Physical Education and Athletics

Requirements and Recommendations

The Physical Education (PE) Requirement:
Students are encouraged to enjoy the instructional and recreational opportunities offered by the department throughout their college careers. As a requirement for graduation, all nonveteran students, not excused for medical reasons, are required to complete 4 units of physical education by the end of their sophomore year. In addition, 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. Members of Swarthmore College intercollegiate athletic teams 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:
Swarthmore offers many opportunities for students to participate in a variety of sports at a competitive level through club sports. A club sport is a chartered student organization that is run by students who have a common interest in a particular activity for competitive, recreational, or instructional purposes. Team captains/club sport leaders are responsible for articulating guidelines and requirements as detailed in the club sports handbook, including petitioning for PE credit. Click here for a link to the Club Sports web page. Students are eligible to receive up to two PHED units through participation in club sports. Seniors are not permitted to earn PHED units for participation in club sports. All inquiries about the Club Sports Program should be directed to Max Miller, Assistant Athletic Director for Recreation, Wellness, & Physical Education. Seven groups currently maintain club sport status:

• Men’s Badminton
• Men’s/Women’s Fencing
• Men’s/Women’s Rugby
• Men’s/Women’s 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
• Men’s Soccer
• Squash
• Swing Dance
• Tango
• Wing Chun Self-Defense Club

Physical Education and Athletics Courses

Intercollegiate Athletics