Frequently Asked Questions
Who is able to access the URC?
The URC is open to anyone with a valid membership or day pass. All EWU students receive a membership for each quarter they are enrolled in classes. EWU employees, alumni, and community members all have options to purchase memberships or day passes as well. To learn more about those rates, visit our Memberships and Fees page.
Are lockers available in the URC?
Lockers are available to rent for a price in the URC. To learn about these rates, visit our Locker Rentals page.
I don’t have my EagleCard or membership card, can I still get in?
You can still get into all recreation facilities but the staff will need to look you up using your student ID number or your name. Some facilities may only let you access without a card a limited number of times before there is a penalty, so always remember your ID!
Is there a waiver to access the URC?
A recreation facilities waiver must be on file to access any EWU Recreation facilities. For more information on this waiver and how to submit it, please visit our Forms and Waivers page. Also note that these waivers expire ever 365 days.
How much is my URC fee, and what does it cover?
EWU students pay a $65 recreation fee as part of their tuition each quarter. That fee gives you access to every facility in the URC and the SRC. This fee cannot be refunded if not used, so make sure to take advantage of each facility while you’re enrolled. If you are not a student, you can learn more about fees to each facility on our Memberships and Fees page.
Where can I park to access the URC?
The URC does have a parking garage attached to it that is accessible from Cedar street. There is metered parking in this garage, but some hours may be free. If you do not want to pay for parking, non-metered street parking can be found around the building and near residence halls.
Is there a lost and found for the URC?
If you are looking for a lost item, please visit the URC Skate Desk and they can help.
Who is able to access the SRC?
The SRC is open to anyone with a valid membership or day pass. All EWU students receive a membership for each quarter they are enrolled in classes. EWU employees, alumni, and community members all have options to purchase memberships or day passes as well. To learn more about those rates, visit our Memberships and Fees page. The SRC houses the EWU Aquatic center, racquetball courts, basketball gyms, and more. Visit the SRC Homepage to learn more.
Are lockers available in the URC?
Lockers are available to rent for a price in the SRC. To learn about these rates, visit our Locker Rentals page.
I don’t have my EagleCard or membership card, can I still get in?
You can still get into all recreation facilities but the staff will need to look you up using your student ID number or your name. Some facilities may only let you access without a card a limited number of times before there is a penalty, so always remember your ID!
Is there a waiver to access the SRC?
A recreation facilities waiver must be on file to access any EWU Recreation facilities. For more information on this waiver and how to submit it, please visit our Forms and Waivers page. Also note that these waivers expire ever 365 days.
How much is my SRC fee, and what does it cover?
EWU students pay a $65 recreation fee as part of their tuition each quarter. That fee gives you access to every facility in the URC and the SRC. This fee cannot be refunded if not used, so make sure to take advantage of each facility while you’re enrolled. If you are not a student, you can learn more about fees to each facility on our Memberships and Fees page.
Where can I park to access the SRC?
There is a parking lot in front of the SRC that requires a valid parking pass before 5pm. You can park in this lot for free after 5pm. Just North of the SRC, you can also access lot P12, which is EWU’s biggest free parking lot. A short walk will bring you down to the SRC. Metered street parking is also available on Washington Street in front of the SRC.
Is there a lost and found for the SRC?
If you are looking for a lost item, please visit the SRC Equipment Desk and they can help.
When are you open?
We change our hours depending on the season. Please visit our Hours of Operation for our current hours and closures.
Will there be someone available to belay me?
While our staff members are excited to belay, it is not their job while supervising. If the gym is empty and there are extra staff members on hand, you’ll more than likely get a free catch. Grab a friend and take one of our free belay classes!
Can I take my little bro climbing? He can vouch I’m a pretty decent big sis…
Sorry, but a parent or court appointed legal guardian has to be present in order for anyone under the age of 18 to be in our gym. Special cases can be made if you make prior arrangements with the Climbing Wall Manager.
When are your belay classes? Are they really free?
Belay classes are held on Saturdays from 12:00-2:00 over the school year. If you are interested over the summer, contact the climbing wall manager. They are free and available on a first-come, first-served basis. We recommend you sign up 30 minutes prior to the beginning of the class to secure your spot.
Who is allowed to use the wall?
Students, community members, faculty, and staff are allowed to use the climbing wall. Currently enrolled students can use the facility for free, but visitors need to have a valid day pass. Information on costs can be found on our Memberships and Fees page.
How old do you have to be to climb at the EWU Climbing Wall?
Anyone six years of age or older is allowed in our gym. Parents or a legal guardian must be present for anyone under the age of 18 to be in the Climbing Wall area. Running Start students do not need a guardian present, but must have the wall waiver signed by an adult prior to climbing. Special cases can be made with prior arrangements through the Climbing Wall Manager. For climbing wall waivers, please visit our Forms and Waivers page.
Where are you located?
The Climbing Wall is located in the EWU University Recreation Center between Elm and Cedar street and Just across the road from the PUB.
How can I get involved in Route Setting?
Route setting is the art of creating new routes or boulder problems in a gym. Throughout the school year we periodically close the gym early to create new routes (usually on Thursday nights). We welcome all users to join in route setting!
I’ve never climbed before; do I need previous experience?
No prior experience is needed to climb at our wall. We provide all the equipment you will need and our experienced staff will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
What do I need to bring?
Honestly, not much. We provide harnesses and climbing shoes so all you need is some comfortable clothing.
This place sounds awesome! How do I get a job here?
We are always looking for competent, professional individuals to work at our Climbing Wall. The majority of our staff are student employees that have some previous climbing experience. If you would like to be part of our team, check out our Employment Opportunities page for more information.
What is the difference between club sports and intramural sports?
The Club Sports Federation (CSF) consists of student teams who compete against rival university club teams. CSF teams select their own student officers and the club members help determine the goals and strategies the club will follow. CSF teams practice during the week and play most competitions on weekends.
Intramural Sports (I.M.) consists of EWU Students creating teams that play against other student teams, on campus, in organized leagues and tournaments. Most I.M. leagues play once each week for 3-4 weeks, followed by a single elimination championship tournament.
What is the difference between club sports and the varsity athletic program?
CSF teams are organized and managed by students. They range from competitive to recreational to instructional and are funded by S&A Fees, club fundraisers, and membership dues. Clubs compete against other university club teams mainly in the Northwest. Varsity athletic sports are housed in the Athletic Department and compete in NCAA competition with scholarship athletes.
How do I find more information including contact information for CSF teams?
Contact names and email addresses for each club, links to their individual pages, and other club related information is available on the Club Sports website. Please contact the CSF Coordinator at (509) 359-4013 or via email at TAllen16@ewu.edu if you have any questions about a specific club or need help regarding CSF groups.
Are the CSF clubs competitive, recreational, or instructional?
There are currently 30+ club sport teams at EWU and they provide a wide variety of activities and recreational pursuits. Some clubs choose to be competitive, recreational, or instructional, with some clubs maintaining a combination of these elements. Contact the individual club to inquire about its level of competition.
Are there fees to participate with CSF clubs?
Since CSF teams are student led organizations, the clubs decide on the level of membership dues. Clubs are required to charge membership dues in order to assist with the operating costs of the club. These fees are generally used to pay for travel, uniforms, equipment, facilities, or referee fees.
Do CSF clubs have try-outs?
All clubs are open to any student, of any gender or skill level wanting to participate. However, there are clubs that do hold try-outs due to their competitive nature and limited facilities. Any such try-out will be advertised so all interested persons will be aware of any and all try-out issues. Clubs are not allowed to “cut” members and any student wishing to join a club may do so, regardless of experience or skill level.
What is the time commitment?
Practice times vary by club. Most CSF teams practice twice each week for about two hours per practice. Practice times vary depending on availability, weather, and student class schedules.
Where is the club sports office located?
University Recreation Center – 201
(509) 359-4013, TAllen16@ewu.edu
What is EPIC Adventures?
EPIC Adventures is the Eastern Washington University’s (EWU) outdoor program. As a part of Campus Recreation and under the larger umbrella of Student Affairs, EPIC is here to help EWU students augment their learning by trying new and adventurous activities outside of the classroom while learning about themselves and the natural world.
What kind of activities does EPIC do?
In short, backpacking, camping, canoeing, kayaking, whitewater rafting, rock climbing, ice climbing, mountaineering, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking. If it’s human powered and in the outdoors, we probably do it.
How can I join EPIC?
EPIC Adventures is not a club or organization you can join. Simply go online or stop by our front desk to sign up for whatever trips events that you want to take part in. If you want to sign up for a bunch, you can do that too! All of our trip staff an operations staff are student employees, so if you are looking for work, and love the outdoors like we all do, that is an option too.
What if I’ve never tried it before?
Almost all of our trips are set up for everyone from complete novices to more experienced folks. Most of the time, all of the people on an EPIC trip are trying the activity for the first or second time (even waterfall ice climbing). We are here so that Eastern students can try new things. So… it’s ok to be nervous!
What does it cost?
Well, that depends on the trip. EPIC Adventures is supported through Student Activities Fees paid by you through your tuition. We exist because you chose to come to school at Eastern, and we are elated to be able to offer these fun opportunities for you to take advantage of! You can find our prices on the trips page of our website, and frequently on our social media pages. You can also visit our front desk for our trips catalogs. Our prices rock, pun intended.
Who can sign up for an EPIC trip?
EPIC Adventures exists to serve our students and get them involved outside of the classroom. As long as your are an enrolled EWU student, you can take part in our trips!
What are your operation hours?
Our front desk hours vary each quarter and during school breaks. Please visit our home page to find our current hours. You can also look at our facebook page!
Will going on EPIC trips improve my dating prospects?
Maybe. Probably. That’s not why we’re here, but we can’t rule out the possibility that going on an EPIC trip will make you more awesome.
Is it safe?
We will answer this yes-or-no question with the following: risk management is our highest priority. We have our risk management practices audited every 3-4 years by an external organization, mostly recently by NOLS. That being said, the sports we offer do have inherent risks involved, and we cannot eliminate every risk. Our trip leaders are all trained in the specific activities we offer, and all of our trip leaders are required to be Wilderness First Responder certified.
Will going on EPIC trips improve my GPA?
Yes, it might! Students who are involved in co-curricular activities like EPIC and other campus recreation programs tend to stay in school and do better than students who just go to class. Plus, many students love the community-building benefits EPIC offers.
Who leads the trips?
Students, for the most part. All trips are led and facilitated by student trip leaders who have gone through a rigorous field training process, wilderness first responder training, van driver training and other skills training depending on the type of trip. On trips involving climbing or whitewater travel, a professional staff with advanced technical training is also present.
What do I need to bring?
Yourself. Maybe a friend. Oh, and clothes. For most trips, we provide all the equipment you need to take part in the activity. For instance, on a whitewater rafting trip, you can show up in a swimsuit and we have pretty much everything else you need. Before every trip, we will give you a detailed packing list, so you’ll know what to bring. No need to go out and buy any special gear, because you can rent it from us, and it is free if you have paid to be on a trip!
What if I take regular medication?
Each person that takes part in an EPIC Adventures trip or event is required to fill out our medical form. Before participating in your trip, please disclose any medications that you take on the medical history form, which is distributed to all participants during the pre-trip meeting. This information remains confidential and is stored securely before, during, and after your trip, in accordance with the HIPAA Act of 1996. It is important that you bring relevant/scheduled medications with you during your trip. Your trip staff may ask to see that you have your medication prior to departure. Please refer to our Epinephrine guidelines below.
Why should I participate in Intramurals?
All Campus Rec programs exist to offer our students the chance for improved physical fitness, increased self esteem/confidence, opportunities to interact socially with other students, to get away from the rigors of daily student life, but most importantly to have fun! Studies show conclusively that students that engage in recreational programming trend to be better students in the classroom, more productive in their post-college career, better equipped to deal with the rigors of the outside world, while learning more about themselves along the way. Participating in activities like Intramurals will help make your stay at EWU a much more enjoyable and rewarding experience. What are you doing after class?
Want to play but don’t know enough people to form a team?
If you’re new on campus and want to get involved in Intramurals, but don’t know enough people to make your own team, go to the https://inside.ewu.edu/campusrec/programs/intramural-sports/free-agent-information/. Many teams are in need of players and any student making the effort can usually find a team to join! Do you want to play but not if it means adopting a “win at all costs” attitude? The IM program maintains a basic core value of participation over competition and we encourage all students, regardless of skill or experience, to take part as a way to connect with your fellow Eagles along the way.
Who is eligible to participate?
The IM program is open to all currently enrolled EWU students at no cost for unlimited participation, including league and special event play.
How much does it cost to participate?
Intramurals are funded through Service and Activity fees, so players do not have to pay a fee. Intramural sports are free to students.
Students can join a team on www.imleagues.com any time before an intramural event starts. So, if your team may come up short, recruit some new players!
How competitive is the program?
Many leagues are competitive where teams are always trying to win their games, but the value is placed on good sportsmanship, social interaction and especially fun for all. How do I get on a team?
For all questions about individual registration, please go to https://inside.ewu.edu/campusrec/programs/intramural-sports/free-agent-information/ to learn more about being a “Free Agent”. There are many ways to get on a team but if you still have questions, the best way is to stop by the IM Office in URC 150i and ask. You can also email tflora1@ewu.edu or call (509) 359-7365.
How much time is required to participate?
IM leagues generally play two nights each week in a 4-6-week league schedule, followed by a single-elimination championship tournament. Teams generally do not practice and just show up to play their games, so the time required to play is minimal.
Can I play on multiple teams?
Students may play on as many teams as their schedule and desire allows for. The only limitation is that a player may play on only one team per sport. Many students play in multiple activities as they find IM participation a great way to relieve the stress of college life and just have fun!
What playing format do the leagues follow?
Leagues play a 6 to 8 game regular season schedule followed by an end of the season single elimination tournament in which league champions are awarded IM Championship t-shirts. All teams, regardless of win-lost records, qualify for the playoffs with the exception of those teams with more than one forfeit.
Is the program safe?
Player safety is our top priority in the IM program. Given the fact that over 1,200 games are played annually in the IM program, injuries are inevitable. However, all IM contests have a fully equipped, First Aid Attendants to ensure that all contests are safe, and any injuries are handled right away in a safe and professional manner.
Need a job, want to earn some “spending money” while at school?
Become an IM Sports Official, First Aid Attendant, or Scorekeeper/Office Aid by watching for hiring announcements on “Handshake”, EWU Student Employment’s job site. Most officials are hired throughout the whole school year. For more information about positions, please visit our Employment Opportunities page.
Although officiating is not for everyone, if you possess basic knowledge of the rules of the sport you wish to officiate, the IM program could use your help. Officiating experience is not required. If you have questions about joining the IM team, stop by the IM Office in URC 150i and see the IM Coordinator. You can also email tflora1@ewu.edu or call (509) 359-7365.
