Physical Education
Ann Casey, DirectorRichard Dickinson, Assistant Director
The Reed physical education program is designed for both men and women with the dual purpose of providing a wide variety of activities through which a student may fulfill the school's physical education requirement and providing activities in which the entire Reed community may participate on a voluntary basis.
The physical education requirement is designed to introduce students to physical education activities and to encourage them to participate regularly. It is administered as a minimal requirement-a student must receive a grade of Credit for six quarters of physical education over three semesters. Students may receive up to two credits from the non-instructional classes, weight training and swim fitness. The remaining four credits must be completed in instructional classes. We encourage students to complete the physical education requirement during their first two years.
Activities, depending on enrollment and student ability, may be offered at a variety of levels. Student enjoyment, fitness, and skill learning are emphasized; competition is not. Reed has organized teams for students who want competition outside the college in such sports as basketball, rugby, soccer, ultimate Frisbee, and squash. The goals of the department are to introduce students to new activities with an emphasis on lifetime skills, and to allow the student to develop new skills or practice old ones in an atmosphere of fun and relaxation.
Classes usually offered (based on interest and time of year):
- aerobics—lower body and abdominals
- Aikido
- archery
- back country navigation
- badminton
- basketball
- bowling
- canoeing
- contemplative meditation
- dance
- ballroom
- belly dance
- folk
- jitterbug
- modern *
- tango
- fencing
- indoor soccer
- juggling
- kayaking
- lifeguard training
- martial arts
- Pilates
- racquetball
- rock climbing
- rugby
- sailing
- scuba diving
- self-defense
- skiing
- downhill
- Nordic
- snowboarding
- telemark
- soccer
- softball
- squash
- swimming
- Tai Chi
- tennis
- ultimate Frisbee
- weight training
- white-water rafting
- winter camping
- winter navigation
- yoga
- hatha
- kundalini
- relaxation
Classes are normally held twice a week for one hour. Attendance is required. Although a student may take more than one class per quarter, the student will receive credit for only one class each quarter. Physical education classes must be completed during the Reed academic year. Summer school classes are not transferable. Physical education credit will not be granted for classes completed outside of the Reed physical education department program without prior written approval from the director of physical education. Registration for physical education classes takes place through the web registration system. Please refer to the schedule of classes for more details and information on class fees and trip dates.
