The Leslie C. Quick Jr. Recreation Complex, commonly known as the RecPlex, has recently implemented a new attendance policy for its fitness classes, sparking mixed opinions among instructors and students alike.
The policy, which has been in effect for just over two weeks, requires members to sign in at the front desk upon arrival and notify staff of the class they plan to attend, replacing the previous system where student workers would take attendance directly in class. The change aims to ensure better attendance tracking, allowing those on waitlists a fair chance to participate and improving overall facility management.
The policy also states that students who miss two classes in a week will be prohibited from registering for classes the following week. This last week, more than 12 students were affected by this restriction.
Sophomore Reegan Shea, a student worker at the RecPlex, explained the rationale behind the change, “You have to sign in at the front desk and then tell the attendant you are here for something like spin or Pilates or whatever. I think the reason for doing this is for people to show up, and if people don’t come to class, we know it’s not fair if people are on the waitlist. It’s also good for having better knowledge of where people are in the gym.”
“One reason we moved check-ins to the front desk was to avoid needing two staff and two tablets in multiple rooms just to take attendance,” said Betsy Blagys, the Assistant Director of Fitness & Programming at the RecPlex. “We need accurate attendance data, it’s essential for keeping classes running and buying equipment. That’s why front desk check-ins matter.”
While some instructors understand the goals behind the policy, others prefer the previous system. Peter Gonzalez, an indoor cycling instructor with nearly 10 years at the RecPlex, expressed skepticism about the change.
“The previous system, where student workers took attendance in class, worked perfectly fine for me. I’m not sure why the change was made. There’s an old saying: ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.’ Personally, I think they should bring back the previous system. It worked and was fine.” Gonzalez added that despite the policy change, his classes remain popular and waitlisted, indicating steady attendance.
Emily Gale, also a spin instructor and Fairfield senior, said, “Personally, I liked the previous policy where someone would sit outside of the spin room and check people in on the iPad, but the new policy is not necessarily a bad policy. I don’t think it has impacted the attendance of my class, but overall attendance has been great for my classes.”
Abby Salo, a sophomore and Pilates instructor who started this year alongside the policy change noted that she is still adjusting.
“I just started this year when they implemented the policy, so I wouldn’t know how it compares to last year. My Pilates classes usually have around 20 sign-ups, which is the max, but about 15 people actually show up,” Salo said. “Some people unregister right before class.”
Another issue with the RecPlex is its scheduling website and app IMLeagues. Students are put on a waitlist after 12-25 spots. When those who are on the waitlist get moved up, they are not notified unless they specifically put it in their app settings, making most students unaware they received a spot.
“Students see they’re 15th on a waitlist and stop checking, but for most classes, especially spin, there’s always someone who doesn’t show up. There’s usually at least one bike available if you walk in,” said Blagys.
IMLeauges is not the only one who can create errors. Some students forget to tell the front desk they are here for a class, or the front desk could forget to ask if they were at the RecPlex to attend a class.
“IMLeagues says, ‘Well, all they have to do is go in and drop the spot if they can’t make it.’ But we’re talking about college students, they might be in class or doing a million other things. That’s just not realistic,” said Blagys.
Student’s have responded positively to the change, saying that it has been helpful to have more time to prepare before classes.
“I have found this helpful because I tend to take the Pilates classes which get filled up easily. However not everyone who signs up goes so this policy has been great!” said sophomore Katherine Gallo.