Who We Are

The Sport and Wellness Scholars (SWS) Program is specifically designed to help students better understand the career opportunities available in sport and wellness fields. Students will be able to identify specific interests for personal development and career choice. They will also become knowledgeable of what the future will demand from sport and wellness professional leaders by participating in this program.

Exploring the universal concept of sport and wellness will take the students on a journey of discovery. Out of the classroom learning opportunities include behind the scene views of the administration of sports and wellness events, services, and facilities. Students will focus on developing relationships in a supportive environment with leaders in academia and in sport and wellness professions which allows for a perfect blend of academic preparation and practical application. Additionally, Scholars will explore the positive impact and unifying spirit that sport and wellness contribute to our world.

Graduates of the SWS Program will be well networked with sport and wellness professionals that include alumni of The Ohio State University and others who will provide them with a strong foundation for their career development.

Our Community

Sport and Wellness Scholars become a vibrant part of a tremendously supportive living-learning community by residing in Morrill Tower located conveniently in the shadow of three of the most impressive sport and wellness sites on any campus—namely, the state of the art Recreation and Physical Activity Center (RPAC), the historic Ohio Stadium and the Schottenstein Center.

This living-learning community is not limited to the Ohio State campus. Columbus and Central Ohio have extensive opportunities for exploration and involvement. \ Whether your interests lie in professional sports teams (soccer, baseball, and ice hockey); high school athletics; events (Special Olympics, Ohio Wheelchair games and the Columbus Marathon); facilities (Nationwide Arena); sports equipment businesses; wellness centers; health clinics; or architectural firms, you will be able to explore and develop those interests through involvement in SWS.

Sport and Wellness Scholars participate in weekly meetings and have the opportunity to tour sport and wellness sites locally, nationally and internationally. Scholars regularly perform community service projects and attend social events together. Every aspect of the SWS Program is designed to support the development of future leaders in the sport and wellness arena.

Academics

Students in the Sport and Wellness Scholars Program will have a variety of classes in public health/wellness, sports, marketing, and business areas to choose from as they arrange their schedules each quarter. In addition, they are expected to take Public Affairs 290 for two key reasons. One, this course focuses on the Sport and Wellness program values of leadership, service learning, professional development, diversity, and gaining a global perspective. Second, the course is designed to enable scholars to consider and reflect upon different perspectives, create new relationships across campus and in the community, and collaborate with and learn from your fellow Sport and Wellness Scholars. This course will not only benefit our scholar community, but it will also be a great way for you to get to know the Coordinator of the SWS Program who also co-teaches the course. Public Affairs 290 embodies many of the shared goals of our program, and ultimately it will create a true sense of community within our program.

What We Do

The SWS Program provides both curricular and co-curricular opportunities to enable students to develop and practice the skills they will need to become leaders in the sport and wellness industry. Specifically, scholars will:

• collaborate with world class faculty and staff;
• communicate with sport and wellness professionals around the world;
• gain practical experience through observation, internships, and independent study opportunities;
• participate in a virtual mentoring program;
• go on individual and group trips to visit sport and wellness facilities and programs; and
• interact with a group of Buckeye sport and wellness professionals.

These experiences help our Scholars build a base for their careers and position them to become leaders in the sports and wellness arena.

Benefits

The Ohio State University has some of the strongest physical education, kinesiology, exercise science, sport management programs in the world. Our intercollegiate sports programs and facilities have long been among the very best nationwide. The university's wellness programs for students and staff continue to serve as models for other institutions. This learning environment is a tremendous collaboration of academicians and practitioners that are here for YOU.

FAQ

Q:  What is the Sport and Wellness Scholars Program?

A: The Sport and Wellness Scholars Program is a learning community that is open to high achieving students who are interested in career preparation designed to help them become leaders in the sports and wellness industry. Through a well thought out, specifically designed, regularly evaluated and reviewed program, students can optimize their chances to become truly the "brightest and best" in their chosen area of study.

Q:  What do Sport and Wellness Scholars do?

A: Sport and Wellness Scholars are engaged in active learning experiences including exposure to sports and wellness historical perspectives, exciting interactions with faculty/staff/mentors in your areas of interest, student employment opportunities, internships/independent studies, travelling to sports and wellness venues, and working with community service projects that enhance the student experience.

Q:  Why should I apply to the Sport and Wellness Scholars Program?

A: Today's highly competitive sport and wellness enterprise requires entry level professionals who have global perspectives, outstanding communication skills and business acumen. You need only apply if your goal is to become a leader in some facet of the sports and wellness industry. Only those with this particular interest should consider this program.

Q:  What are the advantages to participating in the Sport and Wellness Scholars Program?

A: For those interested in careers in the area of sport and wellness your success is predicated on the following: academic preparation, co-curricular experiences, an understanding of the history of the profession, and a commitment to what it takes to be "cutting edge" in today's fast changing world. The Sports and Wellness Scholars Program neatly packages all of these essentials to success together for your benefit and prepares you to become a leader in the sports and wellness profession. The cumulative experience of the Sports and Wellness Scholars Program is not available through any other venue at The Ohio State University.

Q:  What is expected of me as a Sport and Wellness Scholars Program member?

A: You will be expected to obtain a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 by the end of your first year and maintain that GPA thereafter. Additionally, you will be expected to be a proactive participant by attending Sports and Wellness Scholars Program events, completion of the Nationwide's Diversity Leadership Transcript Program through the Multicultural Center, all-Scholars events, and interacting as a leader in a team environment with your fellow Sport and Wellness Scholars.

Q: How large is the Sport and Wellness Scholars Program?

A: Our goal is to maintain an incoming class of 100 students each year. This helps us prepare future generations of Sport and Wellness Scholars alumni who are well-networked and educated professionals.

Q:  Will the Sport and Wellness Scholars Program take up a lot of my time?

A: As a college student, your academic coursework does occupy a good portion of your time. However, with attention to proper study habits and effective time management, you will find that the Sport and Wellness Scholars Program packages the co-curricular experience in a balanced manner that assures you a first class experience. There is no program in the country like this so it's well worth the time spent!

How to Apply

The Sport and Wellness Scholars Program is selective, and you must apply to be considered. Successful candidates have a variety of qualifications including solid academic records, strong writing skills, significant participation in extracurricular and community activities, and a diversity of life experiences.

Please note: Only new freshmen who begin at OSU's Columbus campus during the autumn semester are eligible to apply for the Scholars Program. Students interested in the Scholars Program must complete the Honors & Scholars Application after applying to the university. The priority deadline is December 15, 2011; the final deadline is February 15, 2012. To complete the Honors & Scholars application you will need your OSU ID, which you receive after you apply to the university; allow one week to receive this ID via e-mail after submitting your admissions application. You do not have to be admitted to the Columbus campus to apply to the Scholars Program; however, you must be admitted to the University in order for your application to advance in the review process.

For additional information about the Sport and Wellness Scholars Program please contact Brendan Greisberger at 614.688.3297 or greisberger.5@osu.edu.