PSELDS365 - Day Spa Operations Experiential Learning

Experiential Learning

Semester Credits: 6

Contact Hours: 45

Prerequisites: Spa Operations and Management or equivalent. Unofficial transcript submission required.

Description: 6 semester credits. This course provides students with the skills required to take on the future challenges as professionals in beauty therapy, salon operations, and day spas. As functions of a modern spa are numerous and differ greatly in the global spa industry, this course will provide students with a strong foundation of knowledge in classic and contemporary day spa management, with a focus on beauty theories, therapies, and techniques. Students will gain theoretical and practical skills in day spa and beauty operations and treatments such as aromatherapy, body treatments, facial treatment, specialty treatments, and nail and skin care. Topics include: daily spa management functions of a high-end spa, day spa operations, facility management, professionalism in spa customer care, retailing, service marketing, cosmetic product knowledge and use, correctional make-up techniques, theories related to injectables, rejuvenation, cellulite and fat reduction, chemical peels, waxing, and radio frequency. To ensure students' learning progress and the acquisition of skills and competency, during this course they will have the opportunity to gain a first-hand and comprehensive overview of the day spa experience by observing and participating in the management of the on-campus spa operations. This course includes experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. In addition to regular lecture hours, students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management. Prerequisites: Spa Operations and Management or equivalent.