Outdoor & Environmental Recreation

Student Portfolios

Purpose
To create a system which will effectively present the composite of the competencies each student has attained through the completion of course work, employment, volunteerism, and extra-curricular activities. The portfolio is a professional, visual representation that highlights the skills/abilities of a student through tangible examples of work, certificates, evaluations, awards, recommendations, and pictures. A common use of the portfolio is for job interviewing.

Procedure
Each student is required to collect and assemble a portfolio by no later than his/her enrollment in the Pre-internships class, RPL 310 (the second to last semester on campus). During the RPL 310 class, the portfolio will be discussed and students will be required to take their portfolio to an advisor screening for evaluation.

Suggestions for the development of a professional portfolio:

  • high-quality professional binder/portfolio
  • clear sheet protectors in which to place documents
  • tabs to separate sections (e.g. credentials, coursework, leadership, etc.)
  • table of contents to organize sections
  • quality examples of work
  • well-organized and professionally prepared

Students should keep in mind the skills/areas of importance to the individuals assessing the portfolio documents as well as the intended purpose of the document when organizing materials. The most important areas to the individuals assessing the contents should be placed first. An example may include interviewing for a adventure trip director position and organizing the materials to include leadership, programming, marketing, and communication (these skills may be important to someone hiring for this type of position).

Requirements

  • RPL 205: Facilitation Program Plan
  • RPL 216: Heroes & Heroines Paper, Action Team Reflection Paper
  • RPL 358: Program Site Plan Lesson Plan
  • RPL 508: Budget
  • RPL 511: Risk Management Plan
  • RPL 518: Philosophy Paper
  • RPL 310: Résumé
  • Elective Portfolio Assignments

Suggestions
  • RPL elective minor or other coursework: assignments, projects, and exams.
  • Club/organizations accomplishments/projects
  • Volunteer evaluations
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Volunteer activities
  • Employment evaluations
  • Certifications
  • Awards and certificates
  • Honors
  • Letters of appreciation