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Academics

Available Courses

Courses Open for Registration (Spring 2026)

You must complete all steps of the registration process. Begin by emailing the instructor listed under the course description. 

  • Wednesdays, 2:30pm - 5:15pm
  • 2 Credits
  • Pre-requisites - None
  • Authorization to register - email Kristin Coffey at kristin.coffey@charlotte.edu

Learn by doing in this interactive class with team challenges, adventure activities, and reflection. You’ll build skills in leadership, teamwork, and communication that apply anywhere, and it’s also the first step toward the Outdoor Adventure Leadership minor and jobs with Venture Outdoor Leadership.

 

  • Tuesdays, 2:30pm - 5:15pm
  • 2 Credits
  • Pre-requisites - None
  • Authorization to register - email David Sperry at david.sperry@charlotte.edu

This course introduces students to the sport of rock climbing, including belaying and safety systems, climbing techniques, and the mental aspects of climbing. Students can expect a combination of lecture-style classroom sessions, time at our indoor climbing wall, and weekend trips to outdoor climbing sites. A special fee will be charged to cover the costs of the weekend trips.

  • Fridays, 2:30pm - 5:15pm
  • 2 Credits
  • Pre-Requisites - Venture Outdoor Leadership Minor or permission of the instructor.
  • Authorization to register: email John Talaber

This advanced course will help students develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities to lead backpacking trips for groups. The course will include: lecture-style classroom instruction and weekend trips.  A special fee will be charged to cover the costs of trips.

  • Thursdays, 2:30pm - 5:15pm
  • 3 credits

  • Prerequisites: Outdoor Adventure Leadership minor or permission of the instructor. 

    Exceptions may be made for students training for a job on a ropes course (e.g. summer camp or National Whitewater Center).

  • Authorization to register - email Callie Auman at cauman1@charlotte.edu.

This advanced course will focus on the knowledge, skills, and abilities to safely and effectively facilitate team building groups, including on high and low challenge courses.  The course will include: lecture-style classroom instruction and weekend days at the Team Challenge Course and High Team Challenge Course.  Students will also observe actual Venture Outdoor Leadership team building programs in addition to classroom time. 

  • T/Th, 10am - 11:15am
  • 3 Credits
  • Pre-Requisites - None
  • Authorization to register- email David Sperry 

This course will explore the history, philosophical foundations, proposed outcomes, and operational theories common in outdoor adventure education. This course will include lecture-style classroom instruction and interactive outcome-based activities.