From visionary beginnings in 1968 and buoyed by a consistent record of innovation, the Department's reputation for excellence places it among world leaders in the field.
The University of Waterloo offered one of the first undergraduate degree programs in recreation and leisure studies including the first co-operative education program, as well as the first MA and PhD programs in recreation and leisure studies in Canada.
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Our students are mentored by leading experts and have the opportunity to apply theory to practice as they are introduced to the study of recreation and leisure as a phenomena as well as the planning, delivery and evaluation of recreation and leisure services.
Research excellence
Through focus on community, environment, health and well-being, identity and diversity, and service and policy, our research strives to critically evaluate leisure in its diverse forms with a goal of enhancing quality of individual and collective lives.
Job postings
Explore faculty, research and postdoctoral positions in the Faculty of Health, including the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies.
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Commitments to anti-racism
The Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies (RLS) has a responsibility to pay attention to past and current injustice and racism, to confront it, and to actively participate in the creation of a more fair and equitable society.
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More to explore
News
Statement from the Department Chair on Solidarity and Commitment
Dear faculty, staff and students,
The Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies expresses, in no uncertain terms, its solidarity with communities around the world in protesting racism, racial injustice, and inequality. We denounce any form of violence against Black or racialized persons and their communities, including the police brutality perpetrated against them here in Canada and abroad. We recognize that such violence inflicts physical, psychological, and emotional damage and trauma, often with lethal consequences.
Statement from the Dean on anti-Black racism
The events of the last two weeks have brought to the foreground issues of racism against Black people in a way that we don’t always see. As a Faculty, we have begun to reflect on our own actions, inactions and systemic biases. We acknowledge that we come up short and that we desire to do better. In Applied Health Sciences, we are committed to recognizing and respecting lived experiences and we continue to work toward a world where equity, diversity and inclusion are the norm. Our Faculty prides itself for being ‘people people,’ and we take this commitment to heart.
Q and A with the experts: neighbouring in the time of COVID-19
Before the pandemic, when we occupied the same physical space as others, we paid little attention to them. Now, under the current circumstances, we’re more attentive to each other — we’re actually less socially distant while being more physically distant.