It’s senior year at last, but you still have a few more major requirements to go. Ideally, it would be great to focus on those classes alone, but the general education section on Degree Works is still not completed. All that is preventing that green check mark is the physical activity and wellness requirement.
Many other SUNY schools do not require their students to take a wellness class for their degrees. While physical education might not be the most difficult class, with BU’s many major and general education requirements, the extra weight on our shoulders is not necessary.
Through talking to some senior acquaintances, it’s clear that finding a somewhat interesting class for the easily forgettable physical education requirement is a hassle. Since these classes fill up quickly, it can be difficult to find an enjoyable way to fulfill the requirement. It is also one of the only general education requirements that has an extra fee, which can be expensive depending on which class you choose. This is on top of the tuition cost students must pay to take a course they may not need.
It is a step in the right direction for BU to promote healthy lifestyles on campus. After all, most other courses do not require movement nor any physical activity whatsoever. However, a physical education course will likely not be the impetus to truly reform one’s lifestyle. As adults we should already understand the benefits of being healthy by eating right and exercising. While it might be a good idea for students to be educated on wellness in grade school, the same does not apply for adults at the university level.
There are alternatives that can be taken by both students and BU to promote a healthy lifestyle that is both more enjoyable and less pressured. First off, changing how the University’s gym membership works could yield positive results. While several other universities have their gym free to all students, a membership at the East Gym is $100 per semester or $180 for the year, which can deter many students from going to the gym. If the fee is lowered or removed, more students can find the motivation to exercise.
Beyond the gym, there are other ways for students to stay healthy on campus. For instance, the East Gym track and pool are open to everyone. Additionally, all dining halls have healthier options implemented, such as the Simple Servings station at the Chenango Champlain Collegiate Center.
There are also plenty of intramurals and club sports around campus for students to join in order to stay active while participating in an activity they enjoy. You can join a league or practice sports such as basketball, rugby, tennis, running, jiujitsu at little or no costs.
For most of these clubs, students are allowed to attend at their leisure, so there is no pressure of being graded or being completely committed if one’s workload gets busy during the semester. If you live on campus, some housing communities have co-rec sports. For instance, each residence hall in Dickinson Community has a co-rec football team and there are matches every weekend amongst the teams.
While I feel that physical activity should not be included as a required, paid class, it will most likely remain as a degree requirement during your time at BU. Unfortunately, many students do not take advantage of the opportunities the campus has to offer in hopes to remain healthy on their own.
As a result, the physical education class is the only way for them to be active during a semester. Regardless, I highly recommend taking advantage of the ways to have an active lifestyle on campus outside of class. Without a doubt, there is an activity for everyone, and you may find a hobby you truly enjoy.
Brad Calendrillo is a sophomore majoring in English.