Yue-Ching Cheng

Biography

Yue-Ching Cheng is the Chair of the Recreation Studies Department. He has taught in both the Bachelor of Recreation Management Program and the Recreation Leadership Diploma Program, pioneering new teaching pedagogy at the College through Virtual Exchange projects with Penn State University, and Hyflex learning. He has also previously held teaching positions in the Department of Geography & Geology, and Langara College’s Centre for Intercultural Engagement (EDI Office).

Yue-Ching has a strong and diverse background in recreation and community services, with experience in both public and private sector organizations and governments. He has worked with non-profit sport organizations in swimming and triathlon. He has a diverse background in recreation delivery and community services, ranging from aquatic services to seniors services. Prior to joining Langara, he worked for a municipality overseeing the operations of aquatic and fitness facilities His areas of expertise within recreation management are in project management, facilities & operations, and policy development. His experience in project management spans from research, training curriculum and development, to special events organization.

For more information about Yue-Ching’s teaching, visit his online Teaching Hub.

Research

Yue-Ching is the Principal Investigator in a NSERC funded project titled “Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEAs) in Public Recreation”. This project looks to improve access to recreation opportunities for racialized and immigrant groups. Project partners include the BC Recreation and Parks Association, the City of Burnaby, the City of Courtenay, and the South Asian Community Hub.

He also supports Applied Research at Langara College through his work as the Social Sciences & Humanities Research Coordinator.

For more, see Yue-Ching's recent publications on his Google Scholar Profile.

Community Engagement

Yue-Ching is a strong believer in community service and a dedicated proponent for community engagement. Yue-Ching is co-founder of the Tri Cities Triathlon Club, and currently serves as a board member of the organization. He has previously served as a board member of Triathlon British Columbia, the governing body for the sport of triathlon in the province. He has also served a Sport Chair at the 2016 and 2020 BC Summer Games.

Yue-Ching works with the Lifesaving Society and a consortium of municipalities in organizing professional development opportunities for recreation professionals in aquatic recreation services. He is actively involved as an advisor for the BC Recreation and Parks Association’s EDI initiatives and the Recreation Facilities Association of BC’s education and training programs.

Working with closely community partners, Yue-Ching has secured more than $45,000 in grant funding for students to pursue work-integrated learning opportunities, and over $30,000 in new scholarships for students in the Recreation Studies Department.

Credentials

Yue-Ching holds a Master of Science from Simon Fraser University in geography and a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Physical Geography specializing in geomorphology and hydrology. He holds Certificates in Liberal Arts from Simon Fraser University, and in Project Management from the University of British Columbia. He is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP), an Intercultural Development Inventory Qualified Administrator, and trained in IAP2 public engagement methodology.

For program advising, course office hours, or applied research consultations, book an appointment with Yue-Ching.