Division of Physical Education, Recreation, and Athletics

Colgate University’s recognition of the importance of personal health and well-being as it relates to the liberal arts education is fostered through the Physical Education requirement. The Department of Physical Education offers a variety of programs and courses that directly reflect Colgate’s commitment to every student’s physical, social, mental and environmental well-being.

The Department of Physical Education takes a holistic approach to curriculum development through collaboration with offices and departments across campus. The requirement can be met through a variety of programs and courses that include varsity and club level athletics, dance, outdoor education, volunteerism and five-week courses in health, fitness, positive sexuality, stress management, and many more.

The goal of this requirement is to encourage students to establish life-long healthy habits, expand student perspectives on personal and community well-being, and to better inform Colgate students of the departments and resources available to them on campus.

Physical Education Requirement

Students must complete two physical education units. Students are highly encouraged to complete the requirement by the end of their sophomore year. Participating in approved extracurricular activities may earn up to one unit per activity. Varsity athletes may complete the two unit requirement by earning one unit for every full-year of team participation. Further regulations and specifications regarding the physical education requirements are cited on Colgate’s physical education web pages.

Transfer Students

First-year and sophomore transfer students must complete two units. Junior transfer students must complete one unit.

Awards

The Director of Athletics Award — presented to a student-athlete who has proven leadership ability, outstanding athletics achievement, accomplished excellence in the classroom, and provided service to the institution.

Donna Carter Memorial Fund — recognizes athletic and academic achievement in women and swimmers. The annual award is named for an outstanding swimmer and member of the class of 1980 who died in a rock climbing incident June 20, 1979, near Basel, Switzerland.

The Gottesman Award for Excellence in the Sciences and Athletics — given to the senior student-athlete who has excelled both as a science major and in athletics, and plans to attend graduate school in the sciences.

The Joseph Huther Prize — established to provide awards to two senior intercollegiate athletes, one male and one female.

The John T. (Jack) Mitchell Memorial Award — awarded by the athletic department in memory of Jack Mitchell, a member of the biology faculty from 1975 to 1996 and an avid supporter of Colgate athletics. The award is given to the graduating student-athlete with the highest grade point average.

Team Academic Excellence Award — awarded by the athletic department to a men’s and women’s team whose members demonstrate exceptional dedication to academics.

The Thomas M. Wilson ‘67 Memorial Endowed Leadership Award — established in memory of Thomas M. Wilson ‘67. The prize(s) are given to superior senior scholar-athletes, in high academic standing, who have demonstrated excellence in responsible leadership both with their teams and in the Colgate campus and community. Preference is given first to football players, then to other scholar-athletes. Preference also is given to scholar-athletes in the fraternity/sorority system.

For more information visit the Division of Physical Education, Recreation, and Athletics web pages.