation and conservation, inclusive access for all, and tribal consultation.

Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade

OREC 5006 (2) Issues in Natural Resources Management

Address the challenge of managing natural resources within the increasingly complex context of climate change and development, while balancing diverse and competing values. Explore case studies across topics and geographies and apply theoretical and practical policy tools to address problems of natural resource policy and management for just and durable outcomes.

Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade

OREC 5007 (2) Public Lands and Natural Resources Policy Project

The project course represents a culmination of the certificate where students apply the skills and knowledge gained from certificate subject courses to address current policy, business, or community development challenges in the outdoor recreation economy. Students have the opportunity to analyze, research, develop, and implement innovative strategies, processes and solutions on an experiential project related to public lands and natural resources policy in the outdoor recreation economy. Students work collaboratively with colleagues and may engage stakeholders.

Requisites: Requires prerequisite courses of OREC 5004, 5005, 5006 and 5017 (all minimum grade D-). Restricted to graduate students only.
Recommended: restricted to Outdoor Recreation Economy students.

OREC 5008 (2) Strategies for Resilient Outdoor Recreation Economy Communities

Focuses on the various strategies that can be adopted to develop and grow a resilient outdoor recreation economy within a given place. Through critically examining these strategies and how they have been applied, the many and different ways in which the ORE can contribute to community economic development and building resilient communities is analyzed.

Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade

OREC 5009 (2) Resilient Communities and Business Development

Communities and businesses are often on the front lines when it comes to climate change impacts and natural disasters. Resilient systems can enhance communities and ultimately lower costs for businesses. This course addresses public and private sector actions that can be taken to enhance resiliency for communities and businesses.

Recommended: Prerequisite Cert 3/ Course I (Sustainable Land Use and Development).
Grading Basis: Letter Grade

OREC 5010 (2) Tools for Resilient Outdoor Recreation Economy Communities

Focuses on the practical community economic development tools that support the outdoor recreation economy and help build resilient communities. By studying these tools and how they¿re commonly used, their importance to a community¿s outdoor recreation economy and its resiliency will be more readily understood and appreciated.

Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade

OREC 5011 (2) Outdoor Recreation Economy Community Economic Development Project

The project course represents a culmination of the certificate where students apply the skills and knowledge gained from certificate subject courses to address current policy, business, or community development challenges in the outdoor recreation economy. Students have the opportunity to analyze, research, develop, and implement innovative strategies, processes and solutions on an experiential project that addresses current community economic development challenges and/or opportunities resulting from the outdoor recreation economy. Students work collaboratively with colleagues and may engage stakeholders.

Requisites: Requires prerequisite courses of OREC 5018, 5008, 5010, and 5019 (all minimum grade D-).
Recommended: restricted to Outdoor Recreation Economy students.

OREC 5012 (2) Strategic Leadership in the Outdoor Recreation Economy

Develop the skills and tools to confront the unique opportunities and complex situations Outdoor Recreation Economy leaders inevitably face when making decisions that can affect the lives of investors, employees, community members, and other stakeholders. Analyze business decisions in a broad range of contexts utilizing considerations of ¿nancial performance, personal values, and the values of key stakeholders to develop individual decision-making frameworks for use in your career as you earn increasing levels of responsibility and decision-making authority. This course aims to help develop purpose-driven leaders who go out into the world and build lives and organizations that do both well and good.

Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade

OREC 5013 (2) Circular Economy and Integration of Sustainable Business Practices

Explore the fundamentals of a circular economy, the business value in a circular economy, how business models are presently shifting, and most importantly, why businesses should become part of this transformational shift. Examine the tools and practices needed to set, implement, track, and communicate progress towards sustainability goals. Develop an understanding of sustainability measurement and the skills needed to critique and improve sustainability outcomes for businesses and their stakeholders. Knowledge and skills from this course can be used to build sustainability strategies with clear and measurable outcomes, and to develop actionable sustainability plans.

Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade

OREC 5014 (2) Outdoor Recreation Business Project

The project course represents a culmination of the certificate where students apply the skills and knowledge gained from certificate subject courses to address current policy, business, or community development challenges in the outdoor recreation economy. Students have the opportunity to analyze, research, develop, and implement innovative strategies, processes and solutions on an experiential project related to current leadership and/or sustainability challenges resulting from the outdoor recreation economy within specific businesses. Students work collaboratively with colleagues and may engage stakeholders.

Requisites: Requires prerequisites courses of OREC 5012, 5013, 5015 and 5020 (all minimum grade D-). Restricted to graduate students only.
Recommended: restricted to Outdoor Recreation Economy students.

OREC 5015 (2) Building an Outdoor Recreation Enterprise

Explore entrepreneurial skills and learn how to successfully build an outdoor recreation enterprise. Students examine the fundamentals of how to develop outdoor recreation business concepts in order to turn them into a successful enterprise.

Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade

OREC 5016 (2) Foundations of Environmental Law and Culture

Explores the historical framework of environmental law and policy as it relates to federal, state, and tribal governments. Examine how cultural ideologies shape environmental law and how environmental law shapes cultural ideologies. Learn how environmental decision-making through law and policy is connected both directly and indirectly to outdoor recreation.

Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade

OREC 5017 (2) Environmental Movements, Alliances, and Legal Change

Examine the nuances of past and ongoing environmental movements and trends with a focus on public land management, outdoor recreation, water allocation, tribal self-determination, access to nature, and environmental justice. Study how law and policies have changed over the years and explore legal strategies to ensure a more sustainable, inclusive, and principled relationship with nature and fellow citizens. Learn to anticipate where environmental disputes are likely to arise in relation to outdoor recreation, and explore potential opportunities for collaboration and resolution.

Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade

OREC 5018 (2) Community and Place Matters

Explore the towns and communities that nurture and develop outdoor recreation businesses and amenities. Compare how communities provide a place for people to live, as well as the necessary infrastructure, resources and supporting facilities and services that make communities great places to live, work, visit and recreate. Examine the structure and organization of communities and the role of government and governance. Learn how the engagement and participation of community members in decision-making through democratic processes can influence the development of the outdoor recreation economy and community economic development outcomes.

Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade

OREC 5019 (2) Building Community Capacity and Readiness for the Outdoor Recreation Economy

How can communities ensure that development is not something that just happens to them, but rather is something that is instigated from within? How can communities ensure that development builds upon community strengths and assets and re¿ects the needs and wants of its members? What skills, knowledge, and tools do communities need to have at their disposal in order to inspire action and take charge of their future and become more livable, resilient and sustainable? This course seeks to answer these questions by examining how communities can build their capacity for change through the outdoor recreation economy and take proactive steps to improve their economic prospects and quality of life. Focus on how to build community capacity and readiness for the successful development of the Outdoor Recreation Economy. Emphasis is given to the different methods of building community capacity to ensure communities are in the best position to address challenges. Although every community is unique and the process of comm

Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade

OREC 5020 (2) The Business of Outdoor Recreation

Examine the outdoor recreation industry and the operational life-cycle of outdoor recreation businesses. Focus on identifying and understanding industry-critical functions and interdependencies such as manufacturing, product development, branding, selling and distributing outdoor recreation products, and current and future trends.

Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade

OREC 5021 (2) Foundations of Inclusivity in the Outdoor Recreation Economy

We start by creating a safe space for deep learning, honest exploration, and open dialogue. This course will expand your knowledge and understanding of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Everyone has the right to be treated fairly with dignity and respect. These are our human rights. Building a community, work environment, and society that is diverse, inclusive, equitable, and just requires a foundation from which to develop. DEI is an ongoing learning process and requires commitment, personal leadership, and accountability. This course will enable students to be a part of developing an inclusive foundation for their respective organizations and communities with knowledge, tools, and best practices from global leaders within the outdoor recreation economy and beyond. The course sets the intention to be a stepping stone to help break down the barriers to entry and participation while creating a more inclusive natural environment where all people can not only feel welcome but encouraged to become active p

OREC 5022 (2) Cultivating Belonging and Accountability in the Outdoor Recreation Economy

Research shows that promoting diversity alone does not ensure a culture of inclusion and belonging. In this course, we work to create a secure and supportive environment for deep learning, honest exploration, and open dialogue. Belonging is a fundamental aspect of human existence and plays a crucial role in creating inclusive environments. This course aims to enhance your understanding and knowledge of how to center belonging as a part of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts in organizations (the workplace), communities, and within. Finally, this course explores the importance of accountability by focusing on 3 of the 5 success factors for DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) integrated work: Having a meaningful definition of success, accountable and invested business leaders, and rigorous tracking and course correction.

Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade

OREC 5023 (2) Inclusive Leadership and Conscious Change in the Outdoor Recreation Economy

Through the practice of inclusive and conscious leadership, we shift our focus from "I" to "We," igniting interconnectedness across all aspects of life and work. The journey begins with the self-awareness to drive meaningful change. This course provides a framework for transitioning from inclusive leadership to intentional and transformative change within organizations, communities, and personal growth journeys. It examines how leadership contributes to the five fundamental success factors of DEIB integration.

Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade

OREC 5024 (2) Social Justice and Equity in the Outdoor Recreation Economy

Designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted forces that have shaped diverse communities, both historically and in the contemporary context. By the end of this course, students will possess the knowledge and analytical skills necessary to contribute meaningfully to discussions and actions aimed at advancing social justice and equity in the ORE and beyond.

Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade

OREC 6100 (1-4) Special Topics for Outdoor Recreation Economy

A variety of topics not currently offered in curriculum; offered depending on instructor availability and student demand.

Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 18.00 total credit hours.
Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade