Policies
Description
Bryn Mawr's Physical Education curriculum is designed to provide opportunities to develop lifelong habits that will enhance the quality of life. From organized sport instruction, to dance, lifetime sport skills, and a wellness curriculum, the Department provides a breadth of programming to meet the needs of the undergraduate student. The physical education and dance curriculums offer more than 50 courses in a variety of disciplines and ability levels.
Graduation Requirement
Undergraduates must complete eight units/credits of physical education, successfully pass the swim proficiency and complete the wellness seminar. To meet the College degree requirement students are urged to complete the credits by the end of their sophomore year. These credits do not count as academic credits toward the degree, but are required for graduation. Credit is awarded for successfully completing courses offered in the physical education curriculum, intercollegiate participation or by meeting a specified standard of participation in a club sport. Also, students may earn up to two credits for a pre-approved independent study. Students may enroll in courses offered at Bryn Mawr, Haverford or Swarthmore College . Transfer students may receive credit for physical education courses completed at another institution with appropriate written verification contained in either a transcript or letter from the Department Chair.
Requirements
- 8 credits total
- Pass swim proficiency - 1 credit if completed before the end of the junior year
- Complete Wellness Seminar (2 credits)
Wellness Seminar
Students live, work and study in an all-inclusive world. As undergraduate scholars their lives are not separated by activities, events or issues, they rather, move effortlessly, balancing their intellectual life with the demands of community living and a large variety of clubs and organizations which enhance their life and learning. The ability to create a physical, emotional and intellectual environment that supports ones well-being is paramount to good health. The Department of Physical Education in conjunction with Health Services, Student Life and the Dean’s Office has developed an eight week Wellness Seminar that focuses on a variety of issues confronting college women. The course is mandatory for all first year students and fulfills two physical education credits. The topics are generally not part of any academic discipline or lend easily in a Customs Group meeting. We think the Wellness curriculum will be useful, interesting and provide a base of knowledge that will encourage students to think about their well being as an important partner to their academic life. Download syllabus
The course will be taught by College faculty and staff from various disciplines and offices. The course organization demonstrates in a very practical way, the relationship among disciplines and learning as dynamic and inter-disciplinary.
Swim Proficiency Requirement
All Bryn Mawr students are required to complete this requirement by the end of their junior year. There are three options:
- Earn one P.E. credit for completion of the swim test which includes: 10-minute continuous swim in the 25-yard pool showing proficiency in one or more strokes, 1-minute treading water in deep end and 1-minute floating on back in deep end, OR
- Earn one P.E. credit for completion of a beginners’ swimming class (one quarter class) and complete swim test, OR
- Earn two P.E. credits for completion of two beginners’ swimming classes (one quarter classes).
Physical Education Classes
The College offers a broad curriculum in physical education. The instructional offerings include sport classes, fitness and recreational activities, dance, swimming and life skill programs. For a detailed description of classes offered click here.
Intercollegiate Athletics
Members of Bryn Mawr College intercollegiate athletic teams are eligible to earn physical education credit towards completing the eight-credit requirement. Each Head Coach distributes notices of organizational meetings and subsequent tryouts each year. Only students selected to the team by the Head Coach are eligible for physical education credit. Click here for the athletic teams
Club Sport Credit
PE credit may be awarded for Club Sport participation. Clubs must register annually with the Erin DeMarco, Club Sport Coordinator. Club organizers will be responsible for articulating guidelines and requirements and providing a list each semester of students awarded PE credit. Click here for club sports
Independent Study (IS)
Independent Study Physical Education supports students who choose to engage in an activity/course that Bryn Mawr’s Department of Athletics and Physical Education does not offer and/or is a class or activity that is performed during the summer or while a student is studying abroad. The IS opportunity does not include activities that students engage in as a part of a regular lifestyle or fitness routine. A self-paced work-out proposal will not be accepted. Classes must be instructor based with documentation of participation. The goal of the IS option is to enhance the current physical education curriculum by encouraging students to learn an activity that is not offered as part of the curriculum or accommodate a special circumstance. Students may earn up to 2 PE credits total for an independent study project. Prior to the start of the IS project the student must complete an IS proposal request to Deb Charamella for approval. Appropriate documentation is required for credit to be awarded. More information for IS and/or application
Registration
Students register for physical education courses during the first week of classes of each semester. Visit the Course Description page.
Grades and Attendance
- Attendance in one of the first two classes in mandatory. If a student misses both of these classes, she will not be admitted into the class. This will help avoid women starting the class with two absences.
- Each student is expected to wear proper attire when participating in physical education classes, including, but not limited to the following: sneakers, socks, proper athletic shorts/pants and proper athletic tops.
- Semester long class: Each student is expected to actively participate in all classes. To earn credit a student is permitted no more than 4 missed classes. No partial credit is given for semester long classes.
- Quarter long class: Each student is expected to actively participate in all classes. To earn credit a student is permitted no more than 2 missed classes.
- Making-up Missed Classes: The student is expected to make up the class by the end of the period (either quarter or semester). Make-ups can be completed in two ways: the instructor holds one make-up class at the end of the period or the instructor gives the student an assignment in order to complete the class. A student may not substitute one activity class for another activity class in order to make-up the incomplete.
- Exceptions will be handled on a case by case basis by the instructor and/or athletic director.
Possible Grades:
- Pass: A student has successfully completed the class. She has attended at least 10 quarter classes or at least 20 semester classes.
- No Credit: A student will receive a grade of “No Credit” on the day that she has missed her 4 th class during a quarter class or her 6 th class during a semester class.
Modification to the requirement
To request a modification of the PE requirement, including swimming, students should contact the Coordinator of Access Services, Stephanie Bell and submit the required documentation as early as possible. If a PE modification including the swim proficiency requirement is granted, a Bryn Mawr student must complete the CPR/First-Aid class as a substitute class which is offered for one PE credit.
