Michael Lombardo, 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 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 while enrolled at Reed. Students may receive up to two credits from the self-directed classes—off-campus PE, meditation, and swim fitness. Students must secure the approval of the director of physical education before enrolling in off-campus PE. The remaining four credits must be completed in instructional classes. Students should 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, rowing, fencing, and squash. The goals of the department are to introduce students to new activities with an emphasis on lifetime skills, and to allow students 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–step
archery
backcountry navigation
badminton
basketball
bike clinic
bowling
cycling
dance
African
ballet
ballroom
jazz
Lindy Hop
modern*
tango
fencing
flag football
golf
hiking
hoop fitness
horseback riding
indoor soccer
juggling
kayaking
lifeguard training
lower body and abdominals
martial arts
aikido
Brazilian jiu-jitsu
capoeira
Kenjitsu sword arts
tai chi
meditation
Pilates
racquetball
raft, sea kayak, and canoe
retro PE
rock climbing
rowing
rugby
sailing
self-defense
skiing
cross-country
downhill
Nordic
telemark
snowboarding
soccer
softball
squash
swimming
fitness
instruction
tennis
touch rugby
Ultimate Frisbee
volleyball
weight training
white-water rafting
yoga
* In addition to receiving academic credit, students can receive PE credit for completion of studio dance classes, if they register for both PE and academic credit. See the schedule of classes for details.
Classes are normally held twice a week for one hour. Attendance is required. Although a student may take more than one class per quarter, students will receive credit for only one class each quarter. Physical education classes must be completed during the Reed academic year. Summer school classes and courses completed while on a leave of absence 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. Please refer to the schedule of classes for more details and information on class fees and trip dates.