ChargerREC

Your physical and social success starts here. We embrace the diverse recreational needs of our students by offering a wide variety of programs, services, and facilities. Whether you are looking for competition, fitness classes, massage, hiking trips, or just a chance to make some new friends, we have something for you.

Our Mission

To engage the University of New Haven community in lifelong wellness, development, physical activity, and learning opportunities by providing inclusive and comprehensive recreational programs, services, facilities.

Our Values
  • Provide an inclusive, nondiscriminatory environment for our diverse university community.
  • Embrace the various recreational needs of our members and guests.
  • Offer quality programs and extensive services.
  • Maintain a clean, safe recreation facility.
  • Deliver exceptional customer service to our members and guests.
  • Advocate for and provide learning opportunities for our employees, members, guests.
  • Collaborate with our community including all students, organizations, faculty, staff, and campus partners.

Programs

ChargerREC offers a competitive club sports program that enables you to continue playing the sport you love – or to take up a new one. You can also participate in a variety of opportunities that help you accomplish your fitness and wellness goals. Regardless of what you pursue, you’ll make friends and memories and strengthen your connection to Charger Nation.

Club Sports

Club Sports are athletic based student organizations, which compete with other universities and colleges. Each club is a University of New Haven Recognized Student Organization and a member of a regional/national governing league/association. Participation and individual dues vary by club.

Club Sports Overseen by ChargerREC for 2024-25:

  • Badminton (Co-Ed)
  • Baseball
  • Field Hockey (Co-Ed)
  • Men’s Ice Hockey
  • Men’s Lacrosse
  • Women’s Lacrosse
  • Men’s Rugby
  • Women’s Rugby
  • Men’s Soccer
  • Women’s Soccer
  • Softball
  • Ultimate (Co-Ed)
  • Men’s Volleyball
  • Women’s Volleyball
  • Wrestling (Co-Ed)
Intramural Sports

Intramural Sports are organized sports leagues, one-day tournaments, special events, and online programs, which provide participants the opportunity to compete against and engage with their fellow students and university community. We offer 20+ team and individual sport programs throughout the academic year. Access to all Intramural Sports are included in each facility membership.

GroupX Classes

GroupX Classes are fitness classes taught and designed by certified instructors for participants of all levels. We have a diverse array of offerings each week including spinning, meditation, yoga, cardio/strength, and more! Sign up ahead of time or drop in on a first come first serve basis. Access to all GroupX classes is included in each facility membership.

Special Events & Programs

Throughout the year, ChargerREC offers and hosts various events and programs including fundraisers, concerts, fitness & wellness events, etc. organized by Recognized Student Organizations, University Departments, Capstone Classes, and more.

TeamREC (Student Employment)

Student employees are empowered to manage the programs of ChargerREC and the operations of the Beckerman Recreation Center. ChargerREC is the largest student employer on-campus.

Competency Learning Experience

The Competency Learning Experience Initiative is an innovative, pedagogically based initiative that engages and develops students in six targeted competencies (Communication, Leadership, Teamwork, Resilience, Critical Thinking, and Global & Cultural Awareness). Through a structured set of experiences, student employees build and reflect on the knowledge, skills, and abilities that lead to personal and professional success.

Facilities

The home of ChargerRec is the state-of-the-art David A. Beckerman Recreation Center, which is one of the most active locations on campus. Its striking 15-foot-high glass wall along the entire length of its street façade showcases the activities within and, in the words of former President Steven Kaplan, serves as a billboard for the University’s vibrant community.

Take A Tour

David A. Beckerman Recreation Center

The Beckerman Recreation Center is a 56,600-square-foot student recreation center that features two multi-purpose group fitness studios; weight room & fitness center; functional fitness space; racquetball court; two hardwood activity courts (for basketball, volleyball, and badminton); a multi-activity court (for basketball, volleyball, indoor soccer, floor/roller hockey & various other activities); jogging track; juice bar; locker rooms (men’s, women’s & individual use) and lounge areas.

Membership

During the academic year, the Beckerman Recreation Center membership fee for all current full-time and part-time University of New Haven students is included in their student fees. University of New Haven faculty, staff, and alumni are eligible to purchase memberships. All memberships provide access to the Beckerman Recreation Center and opportunities to participate in our programs.

Learn More

Other Facilities

In addition to the Beckerman Recreation Center, students have access to two turf fields (DellaCamera Stadium and Zolad Stadium) and the University of New Haven Tennis Courts.