Miami University

General

Q: What are the hours of Miami Recreational facilities?
The Rec Center is open 6 a.m. - 11 p.m. Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 11 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. – 11 p.m. Sunday. During summer, holidays and student breaks the Rec Center has different operating hours which are always posted in advance. For the current operating hours click here.  Phillips Hall is also available for drop in use Monday - Thursday 4-10 p.m. except during the summer and University breaks.

Q: Why do children 18 or younger have to leave the facility by 2 p.m. Monday – Thursday when school is in session (Youth Access Hours)?
A: 95% of the Rec Center budget is funded by the Miami students. Students’ usage is at its peak after 2:00 p.m. once classes let out for the day. Usage is at its lowest on Friday, Saturday and Sunday when children are allowed to come in during facility hours.

Q: What’s the best time to use the Rec Center?
If you want to avoid the crowds, 6 a.m. - 2 p.m is the best time to use the facility.   From 2 - 7 p.m. there’s a chance you’ll have to wait in line for a cardio machine or weight lifting equipment.

Q: Why doesn’t the Rec Center open earlier than 6 a.m. during the week or 8 a.m. on Saturdays and 10 a.m. on Sundays?
A: The Customer Service staff continually track patron usage on an hourly basis. To this point in time, it is not financially feasible for us to open earlier.

Q: What if I forgot to bring my student or Rec Center ID card?
The only way patrons may use the Rec without a Miami ID or Rec issued ID card is by providing another form of photo identification such as a driver’s license or passport to the Customer Service staff.

Q: Why do children 13-17 have to pay for a membership?
A:   All patrons pay for a membership or fee to utilize the facility. Due to children under 12 having to be supervised by an adult (18 years old or older) we consider that our “family membership.”

Q: Do students have to pay to use the Rec?
Yes, Oxford student memberships are covered in university general fees along with other things such as the Miami Metro and University Network services. If you’re not a student, but are interested in purchasing a membership, click here for prices.

Q: Do my parents, siblings or friends have to pay to use the facility when they are in town.
A: Yes, all patrons entering the facility need to purchase a daily pass at the Pro Shop. They can pay by cash, checks made payable to: Miami University, credit card (Visa or Master Card), or the student can put it on their Bursar Bill or use their MuLAA account.

Q: What ways can I pay for things at the Rec?
A: Students, faculty, staff and community can pay with cash, credit card (Visa and Master Card), checks made payable to: Miami University, MuLAA and University Transfer Accounts (faculty, staff and students) and traveler’s checks. Students can also utilize their Bursar Bill for programs and memberships. Faculty and staff can utilize their payroll deduction once that option is activated at the CAB Building for anything at the Rec.

Q: Is the Rec Center ADA compliant?
A: Yes, our North and South entrances are equipped with elevators. Once in the facility we have an elevator past the turnstile next to our group exercise rooms. The pools are also equipped with lifts to assist patrons in and out of the water if needed.

Q: Why doesn’t Phillips Hall open before 4 p.m. for informal recreation?
A: Phillips Hall is an Academic building first; therefore they have priority to schedule activities, events and classes before 4 p.m.

Q: Does the Rec Center have towels for patrons to use?
Yes, towels are provided free of charge. Just please return them at any of the marked locations in the building.  The Rec will be implementing a paid towel service affective July 1, 2009.

Q: How do I reserve the racquetball court and/or indoor tennis court at the Rec?
Reservations can be made for both no more than 24 hours in advance by calling (513) 529-8164. If the RB court is not reserved, it is available for drop-in use anytime the building is open. The Indoor Tennis court is only available for reservation use Monday – Saturday 8 a.m - 2 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Q: Can I leave my stuff in a locker overnight?
The only way patrons may leave belongings in a locker overnight is if they have rented a locker at the Pro Shop. Click here for locker rental prices. If patrons do not rent a locker, all locks and personal belongings must be removed from all lockers at building closing. If not, the lock will be cut off and items confiscated. Patrons must then pay $5.00 at the Pro Shop to retrieve their items.  Please, do not leave your belongings in unlocked lockers! There have been several reported thefts, and the Rec is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Locks are available for purchase at the Pro Shop.

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Aquatics

Q: Where can I find the hours of the pools?
A: General hours for the pools are available in our brochure and on the Rec Center hours Web page.  Weekly changes to the pool schedule can be found on the Aquatic Center home page and posted on the wall of the aquatic hallway.  Patrons may sign up to receive weekly emails of the changes to the pool schedule.

Q: Why are there limited hours in the dive well for lap swimming and diving?
A: Hourly activity levels in all pools are tracked, and pools are closed at times when it is not cost effective to keep the pools open.  Dive well use is also limited when the sparger system is being utilized by a diving team.

Q: Are there lanes open during swim practices and meets?
A: We maintain open swim lanes during practices and meets, but it is common that there is less availability of lanes so patrons may have to share lanes.

Q: When are the most lap swim lanes available?
A: Availability may vary based according to seasonal programs and special events.  The most lanes are available on weekdays 8 a.m. – 2  p.m. and non-event weekends noon – 5 p.m.

Q: When are the least lap swim lanes available?
A: The least lanes are available during swim team practices weekdays 6 – 8 a.m. and 2 – 9 p.m. and Saturdays 8 a.m. – noon.  There are also fewer lanes available during special events.

Q: What diving boards are open during open diving?
A: The outside 1 meter and 3 meter spring boards are open.  We require that a trained diving coach be present during a reserved practice to use any other boards and diving platforms.

Q: Do I have to bring my own equipment to swim?
A: We provide some equipment for patrons to use during open swimming, such as: kickboards, pull buoys, hand paddles, fins and aqua jogging belts.

Q: What are the temperatures of the pools?
A: The pools are kept around the following temperatures:
50 meter pool: 80°
Dive well: 84°
Leisure pool: 86°
Spa: 103°

Q: How far is it across the pool?
A: The 50 meter pool is in fact 50 meters across when set up in long course; it is 25 yards across when set up in short course.  The dive well is 25 meters across.

Q: When is the 50 meter pool set up in long course?
A: The 50 meter pool is set up in long course from mid-April through mid-September.

Q: Can I bring my child to the pool?
A: Children can be in the facility as long as our Youth Access Hours policy is followed.  Children under the age of 13 must be directly supervised (in the same room) by an adult.

Q: Can I bring my own floatation devices to the pool?
A: Flotation devices approved by the U.S. Coast Guard are acceptable flotation devices for children and adults.  This is generally only most lifejackets and some swimsuits with built-in floatation devices.  Coast Guard approved devices are stamped with the Underwriter’s Laboratories symbol on the tag.  Items not approved include water wings, inner tubes, noodles, etc.

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Fitness

Q: Can you explain some of the details of the personal training program to me?
A: All sign-ups for personal training are done at the Pro Shop.  There are several package options (explained on the Person Training Web page and in the brochure).  We do not do any training for groups, only individuals.  All personal training packages begin with an assessment and include a body composition assessment.  Training programs focus on resistance, cardiorespiratory and flexibility training.  Each program is made specific to the client and their personal needs and goals.  All scheduling is between you and your personal trainer.  There is no designated personal training office.  Personal trainers are available to their clients at the times that they have specified.  Any additional questions and concerns can be directed through Loraine Sheley at (513) 529-1946.  

Q: Are we allowed to take equipment out of the fitness center to use in the Sports Forum?
A: To ensure safety for yourself and other patrons, we do not allow any fitness equipment to leave the fitness center. 

Q: Why do we have a time limit on our cardio equipment?
A: The 25-minute time limit ensures every patron a fair shot at using equipment that we have available.  With the high demand for our equipment, we need to have standards in place to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to use the equipment they would like to use.

Q: How, exactly, does the cardio sign-up system work?
A: Everyone must sign up for a 25-minute time slot on any cardio machine at the desk located at the entrance to the upper level of the fitness center.  You are allowed to sign up for two different machines with back-to-back times when you are at the desk, but they must be different types of machines.  There may be a wait for the particular machine you would like to use.  If you would like to use a treadmill, you must turn in an ID in exchange for the treadmill safety magnet.

Q: Is anyone allowed to take group fitness classes?
A: Anyone may take a group fitness class with a pass. Passes may be purchased at the Pro Shop and are valid for the semester (Fall, Spring or Summer) in which they are purchased. If you need a picture ID made, it will be programmed for the pass purchased upon arrival to your first class. After your ID is programmed, you must have it swiped at the pass check desk to enter each class. There will be no admittance without a valid ID. Allparticipants must purchase their own pass; no pass may be shared.

Q:  Where can I find the group fitness land schedule?
The group fitness schedule is available in print in front of the Group Fitness (land) rooms and on the Group Fitness Schedule Web page.  Changes to the schedule can be found on the Group Fitness Schedule Updates Web page.

Q: Can I reserve a spinning bike for my friend?
A: Participants cannot save bikes or spots for friends. All classes are first-come, first-serve. Participants also may not swipe in someone else's ID for them. Doing so may result in confiscation of both participant's ID cards and group fitness passes and privileges.

Q: Can I receive a refund for my group fitness pass or workshop?
A: Refunds are only given for medical-related issues. Refunds are 100% of the price paid less $10 per class taken for students, $13 taken for members or $17 for non-members.

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Intramurals

Q: What are the periods for registration?
A: Our sign-up periods are four-times a year - generally ending on a Thursday night.

Q: How much does it cost to participate?
A: The cost can vary with the activity.  However, $10 is the minimum for individual leagues and $100 is the max for team registration.

Q: How and where do I register? 
A: You can register at the Rec Center or Withrow Court during the sign-up period.  At those locations you will be given a registration form by the customer service staff.

Q: What if I don’t have a team? 
A: You can sign-up as a free agent and the intramural staff will put you on a team with other free agents.

Q: Do you have any jobs?
A: Each year we hire officials for our team sports.  Please attend an official’s call-out meeting to get more specific information. 

Q: Can I work and play IM sports?
Yes, we encourage everyone to participate.

Q: Who can participate? 
A: All students, faculty and staff of Miami University may participate.  In addition, we allow regional campus members and alumni to participate, however they must be approved by the Intramural director and pay an additional fee.

Q: Where are the schedules?
A: Schedules are posted on the Intramural Web page.

Q: Where are the games played?
A: Location varies by sport, but our recreational facilities on campus consists of Withrow, Phillips, Western, Cook and the Rec.

Q: How will I know if I made the playoffs?
A: Review our playoff ranking procedures online.

Q: What is a forfeit?
A: A forfeit occurs when a team/individual fails to show-up or have enough players for their game. The team captain is charge $25.00 when this happens.

Q: What is a default? 
A: A default occurs when a team/individual calls in advance of their game to cancel the contest.

Q: What happens if I’m ejected from a contest?
A: You will be suspended from intramural participation until you have a meeting with an intramural staff member. 

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Club Sports

Q: What are Club Sports?
A: Club Sports provide opportunities for students with similar interests to participate in various sport and recreational activities. Club Sports bridge the gap between intramural and intercollegiate athletics by providing competition at many levels.

Q: How many club sports are offered?
A: We currently have 42 club sports teams

Q: Who is eligible to participate in Club Sports?
A: All programs are available to Miami University students, faculty, staff and regional campus students.

Q: What are the fees associated with participation?
A: Varies by club sport and the range is $25 - $500.

Q: Can I participate in more than one club sport?
A: Yes

Q: How can I start a new club sport?
A: Check the club Web site for step-by-step instructions.

Q: How are club sports funded?
A: Club teams generate funds from fundraisers, membership dues and university funding.

Q: What are the schedules for Club Sports?
A: Varies by club sport and most are active all year round. 

Q: Whom do I contact for information regarding a specific sport?
A: Interested persons should contact the club presidents for specific membership information. This information is located on the Web site.

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Outdoor Pursuit

Q: Is the Outdoor Pursuit Center (OPC) a club?
A: No. Anyone can participate in any OPC trip, program or use the Rental and Retail center regardless of their affiliation with Miami University or Recreational Sports.

Q: Where is the OPC located?
A: The OPC is located inside the Recreational Sports Center. We have a store front entrance on the South side to the right of the staircase.

Q: How much does it cost to use the Climbing Wall?
A: That depends on what you're looking for. If you are a student or RSC member, have your own climbing gear and are currently belay certified at our facility it's FREE! You can also boulder for free if you aren't belay certified. Otherwise you can try climbing for $2.50 per climb. For more info see our rates here.

Q: How can I get belay certified?
A: You have a few options. If you already know how to belay and feel confidant with our policies you can take the test for $10. Your certification will last until August of each year. Otherwise you can take a 2 hour Climbing Fundamentals course which is offered on weekends throughout the academic year for $25 (cost includes $10 belay test fee). This will train you for the belay test which you take 1 week after course completion. More info here.

Q: How can I use the Ropes Course?
A: Did you know we have a full challenge course with high and low ropes elements? To use it you need to organize a group of 8-15 people (or more) and follow the instructions on "How to Book a GOAL program" on our Teambuilding site. See you up there!

Q: Do you offer courses for credit?
A: Yes! We offer several sprint sessions of Beginning Backpacking, Beginning Fly Fishing and Beginning Rock Climbing. All courses are KNH 150 and can be registered for just like any academic course that Miami offers. We also offer international trips during University breaks for credit. Check out our International Trips page for more info on current trips.

Q: How can I force add a class?
A: Most of our classes fill up very quickly and seldom have room for extra students. However, sometimes students will change their schedules close to the beginning of the class or drop after the first meeting. The best thing for you to do is keep an eye on bannerweb and contact the instructor.

Q: When is the OPC/Climbing Wall open?
A: The Rental/Retail shop is open 2 to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday during both the academic year and summer. The Climbing Wall is open 2 to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 2 to 7 p.m. on weekends. During the summer the Climbing Wall is open 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon to 6 p.m. on weekends. Check the Hours page for updates or holiday schedules.

Q: Do you provide training for new employees?
A: Yes! There are many training opportunities for new employees. We are looking for independant, responsible, fun and passionate employees. Having experience in the outdoors is a plus, but we have many training opportunities that will get you up to speed if you're new to the game. Apply here!