The Graduate Leisure Research Symposium 
the Graduate Association of Recreation and Leisure Studies
at the University of Waterloo
The Graduate Leisure Research Symposium
The Symposium
The aim of the Symposium is to provide a forum for students to present research ideas to their peers and to the broader University community and recreation profession. First developed in 1993, the Symposium represents an established tradition in the University of Waterloo's Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, and complements our undergraduate, Master's, and Ph.D. programmes in Recreation and Leisure Studies.
Each year's presenters include doctoral and Master's students from Waterloo and other University programmes. The content of these presentations differs somewhat from many research symposia in that research proposals and works in progress are included along with the more traditional complete empirical and theoretical studies. This difference is important, as we believe that proposals and in-progress research can benefit from constructive criticism made possible through public presentation. The quality of the research presented is ensured through a double-blind review process, resulting in a very strong field of presenters for the Symposium.
Some Symposium papers in the past have been presented at the Canadian Congress on Leisure Research (CCLR), and National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Symposium for Leisure Research. They have also been published in our discipline's top refereed journals, including Journal of Applied Recreation Research, (now Leisure/Loisir), Loisir et Société, Journal of leisure Research and Leisure Sciences.
We would like to thank the University of Waterloo Graduate Association, the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies, the Ontario Research Council on Leisure, and the Graduate Association of Recreation and Leisure Studies (GARLS) for their continued support of the Symposium. We would also like to acknowledge T.R.A.C.E. as a new supporter of the Graduate Leisure Research Symposium.
The Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies
Department Mission
The Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies is concerned with the ways in which health and well-being are enhanced through the effective use of leisure. To this end, it is concerned with how individuals, groups, and societies plan, organize, and use resources for leisure.
Accordingly, departmental research and teaching focuses on the social, psychological, economic and environmental aspects of leisure. Through its research and teaching the department contributes to the advancement of leisure services and the enhancement of the quality of individual and community life.
Department Overview
The Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies offers Honours Bachelor of Arts programs which combine a knowledge of people, environments and management into an academic package that prepares graduates for careers in a variety of public and private agencies. In addition, the program provides a good foundation for future graduate studies.
Programs are offered on co-operative (work-study) and regular bases. Three options are available: business option, parks option, and therapeutic recreation option. Graduate study is conducted at both Masters and Ph.D. levels.
The Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies is ranked one of the top 3 Recreation departments in North America. It is now more than 30 years old and has over 2100 graduates.
