Funding Free WeightsProposal to add more free weights at The Student Recreation Center

By: Elizabeth Donald, Cody Kimbro, and Kali Morrison

Texas Tech University

October 14, 2015

Funds Requested: $549.60

Photo by Elizabeth Donald

Table of Contents

Audience Analysis Page 3Abstract Page 4Research Page 5Testimonials Page 6Solutions Page 7Budget Page 8Time Line Page 9Action Plan Page 10References Page 11

Illustrations and Pictures

Front of Student Rec Center Cover PageCurrent Dumbbell Selectin Page 5Suggested New Location for Weights Page 7Price Comparison Chars Page 8Timeline Pictograph Page 9

2

Audience AnalysisThis proposal was written with the Student Rec Center management as a primary

audience, specifically Peewee Robertson, Director and Steve Waden, Associate Director

– Facilities and SRC Operations. The information that they need to know is that the intent

of this proposal is to gain funding for the purchase and upkeep of free weights to be

located on the second floor of the Student Rec Center at Texas Tech University. The cost

associated with our project is 5 cents from each student’s Rec Center fee. Our proposal is

in line with the Student Rec Center’s goal of having “a long term strategic plan for

programs, facilities, technology and services for the students and faculty/staff” by

creating a way to make sure that equipment is kept in good condition

(http://www.depts.ttu.edu/recsports/about/mission.php).

The secondary audience includes the Business Office, those who would approve

earmarking a portion of fees for this project, students, and anyone who uses the Student

Rec Center. Their needs include knowing how much funding is needed and how this

project will enhance their experience at the Student Rec Center.

Both the primary and secondary audiences are connected because they

potentially could all use the Student Rec Center and are members of the Texas Tech

University community. In 1980 when the Student Rec Center was opened it was and still

is one of the largest facilities of its type

(http://www.depts.ttu.edu/recsports/about/index.php). This project would contribute to

making it a premier workout facility for the area.

3

AbstractThe Student Rec Center has limited options for free weights and their use. By purchasing

additional weights and relocating current weights to be more accessible, more people will

be able to utilize them in an environment that is conducive to physical fitness. We are

requesting that five cents from each student’s Rec Center Fees be earmarked for the

purchase and upkeep of new and existing weights. The total funds needed are $549.60 to

purchase new weights with the residual funds to be used for their upkeep and eventual

replacement.

4

Adding More Free Weights At the Student Rec Center the current amount of free weights available is lacking.

The current ones in use are damaged, do not match, and are hard to determine what

weight they are. By adding more free weights on the second floor more people will be

able to utilize a greater variety of free weights during their workouts. Because of the lack

of free weights many patrons, including students, faculty, and staff, do not enjoy using

the Student Rec Center. By increasing the availability of weights, satisfaction will

increase and more people will want to utilize this campus resource. We are requesting

that to fund this project, five cents from each student’s Rec Center Fee be earmarked for

the purchase of new free weights and their upkeep. The initial funding needed is $549.60.

ResearchAccording to Purdue University there is a positive correlation between

students who workout and their Grade Point Average (GPA). Students who went to

recreational facilities at least, “16 times a month earned a GPA of 3.10 or higher,”

and students who went “at least seven times a month had an average GPA of 3.06”

(Patterson). Another study from Michigan State University (MSU) found that

students who were members at a workout facility had a cumulative GPA that was

5

Current free-weights located upstairs at the Rec.Photo by Elizabeth Donald

Dumbbell size Quantity5 210 415 420 425 230 435 140 2

0.13 higher than students who did not. Their studies stated, “exercise can increase

the number of brain cells in the hippocampus, which is also essential in learning

and memory” (Bushak).

Testimonials:

While in the Rec Elizabeth spoke to a

few students who were working out

upstairs. She asked them the question,

“Have you ever experienced any

problems while working out in the

upstairs area at the Rec?”

Anthony McGaffin: “Yes, I can usually

only go around 5:00, the time everyone

else goes, and there are not nearly

enough weights to allow myself and the

other patrons to get our workout done in

a timely manner.”

Kooper Lancaster: “There are too many

people and not enough free weights, so I

don’t even want to go anymore because.”

Talyn Standard: “I like to workout with

dumbbells, but there are usually not

enough to use upstairs, and I am too

intimidated by the huge guys

downstairs.”

6

Solutions Collect 5 cents from each on-campus student’s Rec Center Fee at the beginning of the

spring and fall semesters, and use that money to purchase new dumbbells. Estimating that

roughly 20,000 students pay the Rec fee each semester, approximately $1,000 would be

collected to go towards purchasing new dumbbells. This amount would cover the cost of

the dumbbells, while also having extra money to replace missing or damaged dumbbells,

and to create fund to continue the upkeep of the new weights.

To ensure the longevity of the dumbbells, signs would need to be hung up around the free

weight area upstairs that read, “Please do not drop weights,” “Please rerack your

weights,” and “Please do not remove from this area.”

7

Arrow indicates the location of proposed place at the Student Rec. Center.Photo by Elizabeth Donald

Budget

Free-weight pounds Amazon Sports Authority Dick’s Sporting Goods Academy5 13.90 6.99 7.99 6.9910 15.99 12.99 15.99 9.4915 28.72 18.99 24.99 13.9920 25.00 24.99 32.99 19.9925 43.01 31.99 39.99 26.9930 36.00 48.59 49.99 28.6935 42.00 43.99 55.99 37.9940 48.00 49.99 64.99 59.99Item Total 16 16 16 16Price for 2 of each 507.70 477.04 585.54 408.24Tax 41.90 47.70 0.00 45.05Shipping 0.00 147.88 164.69 138.08

After comparing prices from a variety of stores, Amazon is the most affordable

store to purchase 16 dumbbells from.

The dumbbells from Amazon are CAP Barbell Rubber Coated Hex Dumbbell with

Contoured Chrome Handle made of solid cast iron.

8

Chart compares prices of free-weights from a variety of retailers

Time Line

We propose that this project be started during the Spring 2016 Semester. Funding could be received by March 25, 2016. We selected this day for funding

because it gives the Business Office plenty of time to allocate funds after the last

day that refunds are processed for students.

May 12, 2016 is the first day of Finals Week. This would allow the Rec Center

staff a less busy time so that the weights can be ordered.

Once the weights are received, around May 20, 2016, they could be stored until

when they would be distributed.

May 23 – 27, 2015 is the first week of summer break; the weights would be

placed on the second floor for use during this week.

9

Action PlanWe would like for the management of the Texas Tech Student Rec Center along

with the budget committee of Texas Tech University to consider our proposal and

implement it without out delay so that the current lack of free weight distribution in the

Student Rec Center is remedied. Funding for this project would be made available

without any increase in fees to any students, faculty, or staff. By increasing the number

and quality of free weights available for use, the function of the Student Rec Center will

increase for all patrons.

To give you a brief look at our outcome for the proposal we want to share with you our

goals:

Achieve a highly functional work out space with proper working equipment

Provide a wide variety of single dumbbells

Allow for patrons and guests to feel comfortable in the work out space by having

everything they need in one location.

As we have discussed how we will provide to the members of the rec center, here are

some of the ways we determined we would pay for the equipment. Collect 5 cents from

each on-campus student’s payment towards the Rec at the beginning of the spring and fall

semesters, and use that money to purchase new dumbbells. With this small amount,

approximately $1,000 would be collected each semester to go towards purchasing new

dumbbells and their upkeep. Our initial funding request is $549.60.

10

References

Bushak, L. (2014, July 12). The Gym Might Be More Important Than The Library InBoosting Your GPA. Retrieved October 7, 2015.

Lancaster, K. (2015, October 7). Problems faced while exercising at the Rec [Personalinterview].

McGaffin, A. (2015, October 6). Problems faced while exercising at the Rec [Personalinterview].

Patterson Neubert, A., & Zelaya, T. (2013, April 15). College students working out atcampus gyms get better grades. Retrieved October 7, 2015.

Standard, T. (2015, October 7). Problems faced while exercising at the Rec [Personalinterview].

Texas Tech University Recreational Sports. (n.d.). Department Goals, Benchmarks, Objectives and Strategies. Retrieved from

http://www.depts.ttu.edu/recsports/about/mission.php.

Texas Tech University Recreational Sports. (n.d.). About the Rec. Retrieved from http://www.depts.ttu.edu/recsports/about/index.php.

11