1. Funding Free Weights
Proposal to add more free weights at The Student Recreation Center
By: Elizabeth Donald, Cody Kimbro, and Kali Morrison
Texas Tech University
October 14, 2015
Funds Requested: $549.60
Photo by Elizabeth Donald

2. 2
Table of Contents
Audience Analysis Page 3
Abstract Page 4
Research Page 5
Testimonials Page 6
Solutions Page 7
Budget Page 8
Time Line Page 9
Action Plan Page 10
References Page 11
Illustrations and Pictures
Front of Student Rec Center Cover Page
Current Dumbbell Selectin Page 5
Suggested New Location for Weights Page 7
Price Comparison Chars Page 8
Timeline Pictograph Page 9

3. 3
Audience Analysis
This proposal was written with the Student Rec Center management as a primary
audience, specifically Peewee Robertson, Director and Steve Waden, Associate Director
– Facilities and SRC Operations. The information that they need to know is that the intent
of this proposal is to gain funding for the purchase and upkeep of free weights to be
located on the second floor of the Student Rec Center at Texas Tech University. The cost
associated with our project is 5 cents from each student’s Rec Center fee. Our proposal is
in line with the Student Rec Center’s goal of having “a long term strategic plan for
programs, facilities, technology and services for the students and faculty/staff” by
creating a way to make sure that equipment is kept in good condition
(http://www.depts.ttu.edu/recsports/about/mission.php).
The secondary audience includes the Business Office, those who would approve
earmarking a portion of fees for this project, students, and anyone who uses the Student
Rec Center. Their needs include knowing how much funding is needed and how this
project will enhance their experience at the Student Rec Center.
Both the primary and secondary audiences are connected because they potentially
could all use the Student Rec Center and are members of the Texas Tech University
community. In 1980 when the Student Rec Center was opened it was and still is one of
the largest facilities of its type (http://www.depts.ttu.edu/recsports/about/index.php). This
project would contribute to making it a premier workout facility for the area.

4. 4
Abstract
The Student Rec Center has limited options for free weights and their use. By purchasing
additional weights and relocating current weights to be more accessible, more people will
be able to utilize them in an environment that is conducive to physical fitness. We are
requesting that five cents from each student’s Rec Center Fees be earmarked for the
purchase and upkeep of new and existing weights. The total funds needed are $549.60 to
purchase new weights with the residual funds to be used for their upkeep and eventual
replacement.

5. 5
Adding More Free Weights
At the Student Rec Center the current amount of free weights available is lacking.
The current ones in use are damaged, do not match, and are hard to determine what
weight they are. By adding more free weights on the second floor more people will be
able to utilize a greater variety of free weights during their workouts. Because of the lack
of free weights many patrons, including students, faculty, and staff, do not enjoy using
the Student Rec Center. By increasing the availability of weights, satisfaction will
increase and more people will want to utilize this campus resource. We are requesting
that to fund this project, five cents from each student’s Rec Center Fee be earmarked for
the purchase of new free weights and their upkeep. The initial funding needed is $549.60.
Research
According to Purdue University there is a positive correlation between
students who workout and their Grade Point Average (GPA). Students who went to
recreational facilities at least, “16 times a month earned a GPA of 3.10 or higher,”
and students who went “at least seven times a month had an average GPA of 3.06”
(Patterson). Another study from Michigan State University (MSU) found that
students who were members at a workout facility had a cumulative GPA that was
Dumbbell size Quantity
5 2
10 4
15 4
20 4
25 2
30 4
35 1
40 2
Current free-weights located upstairs at the Rec.
Photo by Elizabeth Donald

6. 6
0.13 higher than students who did not. Their studies stated, “exercise can increase
the number of brain cells in the hippocampus, which is also essential in learning
and memory” (Bushak).
Testimonials:
While in the Rec Elizabeth spoke to a
few students who were working out
upstairs. She asked them the question,
“Have you ever experienced any
problems while working out in the
upstairs area at the Rec?”
Anthony McGaffin: “Yes, I can usually
only go around 5:00, the time everyone
else goes, and there are not nearly
enough weights to allow myself and the
other patrons to get our workout done in
a timely manner.”
Kooper Lancaster: “There are too many
people and not enough free weights, so I
don’t even want to go anymore because.”
Talyn Standard: “I like to workout with
dumbbells, but there are usually not
enough to use upstairs, and I am too
intimidated by the huge guys
downstairs.”

7. 7
Solutions
 Collect 5 cents from each on-campus student’s Rec Center Fee at the beginning of the
spring and fall semesters, and use that money to purchase new dumbbells. Estimating that
roughly 20,000 students pay the Rec fee each semester, approximately $1,000 would be
collected to go towards purchasing new dumbbells. This amount would cover the cost of
the dumbbells, while also having extra money to replace missing or damaged dumbbells,
and to create fund to continue the upkeep of the new weights.
 To ensure the longevity of the dumbbells, signs would need to be hung up around the free
weight area upstairs that read, “Please do not drop weights,” “Please rerack your
weights,” and “Please do not remove from this area.”
Arrow indicates the location of proposed place at the Student Rec. Center.
Photo by Elizabeth Donald

8. 8
Budget
 After comparing prices from a variety of stores, Amazon is the most affordable
store to purchase 16 dumbbells from.
 The dumbbells from Amazon are CAP Barbell Rubber Coated Hex Dumbbell with
Contoured Chrome Handle made of solid cast iron.
Free-weight pounds Amazon Sports Authority Dick’s Sporting Goods Academy
5 13.90 6.99 7.99 6.99
10 15.99 12.99 15.99 9.49
15 28.72 18.99 24.99 13.99
20 25.00 24.99 32.99 19.99
25 43.01 31.99 39.99 26.99
30 36.00 48.59 49.99 28.69
35 42.00 43.99 55.99 37.99
40 48.00 49.99 64.99 59.99
Item Total 16 16 16 16
Price for 2 of each 507.70 477.04 585.54 408.24
Tax 41.90 47.70 0.00 45.05
Shipping 0.00 147.88 164.69 138.08
Chart compares prices of free-weights from a variety of retailers

9. 9
Time Line
We propose that this project be started during the Spring 2016 Semester.
 Funding could be received by March 25, 2016. We selectedthis day for funding
because it gives the Business Office plenty of time to allocate funds after the last
day that refunds are processedfor students.
 May 12, 2016 is the first day of Finals Week. This would allow the Rec Center
staff a less busy time so that the weights can be ordered.
 Once the weights are received, around May 20, 2016, they could be stored until
when they would be distributed.
 May 23 – 27, 2015 is the first week of summer break; the weights would be
placed on the second floor for use during this week.

10. 10
Action Plan
We would like for the management of the Texas Tech Student Rec Center along
with the budget committee of Texas Tech University to consider our proposal and
implement it without out delay so that the current lack of free weight distribution in the
Student Rec Center is remedied. Funding for this project would be made available
without any increase in fees to any students, faculty, or staff. By increasing the number
and quality of free weights available for use, the function of the Student Rec Center will
increase for all patrons.
To give you a brief look at our outcome for the proposal we want to share with you our
goals:
 Achieve a highly functional work out space with proper working equipment
 Provide a wide variety of single dumbbells
 Allow for patrons and guests to feel comfortable in the work out space by having
everything they need in one location.
As we have discussed how we will provide to the members of the rec center, here are
some of the ways we determined we would pay for the equipment. Collect 5 cents from
each on-campus student’s payment towards the Rec at the beginning of the spring and fall
semesters, and use that money to purchase new dumbbells. With this small amount,
approximately $1,000 would be collected each semester to go towards purchasing new
dumbbells and their upkeep. Our initial funding request is $549.60.

11. 11
References
Bushak, L. (2014, July 12). The Gym Might Be More Important Than The Library In
Boosting Your GPA. Retrieved October 7, 2015.
Lancaster, K. (2015, October 7). Problems faced while exercising at the Rec [Personal
interview].
McGaffin, A. (2015, October 6). Problems faced while exercising at the Rec [Personal
interview].
Patterson Neubert, A., & Zelaya, T. (2013, April 15). College students working out at
campus gyms get better grades. Retrieved October 7, 2015.
Standard, T. (2015, October 7). Problems faced while exercising at the Rec [Personal
interview].
Texas Tech University Recreational Sports. (n.d.). Department Goals, Benchmarks, Objectives
and Strategies. Retrieved from http://www.depts.ttu.edu/recsports/about/mission.php.
Texas Tech University Recreational Sports. (n.d.). About the Rec. Retrieved from
http://www.depts.ttu.edu/recsports/about/index.php.