The School of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation (HPER) is changing its name to the School of Health and Kinesiology (H&K) beginning fall semester.
Why is the School of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation (HPER) changing its name to the School of Health and Kinesiology (H&K)?
The School of HPER has a long-standing history within the university and the Omaha community. Officially designated a School in the 1970s, HPER’s early beginnings originated in the 1940s as a preparation program for women physical education teachers through the College of Education. We have evolved over the last 70+ years to meet the growing needs of our students and the community. No longer only a teacher prep program, we offer more than three bachelor's degrees, four master's degrees, and one doctoral degree.
A fresh name better reflects the scope of our innovative curriculum and instruction methods and will help students better understand the vast array of a potential career, research, and academic study opportunities.
On the institutional side, a name change will encourage continued program expansion and targeted student growth, and will more accurately reflect our interdisciplinary, research-engaged approach to educating students in areas of study including Exercise Physiology, Athletic Training, Public Health, and Health Behavior, Physical Activity and Health Promotion, Physical Education, and Recreation & Leisure Studies.
Why does the new name include “Kinesiology” instead of “Physical Education and Recreation”?
Kinesiology addresses the physiological, mechanical, and psychological aspects of human mechanisms. For students, educators, researchers, and practitioners in the field, the word “Kinesiology” is a more modern, widely-recognized name worldwide.
The School of Health and Kinesiology is our new chosen name because it encompasses current and future program and discipline areas dedicated to improving quality of life—including physical, mental, and community health—for all individuals.
Will the School have a new mission?
Our mission will remain the same. The School of H&K is committed to excellence and the faculty is dedicated to teaching, scholarly activity and service. The primary mission of the School of H&K is to prepare students for successful careers or advanced academic studies. The faculty shares a common sense of purpose to provide the knowledge, resources, and opportunities that will enable students to possess the skills and dispositions necessary to become dedicated practitioners, reflective scholars, and responsible citizens.
Will the programs hold different accreditation?
No, accreditation will remain the same. Our Health and Physical Education programs are accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) and approved by the Nebraska State Department of Education.
Our Athletic Training undergraduate and graduate programs are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).
Our Public Health program is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).
What will happen to the HPER building?
The building will continue to house the School. The only physical change to the building will be new signage throughout, including updated exterior lettering. In addition to the School, the building will continue to offer a variety of UNO health and wellness related services including the MavRec Cafe, the Wellness Center, Campus Recreation, and Health Services.
What is the timeline for the new change?
The School name change was approved by the University of Nebraska Board of Regents in Oct. 2016. Extensive administrative and documentation changes will roll out over the next few months and the name change process will culminate with an alumni event, planned in conjunction with Durango Days in August.
I’m a current or incoming HPER student, is my program changing?
No, the School’s name change will not affect your degree program or coursework. Only the School name will change. As a current student, you will complete coursework in your existing program.
I’m a HPER alumnus, how does this affect me?
As an alumnus of the School of HPER, this change will not affect your transcripts or diploma should you need to order transcripts or replace your diploma. Neither transcripts nor diplomas list the School name.
I am a HPER partner, where can I get an updated logo, print materials, or website information?
Please continue to work with your designated contact person at the School. If you don’t have a contact person, feel free to reach out to Curtis Dedman at 402.554.2670 or unohk@unomaha.edu.
What other changes will be made around campus pertaining to the name change?
Expect to see both the HPER and the H&K name on documents, webpages, syllabi, business cards, signs, etc. over the next few months while our staff is working towards the name change deadline. All administrative changes are expected to be complete by the beginning of the fall semester. If you see documents with the HPER name after Aug 2017, please notify Curtis Dedman at 402.554.2670 or unohk@unomaha.edu.