Requirements

Physical Education

DEGREE REQUIREMENT

One Physical Education course is required for graduation.  This course must be completed by the end of the first year. One point will be earned for this one course. One additional point of Physical Education may be counted towards the 122 points required for graduation. Transfer students must consult their transfer credit evaluation to see if a Physical Education class is needed.

Health Status: Students with permanent or temporary disabilities will be individually advised and placed in a suitable activity, based upon the recommendations of the Director of Health Services or Disability Services.

Curriculum: The curriculum is organized and administered by the faculty of the Department of Physical Education. Instruction is offered in the areas of sports, aquatics, fitness, mind/body, and self-paced courses. Courses are designed to promote the development and enjoyment of lifetime motor skills, which will afford opportunities to realize one’s potential and to provide vigorous exercise to release tensions often generated by strong academic commitments and intense urban life.

Intramurals: The Physical Education Department offers an extensive intramural program, which features basketball, floor hockey, indoor soccer, tennis, and volleyball. The program offers different levels of competitive play and emphasizes participation in a friendly atmosphere; activities are open to all members of the college community. For more information, contact the Director of Intramurals, 200 Barnard Annex, or call 854-6959.

Recreation: Recreational use of the gymnasium, swimming pool, track, and weight room is available at specified times. All students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to use the facilities. In addition, the Physical Education Department sponsors special recreational activities, such as fun runs and sports tournaments, throughout the semester.

Intercollegiate Athletics: The Barnard/Columbia Athletic Consortium provides the opportunity for eligible undergraduate women to compete together as members of University-wide athletic teams. Fifteen varsity sports are currently sponsored: archery, basketball, crew, cross country, fencing, field hockey, golf, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming & diving, tennis, indoor and outdoor track & field, and volleyball. Governed by NCAA and Ivy League rules, all teams are Division I. Competition is scheduled with teams from the Ivy League, the metropolitan area, and the eastern region. In addition, students are eligible to qualify for regional and national championships. Physical Education credit may be earned through satisfactory participation on a varsity team. For more information, contact Jennifer Strawley, Associate Director of Athletics, Columbia–Dodge Fitness Center, 854-8373.

Registration: Registration takes place at the beginning of each semester. Information is available in the Physical Education office or on the department’s web site. Incoming students receive information in their registration packets. After confirming registration with the Physical Education Department, students should include the Physical Education course by number, section, title, and I.D. number on final programs filed with the Registrar.

Cross Registration: An agreement between the Department of Physical Education of Barnard College and Columbia College permits limited enrollment of Barnard students in selected Columbia courses. Columbia College and School of Engineering students may register for designated Barnard courses during Barnard’s registration period. Other Columbia University students must receive permission from the Physical Education Department to register before filing their final programs with the Registrar. Registration is not open to graduate students.