The University of California Santa Barbara Associated Students and the Save Exercise and Sport Studies Campaign will be holding a rally at the UCSB Rec Cen on November 20, 2009 from 12:00PM to 2:00PM. Protesters will begin the demonstration at 1:30PM.
On October 14, 2009 the Undergraduate Council and the Academic Senate made a decision to eliminate Exercise and Sport Studies minors at UC Santa Barbara. The elimination of the minor affects roughly 5,000 students who enroll in lecture courses to pursue an official minor in Sports Management, Athletic Coaching, Fitness Instruction, and Exercise & Health Science. Additionally, the elimination of the entire Exercise and Sports Studies Department will affect another 7,000 students who enroll in activity, exercise and nutrition courses. A wide variety of students, all invested in health, wellness, and education, have been working toward reestablishing the minors and keeping the ESS Department. According to 4th year ESS minor, Adrienne Hancik, “This will have a huge impact on student health.” Students will no longer readily learn of their responsibility regarding, nutrition, substance abuse and overall wellness.
Thousands of students are expected to rally in solidarity and ensure the student voice be heard in order to revive the minor and save the department. Associated Students’ Adam Goldman, E.S.S. student advocate, Erica Stenz, and Student Health intern Adrienne Hancik will lead students in a demonstration of what the University and community-at-large will lose if the department is removed.
In a report on the importance of this department, faculty reports that termination of the ESS minor affects the Santa Barbara and greater surrounding community. The program provides over 75 volunteer coaches and mentors to schools within the Santa Barbara area. Schools will now be forced to hire coaches or cancel programs.
Guests include: Steve Cushman – President of the Santa Barbara Chamber of Commerce,
Sal Rodriguez – Former Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Barbara, and the Santa Barbara Foresters baseball team. The rally welcomes all supporters of education, health, wellness, and the student voice from the surrounding community.
For more information about SAVE ESS, please contact Kathleen Jequinto at (310) 529-5832 or [email protected], visit the Facebook group page “Save Exercise and Sport Studies!” and follow the rally efforts at www.Twitter.com/SOS-ESS.
