In the spirit of constructive dialogue (and begging), the editorial board of Pipe Dream presents a letter to Joel Thirer, director of Health, Physical Education and Athletics, urging him to reverse the decision of eliminating 22 courses from the curriculum. If you, the reader, share the pleas of concerned students and faculty, sign the petition. Put it in the envelope on the door of the Pipe Dream office in room WB-03 in the basement of the New University Union, or personally deliver it to Mr. Thirer in his office in the Events Center, room EC-205C.

Dear Mr. Thirer,

As director of Health, Physical Education and Athletics at Binghamton University, you are in a unique position to listen to the concerns of those who are both startled and dismayed by the decision to cut classes which, of your assessment, do not satisfy the University’s wellness requirement.

Though the goal of simplifying the system of Y, B and S requirements is a noble one, canceling the activity courses altogether ought to be an action of last resort ‘ and surely we are not there yet. The 22 classes, ranging from volleyball to jogging to international dance, are taken by students who are eager to learn about those activities. The offerings are a staple of your department, this University and the community, and you would be remiss to allow them to disappear.

I was saddened to learn that classes which have been offered through Outdoor Pursuits for over a decade will be canceled. An appreciation for the outdoors and nature is certainly a fundamental part of the college experience, and is critical to what your department refers to as ‘wellness.’

This University claims to be an institution of excellence and personal growth, and rightfully so when students have the opportunity to canoe through the Canadian wilderness for credit, or learn how to tack a horse or play golf, but when I heard that other courses, like HPE 225: Coaching Basketball and HPEY 121: Bowling, will no longer be a part of this curriculum, I was taken aback by the decision to remove the most enjoyable classes taught at BU.

Wellness and health are crucial to our lives, and while I can appreciate the desire for the physical education department to put more of an emphasis on more traditional models of education, wouldn’t it be possible to learn about proper diet and backpacking at the same time?

Students (and undoubtedly instructors as well) enjoy these classes. You have said that the change has been in the works for a long time, but given the outcry against canceling these courses, surely it is difficult for your department to continue with these plans in good conscience.

Please reconsider your decision.

Most sincerely,

Concerned member of the Binghamton University community