Graduation Requirements
The college maintains a physical education requirement for graduation; however, the program carries no academic credit. A total of four courses is required: Davidson 101 (required of all students, including transfers, during their first semester at Davidson); Two (2) Lifetime Activity credits (2**, 3**, and 5** level courses) and one team sport credit (PE 4**). The Davidson 101 requirement must be completed in the first semester of the first year at Davidson. Students are encouraged, but not required to complete the physical education requirement by the end of their sophomore year. A swim evaluation is administered during the orientation to determine swimming ability and to offer guidance in course selection. Students who do not successfully complete a swim evaluation must register for an appropriate swimming class.
The Director of Physical Education certifies completion of requirements in Physical Education. Upon completion of all Physical Education requirements, the following transcript notation is entered: “PE Requirements Completed.”
Swim Evaluation
The Department of Physical Education has established a basic swimming competency requirement for all students. A swim evaluation is required for any activity on the lake and is granted upon successful completion of a swim evaluation given during New Student Orientation or upon scheduling an evaluation with the aquatics director.
Students who do not successfully complete the swim evaluation will be required to take a beginner’s swimming class as one of their two lifetime activity requirements.
Davidson 101
Required of all first-year and transfer students during the first semester at Davidson.
A twelve-hour course offered in the fall of each year. Students who do not complete all of the required core hours in their first year will be required to repeat the entire course their sophomore year. The core topics consist of: Alcohol and Drugs (3 hr. online course); Career Services; Diversity-Celebrating Differences; Library Literacy; Realizing Your Risk; Sexuality; and Student Counseling Center.
Lifetime Activity Requirement
Two courses required. Students enrolled for credit are required to attend 90% of the class sessions. Each absence exceeding the allowed number must be made up.
200-level courses are designed to provide a foundation for a healthy, physically active lifestyle helping students to find a balance between work and recreation.
300-level courses are aquatics courses designed to fulfill a lifetime requirement upon successful completion of the swim evaluation given during New Student Orientation.
500-level courses are offered in partnership with Davidson Outdoors. Note: not all Davidson Outdoors’ activities meet the PED Lifetime Credit criteria; please verify compliance before taking a course for credit.
Team Sport Requirement
One credit required.
Students can fulfill their team sport requirement through varsity athletics, club sport, or intramural participation. Varsity athletes must be listed on the team’s official roster, while club sport and intramural athletes are required to participate in 75% of the scheduled games and/or practices.
For specific information on sport offerings contact the Director of Clubs and Intramurals.
Additional Information Regarding Physical Education Requirements
Independent Study Programs
The independent study option is limited to exceptional or highly skilled students. Independent programs may be pursued either on- or off-campus under the direction of a trained supervisor approved by the Director of Physical Education and Recreation. Independent studies must be at a minimum thirty hours in duration. Proposals for independent programs must be submitted in writing prior to the start of the program. Credit will not be awarded retroactively.
Varsity Athletes
All varsity athletes are eligible for one Lifetime Activity credit. A second credit will not be given for participation on the same team a second year. A separate lifetime activity course/activity must be taken to fulfill the second credit. A varsity athlete that does not pass the swimming evaluation will take a beginner’s swimming class to fulfill their requirement.
Two sport athletes may earn both of their required credits for their participation in each of their two separate sports
Students with Special Needs
Students with special needs are welcomed by the Department of Physical Education and Recreation. Students with special needs who plan to enroll in a PE class should notify the Director of Physical Education prior to the time of registration, and if necessary, request special assistance.
Physical Education Courses
Return to: