A Typological Analysis of Student Perceptions of Campus Recreation

This study examined how undergraduate students conceptualize campus recreation by analyzing open-ended responses from a campus-wide survey at a Canadian university. Drawing on social identity theory and self-categorization theory, we developed a typology of five recreation identity types (i.e., The Competitor, The Casual, The Health-Oriented, The Disengaged, and The Unaware) that reflect distinct symbolic orientations toward campus recreation. These identity types describe how students make sense of recreation offerings, and why some opt out due to symbolic disconnection rather than structural constraints. More specifically, findings suggest that campus recreation participation is shaped not only by access and logistics, but by alignment with students’ self-concept and group affiliations. Practical implications are offered for developing inclusive, resonant programming and outreach strategies tailored to diverse recreation identities.