Physical Education


The aim of the department is to contribute to the total education of all students through the medium of physical activity. We believe this contribution can best be achieved through encouraging participation in a broad program of individual and team sports, aquatics, physical fitness, and wellness. The program provides an opportunity for instruction and experience in a variety of activities on all levels. It is our hope that participation in this program will foster an understanding of movement and the pleasure of exercise and will enhance, by practice, qualities of good sportsmanship, leadership, and cooperation in team play. Students are also encouraged to develop skill and interest in a variety of activities that can be enjoyed after graduation.

The Intercollegiate Athletics Program is comprehensive, including varsity with teams in 22 different sports: 10 for men and 12 for women.
Ample opportunities exist for large numbers of students to engage in intercollegiate competition, and those who qualify may be encouraged to participate in regional and national championship contests. Several club teams in various sports are also organized, and a program of intramural activities is sponsored.

 

Requirements and Recommendations

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.

Students who enter Swarthmore as transfer students can either apply transfer PE units toward the 4-unit physical education requirement or opt for a reduction in the PE requirement based on the student's transfer status, but transfer students cannot both transfer PE units and receive a reduction in the requirement. The optional reduction in PE units depends on the transfer class of the student. Transfer students who enter Swarthmore as sophomores can opt to complete 3 units of physical education and pass a survival swim test (a reduction of 1 PE unit). Transfer students who enter Swarthmore as juniors can opt to complete 2 units of physical education and pass a survival swim test (a reduction of 2 PE units).

Courses offered by the department can be found on the online course schedule (link: http://www.trico.haverford.edu/cgi-bin/courseguide/cgi-bin/search.cgi).  Credit toward completion of the physical education requirement will also be given for participation in intercollegiate athletics, as well as PE Dance Courses, which are semester-long courses. Credit will also be given for participation in approved club sports and club activities programs. Those approved club sports and activities clubs are as follows: Capoeira, Fencing, Folk Dance, Men's Volleyball, Swing/Tango Dance, Ultimate, and Rugby.  Independent study for physical education is not permitted.

 

Contact Information:

Adam Hertz, Marian Ware Director of Athletics, ahertz1@swarthmore.edu, 610-328-8325

Harleigh Chwastyk, PE Coordinator, hchwast1@swarthmore.edu, 610-328-8217

Marian Fahy, Administrative Assistant, mfahy1@swarthmore.edu, 610-328-8213

 

 

Thoughts and suggestions regarding the new website? Email them to athletics@swarthmore.edu