Physical Education, Athletics, and Recreation
The Physical Education Program includes a variety of activity courses from which the student may select. Emphasis is on an "activity for all" approach in hopes that each person will discover that physical activity can contribute to his/her well being now and in the future. Lifetime sports such as swimming, racquetball, tennis, aerobics, badminton, golf, skiing (downhill and cross country), and skating are particularly popular. To accommodate those who would prefer a team sport experience, classes in volleyball, basketball, frisbee, and hockey are offered. Weight training, yoga and cycling classes help those who wish to work on various components of their fitness. Classes are coed and instruction is given at beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels.
Courses are provided for those seeking American Red Cross certification in First Aid and CPR/AED and Life Guarding.
Students interested in dance can elect to specialize in modern dance or ballet. Folk, social, and jazz classes are also popular (see the Department of Theater and Dance elsewhere in the Catalog for dance courses which may be taken for academic credit).
Requirements
A total of four terms of physical education credit are required for graduation. It is strongly recommended that students complete this requirement by the end of their sophomore year. Classes usually meet twice a week. Students choose their activity class from a large selection of courses offered each term and may receive a maximum of one Physical Education activity credit per term.
Physical Education credit may be earned for participation in a varsity or club sport that meets the requirements stipulated by the department. Varsity student-athletes may be granted one credit for each varsity sport. For approved club sports, club students-athletes may be granted one credit per academic year. Students may fulfill the required four PE credits for graduation by participating in the same varsity or approved club sport.
Facilities
Classes and groups meet in the most ideal setting possible, making use of Cowling Gymnasium, Recreation Center, West Gymnasium, Laird Stadium, Arb, Bell Field tennis courts, various outdoor playing fields and several off-campus sites. Physical Education classes, varsity teams, clubs, and intramurals are all tightly scheduled since the demands for use are very heavy.
Intercollegiate Athletics
Carleton sponsors intercollegiate varsity teams for both men and women in the following sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Track and Field (indoor and outdoor), Soccer, Swimming/Diving, Golf and Tennis.
Men only: Baseball, Football
Women only: Softball, Volleyball
Physical Education credit can be earned for participation on an intercollegiate team, one credit per season of participation. Candidates for athletic teams must have a current physical examination within six months of practice in their sport.
The College does not accept financial responsibility for medical, surgical, or other expenses arising out of athletic injuries which exceeds the care provided through the College Health Services and/or our authorized Athletic Trainer.
Carleton is a member of the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference which participates in Division III of the NCAA.
Intramural Sports
The primary goal of the Carleton Intramural Sports Program is to give Carleton students, faculty and staff the opportunity to enjoy a good recreational athletics program. Such a program can provide a balance of activities, further the social and athletic components of a Carleton student's education and enhance the professional lives of faculty and staff. The program is designed to encourage dorm-floor participation; athletic activities provides the opportunity to interact in a fun, relaxing, healthy and cooperative environment. Similarly, faculty and staff participation is encouraged. The intramural program is a great opportunity for all members of the college community to interact in an extra-curricular environment.
Fall: 3 on 3 Basketball, Ultimate Frisbee, Tennis, Sand Volleyball, Dodgeball, Racquetball
Winter: Broomball, Indoor Soccer, 5x5 Basketball, Floor Hockey, Racquetball, Squash
Spring: Soccer, Ultimate Frisbee, Sand Volleyball, Tennis, Softball
Club Sports Student directed organizations allow interest groups to flourish in the following activities:
Aikido, Alpine Ski, Badminton, Competitive Dance, Cycling, Equestrian, Ice Hockey, Karate, Lacrosse, Nordic Ski, Rugby, Sailing, Synchronized Swimming, Table Tennis, Tae Kwon Do, Tennis, Ultimate Frisbee, Men's Volleyball, Water Polo.
Activity Courses
All activity classes are offered on a S/NC basis.