Outdoor Leadership Studies Minor | Outdoor Programs

Table of Contents

Introduction

The Outdoor Leadership Studies minor is designed to prepare students to fill a workforce need in one of the nation’s most rapidly growing economies. The Outdoor Leadership Studies minor uses Western New Mexico University’s proximity to the 3.3 million acre Gila National Forest as a platform to introduce students to the importance of place. Through inquiry-based and experiential curriculum, students apply principles, concepts and skills and develop an ecological world view. The applied program places a strong emphasis on the development of outdoor skills, stewardship, risk management, leadership, and group dynamics. Partnerships with numerous state and federal agencies, non-profit organizations provide students with opportunities for internships. Students pursuing Outdoor Leadership Studies will develop the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities for successful pursuit of post-graduate studies in a variety of fields, or immediate entry into a land-based workforce.

Learning Outcomes

The Outdoor Leadership Studies program exposes students to a variety of field-based and classroom curricula. The four major student learning outcomes (leadership, stewardship, communication and group instruction, technical skills, industry awareness) categorize the essential knowledge, skills, and abilities gained through coursework. The program outcomes are assessed through a variety of projects and assignments and direct demonstration of skill competence. All students submit an e-portfolio during their capstone course which demonstrates evidence of competence for each learning outcome.

Leadership

Demonstrate ethical, safe, and effective leadership consistent with professional standards
Plan, design, and implement an outdoor experience
Think critically and creatively to solve complex problems, taking multiple viewpoints, perspectives and outcomes into account
Develop an awareness of systemic oppression and the impact of the intersectionality of race, class, gender, and place as they relate to the outdoor industry and economy

Stewardship

Evaluate and apply theories, multiple view points, and evidence demonstrating ecological/environmental literacy
Apply principles of environmental ethics
Demonstrate a professional and culturally appropriate land stewardship ethic
Assess potential environmental impacts of recreational activities
Explain and implement relevant environmental practices
Explain the interconnection between outdoor education, outdoor recreation, sustainability, and public health

Communication and group instruction

Communicate and collaborate effectively and professionally
Apply experiential education theory towards the development of participants’ skills in a variety of outdoor adventure activities.
Clearly explain concepts and ideas to facilitate positive group learning outcomes
Establish a safe, inclusive, and growth-oriented learning environment for participants
Accurately reflect upon and assess self efficacy of instruction

Technical Skills

Assess, manage, and mitigate risk associated with leading others in the outdoors
Demonstrate appropriate professional competence in the application of technical skills
Consistently demonstrate sound judgement and decision making

Dr. Kathy Whiteman
Email: whitemank@wnmu.edu
Office: Harlan Hall 124
Office phone: 575-538-6253

Core Courses

Please see the official degree plan for additional details.

BIOL 102/104. Biology for General Education II & lab. Lecture and laboratory covering biological principles, including ecology, cell biology, genetics, taxonomy, and anatomy. The intention of this course is to promote an appreciation of the biological world in which we live. Three lectures and one laboratory per week. These courses do fulfill general education requirements but do not apply towards any science degree. BIOL 101 need not be taken prior to 102. Note: this course is recommended for students not majoring in the health sciences, and emphasizes biological diversity, evolution, and ecology. (NMCCN BIOL 1123/1121) (Area III). (4)

GEOL 101/103. General Geology I & lab. Physical geology; study of Earth materials and processes and their effects on mankind; laboratory periods frequently used for field trips; three lectures and one laboratory per week. GEOL 101 recommended before 102. (NMCCN GEOL 1113/1111) (Area III). (4)

BIOL/GEOG 361/363. Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) & lab. GIS is a computer-based tool that uses spatial (geographic) data to analyze and solve real-world problems. This course is designed to introduce students to the basic principles and techniques of GIS. Emphasis is placed on GIS data collection, entry, storage, analysis, and output visualization (map-making). Prerequisites: CMPS 110 or 111 and ENGL 102. (5)

GEOL 201/203. Environmental Science & lab. Application of physical and biological principles to understanding the environment and environmental issues. Three lectures and one laboratory period per week. (NMCCN ENVS 1113/1111)(Area III). (4)

HIST 350. History of America’s National Parks. A history of the National Park system from its founding through the present. This course will include the study of selected National Parks, Monuments, Seashores, and Historical Parks; administration and management of the system; and modern challenges to the Parks. Pre-requisites: ENGL 102 and HIST 201 or 202. (3)

OLST 2110. Skills for the Outdoor Leader. Students plan, organize, and participate in a series of weekend trips designed to develop professional practices of backcountry travel. Topics include environmental stewardship, menu planning, meal preparation, equipment use, expedition behavior, expedition technology, group process, map and compass orienteering, route finding, and weather prediction (3)

OLST 300. Introduction to Outdoor Leadership. Gain leadership skills and experience through classroom study and skills application in outdoor settings. Topics include leadership styles, group dynamics, facilitation, environmental ethics, trip planning, experiential methods, emergency procedures, judgment and decision-making, communication and professionalism. Required field expeditions allow students opportunities to practice, prepare, and lead. Writing Intensive. Pre-requisite: ENGL 102. (3)

OLST 305. Wilderness First Responder. This course provides the knowledge needed to handle medical emergencies requiring extended care in remote settings. Emphasis is on prevention, decision making, and treatment. National certification requires this course to meet for approximately 80 hours. Students who successfully complete the course and pass the WFR exam receive a Wilderness First Responder certificate good for two years with a one-year renewal/grace period. (3)

OLST 400. Outdoor Risk Management. Course will examine the ways in which outdoor leaders assesses and manages risk. Focus on risk management theory and the development of risk management strategies. Pre-requisite OLST 300. (3)

OLST 486. Current Topics Outdoor Leadership. Students participate in training necessary to become a WNMU Outdoor Wilderness Leader (OWL). OWLS act as peer leaders during a multi-day Outdoor Orientation program for WNMU freshmen. Requires a minimum of 45 service hours as a leader in outdoor settings. Writing Intensive. Pre-requisites: ENGL 102, OLST 305, OLST 300 and 420, and PHIL 407. (3)

OLST 496. Outdoor Leadership Seminar. Through a student identified and instructor guided service learning project, this course challenges students to explore how their actions, their academic interests, and their own initiative can contribute to the community. Interdisciplinary project must contain an outdoor component. Students will be required to complete 45 hours of service as well as reflection assignments. Writing Intensive. Pre-requisites: ENGL 102, OLST 305, OLST 300, and PHIL 407. (3)

PHIL 407. Environmental Ethics. Explores a wide range of environmental issues through the application of ethical theory to present and past cases. Writing Intensive. Pre-requisite: ENGL 102. (3)

Degree Plan

Outdoor Leadership Certificate
This 16-hour fast track certificate provides a career pathway to the outdoor industry. Through a broad overview of foundational theory and applied skills, this certificate prepares learners to meet the needs of entry-level positions in a variety of outdoor industry careers.

https://catalog.wnmu.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=7&poid=2535&hl=%22outdoor%22&returnto=search

Official Degree Plan – Outdoor Leadership Minor
This minor complements a variety of baccalaureate degree programs. Component courses provide broad content knowledge related to outdoor industry professions and introduce students to outdoor careers specifically related to public land management, life-science STEM disciplines, sustainable development, social work, and outdoor education.

https://catalog.wnmu.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=7&poid=2340&hl=%22outdoor%22&returnto=search