Physical Education and Athletics

Requirements and Recommendations

The Physical Education (PE) Requirement:
At Swarthmore College, students are encouraged to take advantage of the various instructional and recreational activities offered by the department. To graduate, nonveteran students must complete 4 units of physical education unless exempt for medical reasons. It is recommended they complete at least 2 units by the end of their sophomore year. All students must pass a survival swim test or complete one-quarter of aquatics instruction. The course schedule for physical education can be found on this webpage through the Registrar’s Office.

Click here for the registrar’s guide to the PE requirement

For information regarding the Physical Education program, please contact:
Max Miller, Assistant Athletic Director for Recreation, Wellness, & Physical Education
Office: (610) 690-6845
Email: mmiller5@swarthmore.edu

Swim Test:
Objective: Demonstrate the ability to swim safely in the event of a water emergency.
 
Each individual must enter the pool via the shallow end and swim 75 yards (3 pool lengths) continuously without stopping at either end or in the middle. Finishing up in the deep end, get out of the water without using the ladder. Re-enter the water in the deep end with a feet-first jump and tread or float (no swimming) in deep water for 2 minutes.

Modification to the PE Requirement:
To request a modification of the PE requirement due to a chronic health condition or documented disability, students should contact the Office of Student Disability Services (studentdisabilityservices@swarthmore.edu) as early as possible. Assistance in choosing appropriate courses is available. In cases where appropriate courses are not available in the curriculum, a modified program may be approved through the interactive disability accommodations process.

Physical Education (PHED or PE) courses:
The department offers a broad curriculum in physical education. The course offerings include sport classes, fitness, and recreational activities, swimming, and life skill programs. A detailed course description of the PE classes can be found here.

PE Dance courses:
The Dance Program offers a wide variety of technique courses in African, Ballet, Contact Improvisation, Flamenco, Kathak, Modern, Taiko, and Tap. Dance classes may be used for academic or PE credit, but not both. Classes are awarded PE credit on a semester basis.

Registration:
Physical Education (PHED) courses are in the Course Schedule under “P” for Physical Education and PE Dance courses are in the Course Schedule under “D” for Dance. You register for these like any other course.

Attendance:
Each student is expected to regularly attend and actively participate in class as well as keep the instructor informed in matters related to attendance. Each student is expected to wear proper attire when participating in physical education classes, including, but not limited to the following: sneakers, socks, and proper athletic attire. 

Grading:
“1” = 1 PE unit is awarded for a quarter course completed satisfactorily.
“2” = 2 PE units are awarded for semester course completed satisfactorily.
“0” = no PE units awarded; the student has exceeded the maximum allowed absences.

Independent Study
Independent study for physical education is not permitted.

Intercollegiate Athletics:
The Intercollegiate Athletics Program is comprehensive, including varsity with teams in 22 different sports: 10 for men and 12 for women. Swarthmore College intercollegiate athletic team members are eligible to earn 2 PE units per traditional season of competition as awarded by the Head Coach. PE credit is awarded after the completion of the traditional season. No PE credit is awarded for non-traditional seasons, ie. spring soccer.

Club Sports:
At Swarthmore, there are numerous chances for students to engage in various sports at a competitive level via club sports. These sports are managed by student-run organizations that share a common interest in a particular activity for competitive, recreational, or instructional purposes. By participating in club sports, students can earn up to 2 PHED units. If you’re interested, you can visit the Club Sports web page by clicking here. If you have any inquiries about the Club Sports Program, please contact Max Miller, Assistant Athletic Director for Recreation, Wellness, & Physical Education. Ten groups currently maintain club sport status:

• Men’s/Women’s Club Badminton
• Men’s/Women’s Club Fencing
• Men’s/Women’s Club Rugby
• Men’s/Women’s Club Squash
• Men’s/Women’s Club Ultimate Frisbee

Student Activity Groups (SAG):
A student activity group is a student-run organization supported by Student Government Organization and the Dean’s Office. Student activity group leaders are responsible for articulating guidelines and requirements, as directed by the Assistant Athletic Director for Recreation, Wellness, & Physical Education, to certify the group’s eligibility for PE credit. Students are eligible to receive up to two PHED units through participation in student activity groups (SAG). Seniors are not permitted to earn PHED units for participation in student activity groups. All inquiries about student activity groups and PE credit should be directed to the Assistant Athletic Director for Recreation, Wellness, & Physical Education. There is no retroactive PE credit given for student activity group participation. The following chartered student activity groups are eligible for PE credit in an academic year:

• Capoeira
• Coed Outdoor Volleyball
• Folk Dance
• Judo
• Men’s Soccer
• Rhythm N’ Motion
• Squash
• Swing Dance
• Tango
• Wing Chun Self-Defense Club

Physical Education and Athletics Courses

Intercollegiate Athletics