Frequently Asked Questions

Below you will find the answers to the questions many students have about the leisure skills program. Click on a category to view all the questions associated with that category.

• Registration Questions

  How do I register for leisure skills courses?

  Clemson University students can register for leisure skills courses using the iRoar Registration System just like you register for other Clemson courses. All leisure skills courses begin with the code LS.

  Can I audit leisure skills courses?

  No, leisure skills courses cannot be audited. All participants must be registered for the course.

  Can I take a leisure skills course more than once?

  You can only receive credit for the same leisure skills course once. For example, if you take LS1450 (Camping and Backpacking) in spring 2012 and successfully complete the course, you cannot receive credit for LS1450 again in any subsequent semester. You can enroll in the course if you choose, but be aware you will not receive credit.

  How come all of the leisure skills courses are full?

  Despite the fact that we offer over 100 sections of leisure skills courses each semester, space in our courses does tend to fill up quickly. This is especially true during the initial registration period each semester and for our more popular courses. We recommend you check out our new courses (LS1000) or other LS courses, as you can find space in a new, exciting leisure skill.

  Is it possible to get into full leisure skills courses?

  Our courses fill up quickly, particularly during the initial registration period each semester. We suggest you check back often, especially in the week before and first week of classes as we have considerable turnover during those time periods. Further, we suggest you add yourself to the wait list for your desired course. Finally, you are welcome to contact the instructor to see if he or she is willing to accept an extra student.

  I’ve discovered that I need an additional credit past the typical registration period. Can I register for leisure skills courses at any time?

  Just like other courses, leisure skills courses typically cover a good deal of material/skills in the beginning of the semester; therefore, leisure skills courses follow the deadlines set by the Registrar’s Office. There are some courses (especially those involving out-of-class trips) whose attendance expectations do not allow for registration past the first two or three weeks. The best bet is to check with the instructor of the course to ensure that a late registrant could be successful in the course. Finally, in the spring semester we do offer LS1010 (Challenge Recreation) that does not start until the middle of spring semester, making late registrations possible.

  Do I have to have previous experience in the leisure activity to enroll in a leisure skills course?

  No, you don’t have to possess prior experience in the leisure activity to enroll in a leisure skills courses. Our courses are a great fit for beginners, for novices and for seasoned veterans – there’s always a chance to learn something new. We do offer a few advanced/intermediate courses for those who have either taken a leisure skills course before or have other previous experience in the leisure activity.

  Can graduate students take leisure skills courses?

  Yes, graduate students can enroll in leisure skills courses.

  What are the LS 1000 courses all about?

  Our LS 1000 courses are how we introduce new courses to the leisure skills curriculum before making them permanent courses. The LS 1000 course offerings are different every semester and offer students a great chance to try out a new activity. Since these courses do not have official course descriptions, we encourage you to check out our course profiles page to see descriptions of our LS 1000 courses.

  Why should I take leisure skills courses?

  The leisure skills program aims for its courses to act as an introduction to new activities that could lead to our students finding a lifelong leisure activity. Previous leisure skills students have found our classes to be a way to incorporate activity into their rigorous academic schedule at Clemson. Further, they’ve found leisure skills courses to be a way to meet Clemson students outside their own major. Every student finds different benefits from leisure skills courses, making them a great addition to your Clemson course schedule.

• General Questions

  How is the leisure skills program funded?

  The leisure skills program is funded by the lab fees that students pay for each class, we receive no other revenue from the university.  

  Where do my leisure skills lab fees go?

  The labs fees for leisure skills are used to fund all aspects of the program from the purchasing and maintaining of equipment, renting of facilities and salaries of instructors.

  How many leisure skills courses are there?

  The number of courses can vary from year to year, but generally speaking the leisure skills program consists of 150 sections of courses on 60 different topics each semester, which equates to about 2,800 students enrolled in leisure skills courses each semester.

  How many credit hours are leisure skills courses?

  All leisure skills courses are one credit hour courses.

  How many leisure skills instructors are there?

  Like the number of classes, the number of instructors can vary from year to year, but generally the leisure skills department employs about 50 instructors each semester.

  Where do the ideas for leisure skills courses come from?

  Our instructors provide the wide array of courses we can offer. Our course ideas come from motivated individuals who are willing to share their expertise and passion for a leisure activity with others. Instructors propose a course idea and it is evaluated for its educational value, lifelong leisure potential and safety. New courses start as LS 1000 courses then progress into permanent courses upon their success.

  Are leisure skills courses offered during the summer?

  Yes, we do offer a limited number of courses (around 2-4 courses) during the summer semesters. Typically, these courses include bowling and basic yoga, among others.

• Course Expectations Questions

  Do leisure skills courses meet during the first week of classes?

  Yes, contrary to Clemson urban legend, leisure skills courses do meet during the first week of classes each semester!

  Are there attendance requirements in leisure skills courses?

  All leisure skills courses have some type of attendance policy but it varies from course to course. Since our courses are primarily participatory, regular attendance for all leisure skills courses is expected and required.

  What equipment is provided by leisure skills for use during courses?

  Student lab fees help to ensure that all leisure skills courses provide students with top rate equipment for use during class. Typically, all required materials are provided for students except clothes, writing materials and enthusiasm.

  Where do leisure skills courses take place?

  All leisure skills courses start in a regular classroom in an academic building or Fike on Clemson’s campus. While some remain in their original classrooms, many of our courses move to alternate outdoor locations that are better suited to the leisure activity. Students without transportation to outdoor locations can typically find a ride with a fellow class member.

  What type of work/assignments should I expect in a leisure skills course?

  All leisure skills courses aim to ensure that students are acquiring the skills necessary for the leisure activity, so courses always incorporate some type of assessment. Assessments can vary from course to course but can include quizzes, tests, papers, activities and group work that require out-of-class work.

  How does the grading work in leisure skills courses?

  Grading for leisure skills classes is no different than your other academic classes, in that you will receive a letter grade and should expect to have tests, papers or other forms of assessment for each class.  

  Are leisure skills courses safe?

  Leisure skills courses are absolutely safe, the safety of our students and instructors is the number one priority of our program.  

  What type of paperwork will I have to fill out for a leisure skills course?

  We ask all students to complete a medical information form on the first day of class. This form provides the instructor with crucial information in the case of an emergency. We recommend that you bring your health insurance card to your first class meeting to help you fill out this form. You can see a copy of the form here. Also, students complete a waiver and release of liability linked to the associated risks of the leisure activity. This paper helps to keep our students informed and safe as you participate in our leisure skills courses.

• Instructor Questions

  Who are the instructors for leisure skills courses?

  Our instructors have varying backgrounds, but generally speaking leisure skills instructors are people who are passionate about what they teach and are experts in that area. Some of our instructors also teach in other departments on campus, but most of the instructors teach as a way to stay involved in their expert area.

  What type of certifications/qualifications do leisure skills instructors have?

  All leisure skills instructors must be at least first aid/CPR certified in addition to being certified to instruct in their expert area in accordance to industry standards.  

  How can I become a leisure skills instructor?

  If you are interested in teaching for the leisure skills program, contact Dan Anderson.

Still don't have your question answered? Simply contact us and we'd be happy to answer your question about the leisure skills program!