History
The Graduate Association of Recreation and Leisure Studies (GARLS) was founded in 1992 when the association grounded its constitution. The mandate of the group is to promote a sense of community among Recreation and Leisure Studies (RLS) graduate students and to provide a formal channel or voice through which RLS graduate students may be represented in other areas of university affairs.
Purpose
As expressed in the objectives, there are opportunities for peer-mentorship, mutual support both personal and financial, networking through contact with alumni, and academic and administrative representation. Perhaps at the heart of the association is a strong sense of social cohesion established through lively events organized by GARLS.