Physical Education, Recreation and Athletics

D Harmon: Director of Physical Education, Recreation and Athletics

S. Riley-Schafer: Director of Physical Education

A McCarron: Director of Club Sports

P. Fitzpatrick, Ph. D: Director of Center for Well-Being

Requirements

To provide an understanding and experience in Wellness and Physical Education to gain awareness for lifelong well-being to thrive personally and professionally, every student must complete a Wellness & Physical Education requirement.

Qualification in wellness and physical education shall be established by completing 1/3 unit of course work. Students may take classes multiple times for credit. We do not offer independent study options in Wellness and Physical Education. In addition to PE 1000-series course offerings, students may satisfy their PE requirement by the following:

  1. WPI approved varsity athletic team participation (PE 2000-series). Student must be registered with instructor permission in advance of participation. No retroactive credit will be awarded if failure to register.
  2. Club Sports (PE 1200-series). Students must be members of a PE approved club prior to becoming eligible for physical education credit and by meeting established department policies for credit. Students must be registered in advance of participation; no retroactive credit will be awarded if failure to register in advance. Additional fees for some clubs may apply.
  3. Approved courses not offered at WPI; advance approval by the Physical Education Department is necessary so students are encouraged to contact the department directly in advance to review. No retroactive credit will be awarded if failure to receive advance approval. 
  4. Participation in certain ROTC programs may entitle students to a receive PE credit. Students in ROTC programs should review in advance with their respective commanders.

GENERAL PHYSICAL EDUCATION COURSES
(PE 1000 series)

This series is offered to provide a variety of courses in the more traditional sport-based area of physical education. These courses can serve the beginner to the more experienced in each activity area. PE 1000 series courses meet twice a week (generally between 8am-5pm) at predetermined times with attendance and participation major factors in a student’s final grade.

HEALTHY ALTERNATIVE PHYSICAL EDUCATION COURSES
(PE 1099)

These PE courses are offered to provide a variety of wellness, dance and healthy alternatives to traditional PE sport-based classes. These classes are subject to change on a yearly basis in order to provide flexibility in the PE offerings based upon the latest trends in wellness and dance. The focus of these classes is more on individual fitness, wellness and education, with instruction provided to all students in the classes. 

THE CLUB SPORTS PROGRAM (PE 1200-series)

Club Sports are activities in various sports and wellness that are organized and recognized by Student Government Association as Class II organizations and open to any undergraduate student. Students who are properly registered in advance for the club activity in their interest area (more information regarding Club Sports can be found at wpi.edu/+techsync) and meet the established criteria for participation by the club as well as by PERA department policy, may be eligible for PE course credit. Practice and/or competition times vary but are generally in the evenings and weekends. Participating students may incur additional fees for equipment, travel, and/or uniforms.

Classes

WPE 1007: Basic Water Safety

Department
Physical Education, Recreation and Athletics
Category
Category I (offered at least 1x per Year)
Units 1/12

For the intermediate to advanced swimmer only. Students will learn about water recreational activities and how to remain safe while participating in them. Opportunity to learn the necessary means for safety in/near water and basic rescue techniques.

WPE 1008: Rowing for Fitness

Department
Physical Education, Recreation and Athletics
Category
Category I (offered at least 1x per Year)
Units 1/12

This course will teach basic rowing training techniques and principles with the goal for students to develop and implement an individualized conditioning program for themselves. All classes will be conducted on-campus through the use of rowing machines located in the Sports and Recreation Center.

WPE 1059: Weight Training for Beginners

Department
Physical Education, Recreation and Athletics
Category
Category I (offered at least 1x per Year)
Units 1/12

The goal of course is to provide students with the knowledge and skills in basic weight training. This course is designed to educate students about the proper use of weight training equipment and how to create their own weight training exercise program. The basic essentials for starting a weight training routine.

WPE 1078: Aquatic Conditioning

Department
Physical Education, Recreation and Athletics
Category
Category I (offered at least 1x per Year)
Units 1/12

This course will teach aquatic conditioning (aerobics, walking, strength and interval training) with the goal for students to develop and implement an individualized aquatic conditioning program for themselves. For the intermediate and advanced swimmer. All classes will be conducted on-campus through the use of the pool located in the Sports and Recreation Center.

WPE 1099: Healthy Alternative Physical Education Courses

Department
Physical Education, Recreation and Athletics
Category
Category I (offered at least 1x per Year)
Units 1/12

In each term, specific PE courses are offered to provide a variety of wellness, dance and healthy alternatives to traditional PE sport-based classes. The specific courses are subject to change on a yearly basis in order to provide flexibility in the PE offerings based upon the latest trends in wellness and dance. The focus of these classes is more on individual fitness, wellness and education, with instruction provided to all students in the classes.

WPE 1601: Insight Program

Department
Physical Education, Recreation and Athletics
Category
Category I (offered at least 1x per Year)
Units 1/12

The Insight Program provides students with skills, knowledge, and experiences that help them thrive in their transition to WPI. In collaboration with their Insight Team, students create a personalized first year experience that incorporates relationship building with their Insight Advisor as well as programmatic participation in five key areas: Academic Growth, Personal Development, Mental Health and Well Being, Diversity, Equity, and Belonging, and Social Engagement.

WPE 1611: Koru Mindfulness Meditation

Department
Physical Education, Recreation and Athletics
Category
Category I (offered at least 1x per Year)
Units 1/12

Koru Mindfulness is an evidence-based mindfulness curriculum designed for college aged adults. During this course, you will learn useful, practical tools to help manage your stress and increase self-compassion. Students will practice a variety of meditation skills, engage with the Koru Mobile App, read the companion book, and participate in class discussion.

WPE 1612: Introductory Yoga

Department
Physical Education, Recreation and Athletics
Category
Category I (offered at least 1x per Year)
Units 1/12

This yoga class focuses on connecting the mind, body, and spirit through an awareness of breath.Participating in yoga can improve core strength, flexibility, balance, mindfulness, and relaxation and decrease stress. Those with any level of yoga experience (including first timers) are welcome.