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Health and Fitness Centers to Open This Month at Gulf Park Campus

Mon, 10/20/2014 - 12:12pm | By: Jenny Tate

The University of Southern Mississippi's Gulf Park Campus in Long Beach will open two new facilities along Beach Park Place later this month. The new Fitness Center and the Health Center will open the week of Oct. 20, providing students, faculty and staff access to on-campus exercise space and a variety of health services.

“We are very much looking forward to opening these two new centers for students, faculty and staff at Gulf Park,” said Steven G. Miller, interim vice president for the Gulf Park Campus. “The new Fitness Center and the new Health Center will offer valuable new amenities that have been requested by Southern Miss students. I am very proud that we are able to open these two facilities at Gulf Park, which add greatly to the level of service that USM is committed to bringing to this campus."

The Fitness Center at Gulf Park is housed in a two-building, 4,323-square-foot complex featuring 17 cardio machines, a group exercise room, and a free weights area. The Department of Human Performance and Recreation on the Gulf Park Campus will share this new space, housing faculty and staff offices as well as a conference room and lobby area.

“The Fitness Center is an excellent addition to the campus. It will provide a service that our students, faculty and staff have wanted and needed for years,” said Helen Grant, instructor in the College of Health and interim manager of the Fitness Center. “The Fitness Center and Health Center facilities and services are just another indication of the continued growth of the Gulf Park Campus, and we invite everyone at Southern Miss to take advantage of the new facilities and services.”

The Fitness Center is available to all Southern Miss students, faculty and staff. Staffed by trained faculty as well as student employees, the center will be open five days a week, with the exception of holidays. Students will be able to use the facility for free with a valid Student ID. Faculty and staff can join for $15 per month.

Next door to the Fitness Center, the 1,896-square-foot Health Center will provide a variety of health services for students, faculty and staff.

“This Health Center will offer integrated health services for the campus community at Gulf Park focusing on healthy minds and healthy bodies,” said Dr. Virginia Crawford, director of the University's Health Services Center.

The Health Center will provide basic medical care such as first aid, as well as treat a variety of health problems, including acute minor illnesses such as colds and allergies. The Center will also offer preventive screenings, such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and weight. In addition, faculty from the School of Social Work will be on hand to offer mental health services. The Center will gather information on how individuals utilize the facility for the remainder of the Fall 2014 semester in order to best meet the needs of the campus community.

“The Gulf Park student body is excitedly anticipating the opening of the new Health and Fitness facilities,” said Hayley Whitehead, Gulf Park Campus Student Government Association President. “It is something that our student population has wanted for a long time, so it is great to see these facilities come to fruition. We are looking forward to the Health and Fitness Week as a fun and exciting way to introduce the new spaces to the student population."

To celebrate the openings of the Fitness Center and the Health Center, the Division of Student Affairs and the office of the Vice President will host “Health and Fitness Week” from Oct. 20-24 on the Gulf Park Campus. This week-long slate of health and wellness themed activities includes opportunities for students, faculty and staff. The schedule is as follows:

MONDAY, OCTOBER 20
Open House: Fitness Center
10 AM – 4 PM  •  Fitness Center, Beach Park Place

Take a tour of the new facilities!
Complimentary healthy snacks.

Lunch & Learn: “Managing Life & Academics:
Implications for Mental Health”
11:45 AM – 12:30 PM  •  Hardy Hall, University Club

Complimentary lunch.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21
Open House: Health Center
9 AM – 11 AM  •  Health Center, Beach Park Place

Take a tour of the new facilities!
Complimentary healthy snacks.

Lunch & Learn: “Healthy Bodies & General Wellness”
11:45 AM – 12:30 PM  •  Fleming Education Center 104

Complimentary lunch.

Vaccination Station: Get Your Flu Shot!
9 – 11 AM  •  Dining Hall, Gulf Coast Research Lab

2 – 5 PM  •  Health Center, Beach Park Place
Students:  Charge $25 to student account.  Bring student ID.
Staff & Faculty: Bring health insurance card & staff ID. 
All others: $25, payable by check. 

Yoga Class
5 PM  •  Fitness Center, Beach Park Place

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22
Zumba Class
10 – 11 AM  •  Fitness Center, Beach Park Place

1 Mile Walk & Picnic

11:45 AM – 12:30 PM  •  Lofty Statue, Eagle Plaza
Walk begins promptly at noon.  Complimentary lunch.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23
Lunch & Learn: “The Effects of Stress”
11:45 AM – 12:30 PM  •  Fleming Education Center 104

Complimentary lunch.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24
Community Service Project: “Fantastic & Fit for Service”
Check-In: 8 AM  •  Hardy Hall Student Union

Help paint the PE room at local elementary school.  Leaving promptly at 8:30 a.m. for volunteer site.  Returning to campus at 2:30 p.m.  Complimentary lunch.

WEEK-LONG EVENT

Registration Drive: Fitness Center
10 AM – 4 PM  •  Fitness Center, Beach Park Place

FREE membership with student ID and FREE gift on the first visit. FREE one month membership with registration for Faculty and Staff.* 

*Free one month membership is only available to persons who attend the October 20 – 24 week-long registration drive. Faculty and staff membership dues are $15 per month after the initial free month.