Mike Rodier '06, Director of Recreation
mrodier@assumption.eduLocation
Plourde Recreation Center - Room 113
Hours
Monday: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday: 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Enriching Your University Experience
The Campus Recreation staff is committed to providing diverse recreational opportunities to help promote a sense of community, support student development, and encourage the pursuit of a healthy active lifestyle for all students, faculty, and staff.
The Plourde Recreation Center provides the Assumption University community with a number of exciting and challenging fitness, intramural, club sport, and aquatic opportunities.
Campus Recreation has offered American Red Cross Certified Swimming Lessons at the Plourde Recreation Center Pool each fall and each spring for more than 20 years. The Learn-to-Swim program offers a multi-level system, which will encompass a range of swimming instruction. Each level focuses on water safety education, safety skills, movement skills, and swimming skills. Lessons will run for a half-hour Saturday mornings during the fall and spring academic semesters.
What Opportunities does Campus Recreation Offer?
Intramural sports and games are some of the most popular ways students choose to get involved, offering students dozens of sports and games to get involved in and the change to win a coveted “Intramural Champions” t-shirt.
With multiple levels of competitiveness ranging from recreational to inter-collegiate competition, club sports are another great way for students of all skill levels to join a team and make new friends.
Campus Recreation Staff
Michael Rodier
Director of Recreation
508-767-7072Campus Recreation Programs and Information
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Monday: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Tuesday: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Wednesday: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Thursday: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday: 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Hours are subject to change. Please call 508-767-7072 for information.
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Learn to Swim Information
For over 20 years, our Learn to Swim program has followed the American Red Cross curriculum, providing age-appropriate instruction through a progressive, multi-level system. Each level emphasizes water safety, confidence, movement skills, and swimming techniques in a fun and supportive environment.
Lessons are held on Saturday mornings during the fall and spring academic semesters, with each class meeting for 30 minutes, in the Plourde Recreation Center pool.
Registration Information
The Learn to Swim program is offered twice each year, during the fall and spring semesters.
Registration information is emailed to our mailing list during the first week of July for the fall session and the first week of November for the spring session. Registration typically opens in late August for the fall semester and around Martin Luther King Jr. Day in January for the spring semester.
To be added to the mailing list, please email Director of Recreation Mike Rodier (mrodier@assumption.edu). If you have participated in the program previously and have been receiving registration emails, you are already on the mailing list and do not need to take any additional action.
Learn to Swim Levels
Parent & Child
Designed for parents and young children to participate together, these classes help children become comfortable in the water while introducing basic skills such as kicking, arm movements, breath control, and water safety.Level A
- Ages 6 months to 2 years
- Little or no previous water experience
- Parent or caregiver must accompany the child in the water
- Children who are ready to participate independently should enroll in the appropriate Learn to Swim level, found below
Level B
- Ages 18 months to 5 years
- Two or more previous Learn to Swim sessions
- Reluctant (or not yet willing) to fully submerge
- Requires flotation support throughout class
- May still benefit from a parent or caregiver accompanying them in the water
American Red Cross Learn to Swim
As swimmers gain confidence and ability, they progress through the following American Red Cross Learn to Swim levels:
- Preschool II & III – Water Skills Orientation
- Level 2 – Fundamental Aquatic Skills
- Level 3 – Stroke Development
- Level 4 – Stroke Improvement
- Level 5 – Stroke Refinement
- Level 6 – Swimming and Skill Proficiency
For additional information, please contact Mike Rodier at mrodier@assumption.edu.
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How much does it cost to enroll my child in the Learn to Swim Program?
The registration fee is $100 per child, regardless of age. Payment is due at registration and may be made by cash or check payable to Assumption University.
Is a discount offered for multiple children?
No. The registration fee is the same for each child enrolled.
What ages are eligible to participate?
Children who are at least 6 months old by the first day of classes are eligible to participate. Lessons are offered through Level 6, after which swimmers may enroll in Red Cross Water Safety Instructor (WSI) or Lifeguarding courses when age and prerequisites are met.
When is registration typically held?
Registration for the fall session is typically held during in late August or early September about 2-3 weeks before the first class. Registration for the spring session is typically held during the week of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Registration is in the first floor lounge of the Plourde Recreation Center, just outside the pool.
Do I have to register in person, or can I register online?
Registration is a three-step process designed to make registration as fair and efficient as possible while ensuring every child is placed in the appropriate class.
Step 1 – Join the Email List
Email Mike Rodier (mrodier@assumption.edu) to be added to the Learn to Swim mailing list.
Step 2 – Pre-Registration
The day before in-person registration, everyone on the mailing list receives a pre-registration link. Families use this link to reserve an available opening based on the age(s) of their swimmer(s).
Only families who receive a confirmation email for their reserved opening(s) may attend in-person registration. This process prevents families from waiting in line only to discover that all available openings have already been filled.
Step 3 – Complete Registration in Person
Parents or guardians attend the in-person registration session to:
- Determine the appropriate class level for each swimmer.
- Select a lesson time from the available options for that class level.
- Complete the registration paperwork.
- Submit payment.
Our registration process is intentionally completed in person so every child is placed into the class that best matches their age, swimming ability, and comfort level in the water. While we can reserve an opening based on a swimmer’s age during pre-registration, assigning lesson times requires balancing instructor certifications, swimmer abilities, and class size ratios to create safe and effective learning groups. This individualized process cannot be replicated through an online registration system.
When do lessons take place?
Lessons are held on Saturday mornings during the fall and spring Assumption University academic semesters.
There may be weeks without lessons due to University holidays or major campus events. The lesson schedule may not align with local public school vacation weeks.
At what times are classes offered?
Parent & child classes (children under age 3) are typically offered at 9:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.
All other levels are scheduled based on enrollment needs and are generally offered every 30 minutes between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. Whenever possible, multiple skill levels are available during each time slot to provide flexibility for families.
How many children are in each class?
To provide individualized instruction and maintain a safe learning environment, parent & child classes are limited to three children per instructor, while all other Learn to Swim classes are limited to five children per instructor.
Are weekday lessons available?
No. Learn to Swim lessons are offered on Saturday mornings only.
Does Assumption University offer private swimming lessons?
No. Assumption University offers Learn to Swim instruction through the American Red Cross group lesson format only.
Do you have to be affiliated with Assumption University to participate?
No. The Learn to Swim Program is open to everyone. We welcome participants from throughout Worcester County and the surrounding communities.
How do I know which level is right for my child?
During registration, we ask parents or guardians a series of questions about their child’s age, swimming experience, and comfort level in the water. Based on those responses and our many years of experience, we recommend the class that is the safest and most appropriate fit.
If, after the first lesson, we determine that another class would be a better match, we will make every effort to adjust the placement if space is available.
Who teaches the lessons?
Our Learn to Swim Program is overseen by Assumption’sDirector of Aquatics, Cheryl Cote, who has nearly 20 years of experience leading the program.
Lessons are taught by Assumption University students who are certified American Red Cross Water Safety Instructors (WSIs).
What are my responsibilities if my child is enrolled in Parent & Child Aquatics?
A parent, guardian, or family member 18 years of age or older must accompany the child in the water throughout the lesson.
These classes focus on water comfort, safety, and confidence. Having a trusted adult in the water helps young swimmers feel secure while learning new skills.
What are my responsibilities if my child is enrolled in any other class?
Parents or guardians must remain either on the pool deck or in the lobby overlooking the pool throughout the lesson. Learn to Swim lessons are not a drop-off program. Although instructors are certified and trained, a parent or guardian must remain in the building in case they are needed.
Are changing facilities available?
Yes. Locker rooms are available before and after lessons. Signage will indicate which locker rooms are available each Saturday. Please use the locker rooms for changing rather than the main lobby.
What should my child bring?
Children enrolled in Parent & Child Aquatics must wear a swim diaper.
All swimmers should wear appropriate swim attire. Street clothes such as jeans, sweatpants, and sweatshirts are not permitted in the pool.
Swim caps, goggles, ear plugs, nose plugs, and similar accessories are optional and may be used at the parent’s discretion.
How are weather cancellations communicated?
Weather-related cancellations are communicated to the email address provided during registration. Whenever possible, notifications will be sent by 8:00 a.m. on the day of lessons.
What happens if my child misses a lesson?
You are welcome to let us know if your child will be absent, although it is not required. Due to scheduling limitations, refunds and make-up lessons are not available for missed classes.
Where should I park?
Parking is typically available in the Plourde Recreation Center parking lot. If parking arrangements change for a particular Saturday, participants will receive advance notice by email.
Monday: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Tuesday: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Wednesday: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Thursday: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday: 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Hours are subject to change. Please call 508-767-7072 for information.
Learn to Swim Information
For over 20 years, our Learn to Swim program has followed the American Red Cross curriculum, providing age-appropriate instruction through a progressive, multi-level system. Each level emphasizes water safety, confidence, movement skills, and swimming techniques in a fun and supportive environment.
Lessons are held on Saturday mornings during the fall and spring academic semesters, with each class meeting for 30 minutes, in the Plourde Recreation Center pool.
Registration Information
The Learn to Swim program is offered twice each year, during the fall and spring semesters.
Registration information is emailed to our mailing list during the first week of July for the fall session and the first week of November for the spring session. Registration typically opens in late August for the fall semester and around Martin Luther King Jr. Day in January for the spring semester.
To be added to the mailing list, please email Director of Recreation Mike Rodier (mrodier@assumption.edu). If you have participated in the program previously and have been receiving registration emails, you are already on the mailing list and do not need to take any additional action.
Learn to Swim Levels
Parent & Child
Designed for parents and young children to participate together, these classes help children become comfortable in the water while introducing basic skills such as kicking, arm movements, breath control, and water safety.Level A
- Ages 6 months to 2 years
- Little or no previous water experience
- Parent or caregiver must accompany the child in the water
- Children who are ready to participate independently should enroll in the appropriate Learn to Swim level, found below
Level B
- Ages 18 months to 5 years
- Two or more previous Learn to Swim sessions
- Reluctant (or not yet willing) to fully submerge
- Requires flotation support throughout class
- May still benefit from a parent or caregiver accompanying them in the water
American Red Cross Learn to Swim
As swimmers gain confidence and ability, they progress through the following American Red Cross Learn to Swim levels:
- Preschool II & III – Water Skills Orientation
- Level 2 – Fundamental Aquatic Skills
- Level 3 – Stroke Development
- Level 4 – Stroke Improvement
- Level 5 – Stroke Refinement
- Level 6 – Swimming and Skill Proficiency
For additional information, please contact Mike Rodier at mrodier@assumption.edu.
How much does it cost to enroll my child in the Learn to Swim Program?
The registration fee is $100 per child, regardless of age. Payment is due at registration and may be made by cash or check payable to Assumption University.
Is a discount offered for multiple children?
No. The registration fee is the same for each child enrolled.
What ages are eligible to participate?
Children who are at least 6 months old by the first day of classes are eligible to participate. Lessons are offered through Level 6, after which swimmers may enroll in Red Cross Water Safety Instructor (WSI) or Lifeguarding courses when age and prerequisites are met.
When is registration typically held?
Registration for the fall session is typically held during in late August or early September about 2-3 weeks before the first class. Registration for the spring session is typically held during the week of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Registration is in the first floor lounge of the Plourde Recreation Center, just outside the pool.
Do I have to register in person, or can I register online?
Registration is a three-step process designed to make registration as fair and efficient as possible while ensuring every child is placed in the appropriate class.
Step 1 – Join the Email List
Email Mike Rodier (mrodier@assumption.edu) to be added to the Learn to Swim mailing list.
Step 2 – Pre-Registration
The day before in-person registration, everyone on the mailing list receives a pre-registration link. Families use this link to reserve an available opening based on the age(s) of their swimmer(s).
Only families who receive a confirmation email for their reserved opening(s) may attend in-person registration. This process prevents families from waiting in line only to discover that all available openings have already been filled.
Step 3 – Complete Registration in Person
Parents or guardians attend the in-person registration session to:
- Determine the appropriate class level for each swimmer.
- Select a lesson time from the available options for that class level.
- Complete the registration paperwork.
- Submit payment.
Our registration process is intentionally completed in person so every child is placed into the class that best matches their age, swimming ability, and comfort level in the water. While we can reserve an opening based on a swimmer’s age during pre-registration, assigning lesson times requires balancing instructor certifications, swimmer abilities, and class size ratios to create safe and effective learning groups. This individualized process cannot be replicated through an online registration system.
When do lessons take place?
Lessons are held on Saturday mornings during the fall and spring Assumption University academic semesters.
There may be weeks without lessons due to University holidays or major campus events. The lesson schedule may not align with local public school vacation weeks.
At what times are classes offered?
Parent & child classes (children under age 3) are typically offered at 9:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.
All other levels are scheduled based on enrollment needs and are generally offered every 30 minutes between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. Whenever possible, multiple skill levels are available during each time slot to provide flexibility for families.
How many children are in each class?
To provide individualized instruction and maintain a safe learning environment, parent & child classes are limited to three children per instructor, while all other Learn to Swim classes are limited to five children per instructor.
Are weekday lessons available?
No. Learn to Swim lessons are offered on Saturday mornings only.
Does Assumption University offer private swimming lessons?
No. Assumption University offers Learn to Swim instruction through the American Red Cross group lesson format only.
Do you have to be affiliated with Assumption University to participate?
No. The Learn to Swim Program is open to everyone. We welcome participants from throughout Worcester County and the surrounding communities.
How do I know which level is right for my child?
During registration, we ask parents or guardians a series of questions about their child’s age, swimming experience, and comfort level in the water. Based on those responses and our many years of experience, we recommend the class that is the safest and most appropriate fit.
If, after the first lesson, we determine that another class would be a better match, we will make every effort to adjust the placement if space is available.
Who teaches the lessons?
Our Learn to Swim Program is overseen by Assumption’sDirector of Aquatics, Cheryl Cote, who has nearly 20 years of experience leading the program.
Lessons are taught by Assumption University students who are certified American Red Cross Water Safety Instructors (WSIs).
What are my responsibilities if my child is enrolled in Parent & Child Aquatics?
A parent, guardian, or family member 18 years of age or older must accompany the child in the water throughout the lesson.
These classes focus on water comfort, safety, and confidence. Having a trusted adult in the water helps young swimmers feel secure while learning new skills.
What are my responsibilities if my child is enrolled in any other class?
Parents or guardians must remain either on the pool deck or in the lobby overlooking the pool throughout the lesson. Learn to Swim lessons are not a drop-off program. Although instructors are certified and trained, a parent or guardian must remain in the building in case they are needed.
Are changing facilities available?
Yes. Locker rooms are available before and after lessons. Signage will indicate which locker rooms are available each Saturday. Please use the locker rooms for changing rather than the main lobby.
What should my child bring?
Children enrolled in Parent & Child Aquatics must wear a swim diaper.
All swimmers should wear appropriate swim attire. Street clothes such as jeans, sweatpants, and sweatshirts are not permitted in the pool.
Swim caps, goggles, ear plugs, nose plugs, and similar accessories are optional and may be used at the parent’s discretion.
How are weather cancellations communicated?
Weather-related cancellations are communicated to the email address provided during registration. Whenever possible, notifications will be sent by 8:00 a.m. on the day of lessons.
What happens if my child misses a lesson?
You are welcome to let us know if your child will be absent, although it is not required. Due to scheduling limitations, refunds and make-up lessons are not available for missed classes.
Where should I park?
Parking is typically available in the Plourde Recreation Center parking lot. If parking arrangements change for a particular Saturday, participants will receive advance notice by email.