Physical Education

Professors: Farrell, Goyings, Hess (Chair), Krajacic , Krasinski, Miller,
Milliken, Murphy, Nickert, Niemeier, Olds, Ott, Riley,
K.J. Smith, Shabazz, Zorbo

Through its physical education activity requirement and offerings that carry academic credit, the College honors the "sound mind in a sound body" philosophy that is a landmark of a liberal arts education. Several opportunities for healthful activities are housed in the department of physical education which includes intramurals administration and the department of athletics in addition to the cadre of activity classes.

The Physical Education Graduation Requirement

All students shall earn one unit of physical education (PE) activity, which may be met by electing and satisfactorily completing five activities, each equal to 0.2 units, selected from physical education activity classes, intercollegiate athletics, study abroad, and LandSea, subject to the following conditions:

1. A modified or otherwise specifically planned program will be developed by an advisor in the department for any student having a complete or partial restriction as indicated on that individual's health record.
2. Students are urged to complete the requirement over the period of five quarters.
3. Students may take as many PE activity classes as they desire, but only one unit, or five credits, will be counted toward the graduation requirement.
4. All activity courses may be repeated as often as desired, with the exception of PED 101, Mind/Body, which carries .4 units.
5. Varsity athletes earn one activity credit per sport per academic year, and split seasons such as golf will award one activity credit for the academic year, whether the athlete participates in fall or spring or both.
6. One activity credit for physical education may be granted for each six months of military service or each quarter of ROTC training.
7. In some instances students may receive PE activity credit for activity classes on study abroad, especially those indigenous to a particular culture. These credits must be certified through the Center for International Programs.

Activity courses include various opportunities. Some require that students furnish their own equipment or transportation; some require a modest fee (indicated by *); but one can achieve the full unit with on-campus, non-fee courses. Activity classes may include the following: all intercollegiate sports, advanced physical training, ballet, basketball, cheerleading, choreography*, developmental swimming, fencing*, first aid and CPR, gardening, horseback riding*, individual fitness, indoor rock climbing*, jazz dance*, Land/Sea* (as a participant or a leader), massage*, meditation, modern dance*, pilates*, scuba*, smoking cessation, stage combat techniques*, Tae Kwon Do*, Tai Chi, tennis, triathlon training, ultimate frisbee, volleyball, weight training, yoga*. Mind/Body, (PED101), is a combination of classroom and individualized activity that focuses on personal health and recognizes a fit and active lifestyle. It is worth 0.4 credits.

Academic Physical Education classes

One academic, full-unit class is offered each quarter through the PE department, and Sports Psychology is offered through the psychology department. These classes are recommended for students interested in coaching, athletics, fitness, or leadership. Either PED 205 or 210 are required for the Health Studies Concentration.

Physical Education courses