The Department of Recreation is committed to inspiring active and healthy lifestyles through quality recreational programming, services, and facilities. By providing diverse recreational opportunities outside of the classroom, the department promotes student success, engagement, leadership, and teamwork. The Department of Recreation has excellent facilities and provides opportunities throughout the year.
Programs and Services
Club Sports
The Shippensburg University Club Sports program provides opportunities for students to participate in competitive sports activities against outside institutions. Each club is formed and governed by students within guidelines established by the SU Student Government Association and the Department of Recreation.
Intramurals
The intramural program provides an opportunity for participation in leagues and tournaments. All events are held on campus and are open to the University community. Intramurals range from one-day tournaments to leagues scheduled 3-5 weeks in length.
Group Fitness
The Department of Recreation offers group fitness classes designed to provide participants with a variety of activity choices to meet all interests and fitness levels. Currently offering Pilates and Spin classes.
Bike Share
Shippensburg University offers a free bike share program to the campus community. Centrally located in the Cumberland Valley on a 210-acre campus, there are countless places to bike at Shippensburg University and in the region.
Indoor Facilities
ShipRec
The Recreation Center (ShipRec) is available for use by undergraduate and graduate students, Ship faculty and staff, alumni, retirees, donors and trustees by paying a recreation fee through student accounts or through a membership option. ShipRec features a cardio/strength area, and indoor track, racquetball/squash courts, and group fitness classes.
Heiges Field House Pool
As of the fall 2026 semester, campus rec swim historically provided by the Department of Recreation has been discontinued. The pool is not currently being utilized by the campus community at a level that supports continuing to offer those opportunities. Lifeguard management and daily pool operations during the academic year will no longer fall under the department.
Outdoor Facilities
Facility Reservations
SU Departments and recognized student organizations may request space in recreational venues through the campus-wide scheduling system, EMS. The requestor should be an individual planning to be on-site for the duration of requested activity. Please refer reservation questions to the Department of Recreation at (717) 477-1755.
Equipment Lending Service
We will lend equipment to student organizations and university departments.
Check-out sports equipment for indoor or outdoor use at the ShipRec entrance desk with SU ID. SU Departments and student organizations may use the following form to request equipment for an upcoming event.