The Physical Education Program at Sarah Lawrence College fosters holistic wellness, promoting physical, mental, and emotional health through a diverse range of activities. We encourage lifelong engagement with movement while emphasizing self-expression, teamwork, and resilience. Our program integrates inclusivity, critical thinking, and social responsibility, empowering students to lead active, balanced lives both on and off campus.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION CREDIT REQUIREMENT
Undergraduate students are required to earn four P.E. units.
Two units should be earned in the first year of enrollment.
Students are strongly encouraged to complete at least two units in their first year, but it is possible to complete the requirement in one year. Other academic interests (e.g. internships, travel abroad) can make it difficult to earn all four units as an upperclassman.
Transfer students who enter as a sophomore are required to earn two P.E. units. Students who transfer as a junior or senior are exempt from the P.E. requirement.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION UNITS
Physical education units are recorded separately from normal academic credits. They are not included in your GPA calculation and cannot be applied to the credits required to complete a degree.
Classes are offered each semester in a fourteen-week block. Each class is worth two units. Opportunities for quarter-long classes may arise throughout the semester.
7-week course (quarter) = 1 unit
14-week course (semester) = 2 units
Maximum of 2 units earned per semester
You may register for multiple courses but can only earn up to two units in a semester. You must attend at least 75% (11 of 14) of classes to receive two P.E. units.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION REGISTRATION
Registration for courses is done on a semester basis through the OCS system and at the time you register for academic courses each semester. The P.E. calendar follows the academic calendar.
VARSITY ATHLETICS PARTICIPATION
Varsity student-athletes earn two P.E. units for each complete season of participation. The student-athlete must comply with all NCAA, conference, College and department regulations. P.E. units are subject to the discretion of the Director of Athletics and Head Coach. Student-athletes should register for P.E. credit by registering for the course PHED ATH D 1.
COURSES OUTSIDE OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Dance Thirds and Component Courses
Students taking a Dance Third, 3-Credit or 1-Credit Dance Study earn two P.E. units per semester. To receive credit, an unofficial transcript must be presented at Campbell Sports Center.
Theater Courses
Select theater courses can also be used to earn two P.E. units. To receive credit, an unofficial transcript must be presented at Campbell Sports Center.
Introduction to Stage Combat (Section 1 -Unarmed) - THEA-5716-U-1
Introduction to Stage Combat (Section 2 -Unarmed) - THEA-5716-U-2
Introduction to Stage Combat (Section 3 - Knife) - THEA-5716-U-3
Choreographic Strategies in Theatre - THEA 5781 U (1)
NOTE: No more than two P.E. units can be earned in Theater classes.
STILL NOT ENOUGH OPTIONS?
Students may apply for P.E. units earned through participation in campus clubs and club teams (i.e. Ultimate, Rock Climbing, etc.). A maximum of 2 P.E. units may be earned outside of the P.E. curriculum.
Students may apply once they have completed two PE units (i.e. one semester-long class) through the PE department.
Interested applicants should email the Physical Education Coordinator at physed@sarahlawrence.edu.prior to the start of the semester.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many classes can I take?
During registration, undergraduates may register for one class. Only two P.E. units can be earned in a single semester, regardless of how many classes are completed. Students can take classes even after the P.E. requirement is complete.
What happens if my class is canceled?
In some cases, a class may be canceled due to extenuating circumstances (inclement weather, an instructor falls ill, etc.). Every effort will be made to inform enrolled students when this happens, and if possible, a makeup class is scheduled at the end of the semester.
What happens if I miss a class?
To receive credit, you must attend roughly 75% (11 of 14) of the classes. Makeups are rarely available, so be sure to make every effort to attend classes, especially early in the semester.
What if no P.E. classes fit into my schedule?
We make every effort to offer classes in a variety of time slots throughout the week. Schedule conflicts do not excuse students from the P.E. requirement, so be sure to earn at least two units in your first year and complete the physical education requirement early.
How many P.E. credits do I currently have?
Since P.E. credits are recorded in a separate system, you must email the PE coordinator (physed@sarahlawrence.edu) or call the Sports Center (ext. 2560) to verify credits earned.
If you have additional questions or suggestions for physical education courses, please contact the Physical Education Coordinator at physed@sarahlawrence.edu!
