Activating the campus

20 December 2023; Aaron McNaughton

A new pilot program, Active Campus, engaged over 10,000 students and staff in its inaugural year, providing more opportunities than ever for students and staff to participate in regular physical activity, both at the Parkville campus but also at smaller metropolitan and regional campuses.

Funded through the Student Services and Amenities Fee, the program has explored how MU Sport can engage with students and staff, away from the traditional Sports Precinct and its programs. Targeted communications to ensure greater connectivity with students through their faculties and broader University channels, has also been a key aim of the program.

Over 75 additional programs, events and activations were added to the student calendar and promoted through the Active Campus timetable on the MU Sport website, with a weekly What’s On email sent directly to students every Monday insemester.

On the Parkville campus, the activities included free play badminton, table tennis and pickleball, self-defence classes, group fitness and yoga classes within faculty buildings, pop-up activities and games in the new Student Precinct, a series of recreational rooms across the campus and many more.

A temporary recreational room was established in Market Hall within the Student Precinct during the first week of each semester, which benefited from the large influx of commencing students. This also provided the opportunity to promote existing programs, clubs and events held by MU Sport. By the end of the year, semi-permanent recreational rooms have been set up in the SPOT and 1888 Building to service students in 2024.

With more collaborations and engagement with faculties and staff groups planned for 2024, the program is looking to expand and deliver more opportunities to get people engaged on our campuses.