Michael Lombardo, Director
In keeping with Juvenal’s classic ideal mens sana in corpore sano—or, a sound mind in a sound body—a PE requirement is integrated into the Reed curriculum. The PE requirement is designed to support students in maintaining their physical health, to introduce students to physical education activities, and to encourage them to participate regularly. Student enjoyment, fitness, and skill learning are emphasized; competition is not.
Classes that satisfy the PE requirement are offered at a variety of levels depending on enrollment and student ability. In addition, Reed has organized club sports teams that qualify for PE credit and will challenge students who want competition outside the college in sports such as basketball, rugby, soccer, ultimate Frisbee, rowing, fencing, and squash.
Classes are normally held twice a week for one hour. Attendance is required. Please refer to the schedule of classes for more details and information on class fees and trip dates. Classes usually offered (based on interest and time of year):
archery
backcountry navigation
badminton
basketball
bike clinic
bouldering
bowling
cardio kickboxing
dance
ballet
folk dance: classical Greek to modern Israeli
hip hop dance
jazz
modern*
tango
fencing
fit you
flag football
golf
hiking
horseback riding
indoor soccer
intro to fitness
juggling
kayaking
lifeguard training
lower body and abs
martial arts
aikido
Brazilian jiu-jitsu
capoeira
functional self-defense
tai chi
meditation
outdoor leadership skills
Pilates
raft, sea kayak, and canoe
retro PE
rock climbing
rowing
rugby
running club
sailing
7v7 women’s soccer
skiing
cross-country
downhill
Nordic
snowboarding
telemark
soccer
softball
squash
step & strengthen
swimming
fitness
instruction
table tennis
tennis
ultimate Frisbee
weight training
white-water rafting
yoga
Zumba
* 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.
PE is administered as a minimal requirement—a student must receive 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. The remaining four credits must be completed in instructional classes. Students are encouraged to complete the physical education requirement during their first two years. Students must secure the approval of the director of athletics, fitness, and outdoor programs before enrolling in off-campus PE.
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 athletics, fitness, and outdoor programs department without prior written approval from the program director.