Physical Education, Recreation and Athletics Department (PERA)

Introduction to the sports through skill development and play.

Introduction to the sport through skill development and play.

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.

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.

This course will teach basic walking techniques and principles with the goal for students to develop and implement an individualized conditioning program for themselves.

Introduction to basic rules and individual/team skill development with practical application through game competition.

Introduction to basic rules and individual/team skill development with practical application through game competition.

Introduction to basic rules and individual/team skill development with practical application through game competition.

Instruction will focus on basic strokes and techniques. Rules, strategy and play will be integrated as students’ skills develop.

Instruction will focus on basic strokes and techniques. Rules, strategy and play will be integrated as students’ skills develop.

For the non-swimmer. Students will receive instruction in basic survival skills and the primary techniques to learn to swim safely.

Introduction to basic rules and individual/team skill development with practical application through game competition.

Introduction to basic rules and individual/team skill development with practical application through game competition.

This course will teach the use of body weight to develop personal strength and conditioning.

This course will teach basic strength training principles and techniques. Students will develop and implement an individualized conditioning program.

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.

Introductory course designed to explore various leisure education alternatives.

For the intermediate to advanced swimmer. This class is geared toward swimming for fitness purposes. Workouts will be administered each class period with students developing the knowledge to create workouts for themselves.

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.

Students will develop an understanding and appreciation of a variety of aquatic games through skill development and game play.

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.

(This is the generic listing for all current club sports) Club Sports are activities in various sports and wellness that are organized and recognized by SGA 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 WPE 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.

(This is the generic listing for all current club sports) Club Sports are activities in various sports and wellness that are organized and recognized by SGA 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 WPE 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.

(This is the generic listing for all current club sports) Club Sports are activities in various sports and wellness that are organized and recognized by SGA 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 WPE 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.

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.

Introductory course designed to acquaint students with knowledge and skills necessary to make choices that foster health and well-being.

Introduction to Mindfulness is an evidence-based mindfulness curriculum designed for college aged adults by the Mindfulness Institute for Emerging Adults (MIEA). 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 MIEA Mobile App, read the companion book, and participate in class discussion.

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. 

Does spending time in crowds or at a party wear you out? Do you enjoy time alone? Does the thought of working on a team make you nervous? Are you quiet around your classmates? Do you tend to avoid small talk or get tongue-tied in large groups? Would you rather think about a problem than discuss it with others? If you answered “yes” to several of these questions, this course is for you. Society puts a strong emphasis on extroversion, and those who frequently speak up get more attention and often advance professionally more quickly than their more reserved peers. Yet some of our greatest thinkers and leaders have been introverts. While the teamwork culture of WPI and most professions can present challenges to introverts, career success depends on the ability to work with others. This course will help introverted students learn to thrive at college and throughout their careers. Students will learn about the nature of introversion, including the strengths and challenges of being an introvert. Students will also learn personal and professional skills, such as how to successfully work on a team, present to an audience, manage their energy levels, and have difficult conversations with others. Grades will be Pass/NR

This course provides an opportunity for students to learn about a special topic in holistic wellbeing. The topics are subject to change on a rotating basis to provide flexibility in the offerings based upon student interest and the latest practice and science of well-being.