The Department of Kinesiology offers several opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students in the area of physical activity as it relates to health and human performance.  The department provides instruction for nearly 100 graduate students, and over 400 undergraduate Kinesiology majors.  Of the more than 500 students in Kinesology this proposal seeks funding that will directly benefit 423 students, the majority of which are undergraduate students in the concentration areas of "Human Movement Science" (305 students) and "Fitness Studies" (82 students).  In addition, there are, at present, 36 graduate students with exercise science concentrations who will also benefit from funds obtained through this proposal.  The student learning objectives for many of the core courses for these undergraduate and graduate concentrations are based on the competencies required for certifications provided by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) as outlined in the ACSM Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription.  These certifications (e.g. health Fitness Instructor, Exercise Test Technologist, Exercise Specialist) are often recommended if not required by many employers in the wellness and health care industries.  Therefore, in order to properly prepare students for the twenty-first century workplace, it is imperative that the department of Kinesiology be in a position to provide quality instruction with regard to each of the competencies for the ACSM certifications.  These competencies include:  1) practical experience with exercise leadership and instruction; 2) ability to safely apply the principles of exercise and training to exercise programs; 3) adequate knowledge and skills in risk factor and health status identification, fitness appraisal, and exercise prescription; 4) ability to execute an accurate individualized prescription based on a solid foundation of scientific information; and 5) ability to educate and/or counsel patients regarding physical activity and lifestyle issues.  The department currently has serious facility and equipment deficiencies that significantly impact student opportunities for achieving the above mentioned competencies.  Therefore it is the purpose of this proposal to attain state-of-the-art equipment that will provide students with opportunities to achieve a level of competency necessary to compete in today's workplace.  Specifically, the department is in need of an EKG-treadmill stress test system, two other automated treadmills (without EKG devices), state-of-the-art strength training equipment, a state-of-the-art hemodynamic measurement instrument, a human metabolic measurement device, and facility renovations to house appropriate laboratory equipment and to provide a positive learning environment for students.