A special project in the Hospitality Management and Tourism program is allowing students to experience hands-on activities as part of their course work. Under the direction of Dr. Tricia Day, students in HMT 120, Introduction to Hospitality and Tourism Management are “Getting Their Feet Wet.” The project allows students to take part in community activities throughout the state. Students will get a taste of the hospitality and tourism field from a professional’s perspective rather than a consumer’s perspective.

Students

During the project, students will choose one of a defined list of activities to attend and support. Event options include assisting with the Grant County Parks and Recreation Senior Day in September, volunteering at the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in Lexington in October, assisting with the Kentucky Recreation and Parks Society Conference in November or evaluating different types of restaurants for their overall atmosphere. Dr. Day shared, “Students will have first-hand experience and an opportunity to reflect on what they have learned. Hopefully they are excited about participating in an activity meaningful to their professional development.”

Students assisting in activities

Faculty in the School of Human Environmental Sciences strive to provide innovate opportunities to engage students in real-world learning. Through Dr. Day’s course, hospitality management and tourism students will receive an early introduction to experiential service learning.

Posted 10/16/12