Bjorn Billiehaug is the Associate Director, Recreation at Mount Royal University where he oversees many of the recreation facilities and programs while focusing on enhancing student life through recreation.
“My mission, through the recreation department, is to inspire people to move,” says Billiehaug. Billiehaug highlights the importance of recreation as a tool for personal development and community building. He believes that recreation does not have to be just physical activity — it is a form of wellness that can help create a sense of belonging.
MRU’s recreation centre opened in 2002. The main fitness centre has a 200-metre running track with various fitness equipment surrounding it and six international squash courts. There are also dedicated studio and dance spaces, a 40-foot climbing wall and a bouldering wall. In addition, there are two gymnasiums with a total of five courts and an aquatic centre, which includes a pool. For outdoor spaces, there are six tennis courts, two sand volleyball courts and four playing fields.
Through Billiehaug’s leadership, the recreation department offers diverse programs and facilities, including fitness centres, climbing walls and aquatic spaces. He understands that recreation plays an important role in the university experience, serving as a recruitment and retention tool that helps students create long-lasting friendships and networks.
Billiehaug advocates for inclusivity and accessibility, aiming to break down barriers to participation to ensure that all students can find a welcoming space that meets their needs.
In a time when many students who began university during the pandemic are navigating challenges being on campus, getting involved in the recreation scene, and becoming a part of a community, the initiatives that Billiehaug has put in place are more relevant than ever. He recognizes the impact physical activity can have on mental health, especially for those feeling isolated. We are focusing on creating a culture of movement and community connection to help build a community where every student can thrive.
Jasleen Bhangu: What is your goal or mission for the recreation department at MRU?
Bjorn Billiehaug: We’ve discussed our purpose statement and our “why” a lot. Our team has come to see our mission as inspiring people to move so they can become the best version of themselves. Our work centres on motivating individuals through our spaces, programs and the people we employ. The connection between our frontline staff, like instructors, and participants is crucial in promoting physical activity and recreation. We emphasize “movement” rather than just “exercise,” as we aim to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome to engage in a movement that is meaningful to them.
We maintain a broad focus on movement, emphasizing that the opportunity to engage in our spaces and programs allows people to become the best version of themselves. This can come from greater social connections, improved mental health or physical well-being. The goal is for individuals to feel better when they leave, and we often see that reflected in the smiles of those who visit our facilities. We aim to create an experience that encourages them to return. Ultimately, our mission is about helping people reach their fullest potential, recognizing that sport, physical activity and recreation play a significant role in their physical, social and mental well-being.
How does recreational activity impact the students’ experience during their time in university?
I think the experience is different for each student. Some students haven’t really visited the recreation centre or participated in our programs, and we recognize that. But for the students who do engage with our spaces and programs, the impact is clear. For me, it often starts at events like open houses or parent orientations, where I see new students and their families curious about the recreation centre and what it offers. Recreation centres are important recruitment tools for universities, and there’s research to support that. In fact, some universities, particularly in the U.S., invest heavily in their facilities because they know that amenities like outdoor pools or state-of-the-art gyms can be a major draw for prospective students.
Beyond recruitment, the recreation centre also plays a role in student retention. Once students get connected, whether through intramural sports, drop-in activities or forming communities around things like the climbing wall or basketball, those social connections become a huge part of why they keep coming back. It’s more than just physical activity, it’s about building a sense of belonging and community. Our data shows that students who participate in recreational programs report an increased sense of engagement and belonging, whether through student clubs like rugby or badminton or just casual drop-ins.
It’s exciting to see these communities form. For instance, today I walked by one of our drop-in volleyball sessions, and what started a few weeks ago with around 14 students is now packed with people just hanging out and playing together. It’s not about serious competition, it’s about students connecting through shared interests.
That sense of community is important, especially for students who may feel isolated, like those from rural or remote areas. I’ve seen students who, maybe after not playing volleyball for a couple of years, join our intramural program as individuals. They meet new people, form friendships, and often return the next term as a team. It’s rewarding to see those connections grow.
There’s also a strong link between physical activity and academic success. Research shows that staying active can improve focus, reduce stress and enhance overall brain function. This is something our students highlight in surveys — many participate in our programs for their mental well-being, citing reduced stress and anxiety. Especially after the pandemic, when many students felt disconnected, it’s been vital to reestablish those communities and offer a space for both physical and mental well-being.
What are some strategies you think we could use to encourage student engagement in recreation?
We talk a lot about going beyond traditional marketing strategies. While we’ve certainly shifted towards social media and built that out with our marketing team, including the addition of a digital media coordinator to better reach students, I think the real focus needs to be on campus engagement. By that, I mean working closely with various campus stakeholders like residence services, Iniskim Centre, student clubs and different student associations. It’s about inviting students into our spaces and really understanding their unique recreational and physical activity needs.
Instead of assuming we know what’s best for students and offering a “take it or leave it” approach to programming, we need to engage students directly. Their voices matter. It’s crucial that we co-create our programs and spaces with them, ensuring they have input in shaping what we offer. To me, this is true engagement — working alongside our campus communities to deliver meaningful recreational opportunities.
A current example is our collaboration with the Iniskim Centre. We’re reflecting on what physical activity and recreation mean to Indigenous students, recognizing that traditional recreation centres are often Westernized spaces. This model may not align with the cultural practices or preferences of our diverse student population at MRU. By engaging with these communities, we’re learning what’s meaningful to them in terms of both activity and space and how we can make our environment more inclusive and welcoming. We know that even walking into a fitness centre can be intimidating for many people, so breaking down these barriers is a key part of our work. It’s all about supporting our communities and working together to create spaces where everyone feels safe and comfortable.
Have there been any challenges you’ve found in promoting recreation, specifically among diverse groups, to ensure inclusivity within the recreation programs?
I’d say there are a few aspects to consider. One challenge we’ve encountered is engaging first-year students, especially given the overwhelming number of messages they receive during their initial days on campus. During new student orientation, we try to carve out time to invite students to visit the recreation centre, meet our staff and get a feel for the space. The idea is that if they make that first connection, they’ll be more likely to come back.
In terms of promoting recreation among diverse groups, I wouldn’t call it a challenge as much as it’s about having the capacity to build trust and relationships with those groups. We need to have meaningful conversations about their physical activity needs, and part of that is understanding the barriers they face. Our campus is becoming increasingly diverse, and it’s crucial to engage with diverse communities to learn about their experiences.
One example that stands out is the issue of gender-inclusive change rooms. We have two designated spaces, but many newer facilities are being built with inclusivity in mind. We’re always looking for ways to update our spaces to meet those needs. Another example came up during the pandemic when we converted a multipurpose space into another fitness centre to maintain social distancing. After receiving feedback, we kept that space open because many female students reported feeling safer and more comfortable using that area compared to the main fitness centre.
So, it’s really about being aware and actively engaging the campus community to identify these barriers and work toward reducing them. It takes time and effort, but ultimately, we’re striving to be an accessible and inclusive place for everyone on campus.
How do you envision the future of recreation at the university? What are some goals that you’re working towards?
Capacity is definitely becoming more of a challenge as our student population continues to grow. Students pay a rec athletics’ fee, which gives them access to the recreation centre. To give you an example, in September we had 4,624 unique students enter the rec centre at least once, and some days, we’ve had up to 1,500 students enter. One challenge we’ve heard is that students sometimes feel the centre is too busy, and they struggle to find the equipment they want. It breaks my heart a little because I know there are areas that aren’t as crowded, like the track level or the multipurpose room. Yes, the space can get busy at peak times like 3:30, but there are still options if students are open to exploring them.
We’re constantly looking at how we can address this issue. One solution is repurposing spaces that aren’t being used to their full capacity. For instance, we’re currently considering repurposing one of our studios and possibly one or two squash courts. It’s part of an ongoing conversation across higher education, with campus partners exploring how we can maximize space or even add new areas. Of course, that requires financing, but we’re staying in tune with what our students want, ensuring we can program for their needs or be proactive in creating spaces that cater to their interests.
In general, I think there’s a trend toward integrating recreation with overall well-being. Physical activity spaces are evolving into more holistic environments where it’s okay to hang out and relax, not just focus on high-energy exercise. There are many forms of activity that contribute to well-being, and I think the idea of merging recreation with wellness is really gaining traction, especially in places like the U.S.. It’s something that I find fascinating and relevant for how we shape these spaces moving forward.
What advice can you give to students who are new to the recreation centres or afraid of getting involved, and how can they approach that?
First of all, we completely understand. As much as we encourage students to visit the rec centre, we know it can be intimidating whether it’s scanning in, walking into a fitness centre for the first time, putting on a bathing suit, stepping into the pool or approaching the climbing wall when you’ve never climbed before. Sometimes, there’s that perceived lack of expertise, and it can feel like a barrier. So my advice is simple — grab a friend. Going to these spaces as a group can make it a more positive and supportive experience. If you know someone who regularly uses the rec centre, maybe they could even act as a mentor to show you around.
I also recommend talking to our staff. We spend a lot of time training our team about access and inclusion in recreation spaces, and many of them are MRU students themselves, so they’re easy to relate to. We focus a lot on customer service, and our staff are always willing to provide tours and help familiarize you with the facility. For those unsure of where to start, we’ve introduced orientation sessions where you can learn how to use the equipment. We’ve also begun foundational programs, including a women-only strength training class, which filled up quickly. So we’re continually trying to create spaces and programs that make people feel supported and safe, especially those who may not have traditionally engaged with the recreation centre.
To learn more about Mount Royal Univerity’s recreation programs and facilities, check out mrucougars.com
Editor’s note: This story has been edited for length and clarity