When walking by the former David L. MacIntosh Sport Medicine Clinic on the lower level of the Athletic Centre, you'll notice that the Warren Stevens Building has undergone an impressive transformation. Now, it’s home to the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education’s new Master of Professional Kinesiology (MPK) program – the Faculty’s first professional Master’s degree program, and the first of its kind in the province.
On November 23, the Faculty celebrated the opening of this new academic program space, and recognized those who contributed to the design, planning, and management of this major renovation project. The end result is a new clinical teaching lab, classroom and student lounge for the program’s first 31 students.
“The stars aligned when the Sport Medicine Clinic moved to the Goldring Centre, and we could repurpose this space,” said Dean Ira Jacobs. “There were two initiatives ongoing simultaneously – the design of the academic program and its curriculum, and the creation of suitable space to deliver the curriculum.”
Jacobs recognized Professor Scott Thomas for his initiative in proposing the program in 2012, with important curriculum planning contributions from Vice-Dean of Academic Affairs Gretchen Kerr, Professors Ashley Stirling, Daniel Santa Mina, and Dr. Doug Richards. The 16-month program integrates theory, research and practice with classroom instruction and 600 hours of professional training.
Jacobs also thanked the larger team that helped to plan and oversee this major space renovation project, including Chief Administrative Officer Rosanne Lopers-Sweetman and Project Manager Sean O’Molloy. In addition, he acknowledged Director of Facilities Andy Macdonald, the Athletic Centre's Facilities Manager Alex Vickers and Paul Morrison, Director of IT.
“We now have a dedicated, connected area that lets us conduct clinical laboratory teaching and also serves our co-curricular program,” said Thomas. “This set up gives students an opportunity to connect experience to theory and to easily interact with one another.”
Classroom work focuses on clinical, biophysical, behavioural and physical cultural perspectives in kinesiology. During their placements, students learn to work in a variety of practice settings and with diverse populations, including children and youth with disabilities, athletes, clients who have experienced musculoskeletal injuries or concussions, clients who are undergoing cardiac or cancer rehabilitation, and U of T students looking to enhance their mental wellness.
“Right from the get go we had hands-on experience by conducting athlete assessments,” said MPK student Cristiane Cruz. “Now that we’re doing our placements, I’ve learned so much about children with developmental disabilities. I’m excited to apply what I’ve learned to working with a wide range of people.”
What does the future hold for students and the program?
“It’s a wonderful to see how this space has evolved, and it is a very tangible demonstration of the implementation of our academic plan – ‘creating capacity and cultivating change,’ said Jacobs. “This space, this new program and its students will amplify our capacity to ‘… develop, advance and disseminate knowledge about physical activity, health and their interactions through education, research, leadership and the provision of opportunity,’ which is our mission.”