(for 2012–2013 academic year)
All students are required to complete a physical education graduation requirement. The program, designed to acquaint students with a wide variety of lifetime activities, also attempts to improve skill levels in these activities.
There is a focus on effecting meaningful changes in students’ short- and long-term attitudes toward the place of exercise and physical activity in their lives.
By completing five-week activity units offered each term or by attending outdoor education courses (variable credit and times), students can easily meet the two-unit requirement by the completion of their sophomore year.
Physical education credit may also be granted for participation in varsity sports, club sports, and other selected pre-approved activities. Varsity athletes may earn up to two units through that option, while participants in club sports and other approved activities may earn up to one. Further regulations and specifications regarding the physical education requirements are cited on Colgate’s physical education website.
First-year and sophomore transfer students must complete two units. Junior transfer students must complete one unit.
Following is a list of activities available to students. Staff availability and season determine when these activities are offered.
001 Aerobics
Aerobics classes consist of various types of aerobics, depending on instructor expertise. Options include cardio-kick, hip-hop and Zumba aerobics, “boot camp,” and/or body toning workouts. The objective is to increase cardiovascular fitness, flexibility, and muscular endurance through aerobic exercise.
002 Aikido
This Japanese art of self-defense emphasizes relaxation and mental energy rather than muscular strength. Students learn basic defensive maneuvers, mind-body coordination, elements of wooden weaponry, safe falling techniques, and applications of Aikido to everyday life.
006 American Red Cross Certification Course: Lifeguarding Today
This course includes training in CPR for the Professional Rescuer and Community First Aid and Safety as well as lifeguarding skills. Upon successful completion of the course, the student receives three-year certification in lifeguarding and first aid as well as one-year certification in CPR for the Professional Rescuer. Fee for book and certification card. (Full semester course.)
007 Bowling
Instruction includes proper stance, footwork, follow-through, scoring, and etiquette.
011 Ballet (beginning/ intermediate )
This course provides instruction in classical ballet at the beginning and intermediate level, and includes training in barre technique, center exercises, pointe work, pas de deux, and variations.
016 Dance: Nightclub Styles
This course includes dances from a diversity of cultures. The rhythms and techniques of salsa, swing, hustle, nightclub two-step, samba, and Argentine tango are studied.
018 Golf
This class covers the fundamentals of golf: grip, alignment, set-up, and posture, along with the short game, rules, etiquette, and course management. Individual instruction, by a class A-PGA professional, is offered to each student based on existing skill level.
023 Racquetball
This course teaches proper grip, skills, rules, and scoring for the beginner, and more advanced skill work for the experienced player.
025 Relaxation and Wellness
This course examines issues concerning holistic health and stress management. The goal is wellness and optimal well-being, rather than the absence of illness. Students learn and practice exercises to help them meet the academic, social, emotional, and physiological challenges of student life in a calm and confident manner.
026 Self-Defense Fundamentals
A comprehensive five-week course using proven principles and techniques for protection. The course uses theory and application to build confidence and awareness during physical encounters or attacks.
027A Scuba Fundamentals
Students learn how to scuba dive and become pool-certified upon completion of the two-part course. There is a fee for this course.
027B Scuba Lifetime Certification
Students who complete training requirements and a successful open water dive receive a lifetime international scuba certification card. There is a fee for this course. Prerequisite:
PHED 027A.
028 Self-Defense Seminar Series
A full-semester seminar series for two units. Sessions feature instruction on various self-defense topics provided by highly trained Colgate personnel and visiting lecturers. The series is designed to build confidence during daily activities as well as during physical encounters or attacks. Situation awareness and avoidance are stressed. Communication skills, including dialogue and verbalization, are part of each participatory session.
029 Social Dance
This course teaches a segment of American rhythms or Latin rhythms. Students learn basic steps and etiquette and enjoy dancing with different partners.
030 Spinning
Spinning is an intense indoor cycling workout. It simulates outdoor road biking by combining a 110-pound stationary bike, motivation, and good music. The participant builds strength and endurance while increasing metabolism.
031 Squash
This course teaches proper grip, skills, rules, and scoring for the beginner, and more advanced skill work for the experienced player.
032 Swimming
This course teaches basic swimming skills and more advanced techniques when warranted to promote safety and enjoyment while using swimming for recreation or fitness.
033 Tai Chi
This ancient Chinese form of martial art, exercise, and self-cultivation is characterized by slow, balanced, and flowing movement. It promotes relaxation, concentration, improved posture, and overall improvement in the function of mind and body.
034 Tennis (beginning)
This course offers instruction in fundamental skills of ground strokes, volleys, overheads, and serves.
036 Trap Shooting
This course covers trap-shooting technique and emphasizes the importance of firearm safety. Fee for supplies. No prior experience required.
039 Yoga
This course teaches recognition and management of the symptoms of stress through yoga. The tools of yoga — posture, breathing techniques, meditation, visualization, and progressive relaxation — are covered.
043 What It Means to be Nutritionally Healthy
Students learn the everyday nutritional tools to help them perform better and also discover the myths behind the nutrition craze sweeping the country today.
Colgate’s Outdoor Education Program provides students with experiential opportunities that emphasize safety, environmental awareness, and technical skills, while promoting personal growth and group development through rediscovery of the natural world. Outdoor education courses offered for physical education credit are noncompetitive in nature and are designed to meet the needs of beginning through advanced-level participants. All outdoor education courses focus on cultural and natural history as well as technical skills, and all are led by a minimum of two student staff who have completed
PHED 099, Staff Training.
Listed below are some of the courses offered during the fall and spring semesters. Staff availability and season determine when each course is offered. Variable fees are charged for courses in order to cover costs.
Registration for courses takes place in person and online during the first or second week of each semester.
050 Backpack Overnight
Experience an overnight adventure at one of the state forests in central or upstate New York while learning the backcountry basics of minimal impact travel and camping, cooking, and navigation. This course offers a great opportunity to discover firsthand the flora and fauna of the Chenango Valley while gaining new skills.
051 Backcountry Cooking
Ever wonder why everything tastes better in the outdoors? Join us for a dinnertime outing and a longer day trip at the Yurt, and learn how to please your belly with artfully crafted food in the wilderness.
052 Backcountry Basics
Learn the essentials of traveling safely in the backcountry in good style. This class focuses on navigation with a topographic map and compass, backcountry cooking, essential knots and other backcountry basics that help students go on their own backpacking trips safely and confidently. No experience needed.
053 Winter Peak Hike
This course takes students to a local peak. Students drive there, hike it, and return to campus on the same day after a marvelous day on the mountain. Depending on the conditions students might be hiking in just boots, snowshoeing, or using crampons on icy sections or maybe all three.
054 Peak Hike
Head out of town and hike a peak. Students drive to the peak, hike the peak, and return to campus in the same day after a marvelous day on the mountain (rain or shine!).
056 Mountaineering
Head up to the Adirondacks for a weekend introduction to mountaineering. Two day long excursions cover travel on technical mountain terrain, rope techniques and basic avalanche awareness. This course begins on Colgate’s Ski Hill, includes a shakedown to outfit everyone with proper gear, and culminates in a full weekend in the park with heated lodging. Dry out by the fireplace in the evenings while dreaming about freedom in the hills. Prerequisite: ability to pass a belay test.
057 Canoe Camping
Come and participate in the oldest method of water travel. This fun introduction to canoeing includes an evening class to prepare for the outing and an overnight canoe pack trip. Students learn basic strokes and camp craft in a beautiful local environment. No previous experience needed.
060 Day Hike
This course is designed for those with a sense of wonder and a desire to learn more about the local area. Several day-hikes, each to a different area in the local environs, allow students to develop a sense of place and an appreciation for local history, geology, flora, and fauna. The essentials of preparing for trail travel are covered.
061 Geo-Caching
Geo-caching is a new sport developed by GPS users to show each other interesting and hard to find places around the world. Besides learning the ins and outs of geo-caching, students also learn how to navigate with a GPS and a compass. What do you find in the cache? Treasure! However, the point of geo-caching is not the cache, but the journey. This journey takes students to some of the lesser known areas in and around Hamilton.
062 Wilderness Survival Skills
Based on the philosophy of “challenge by choice,” this course focuses on the skills and knowledge needed to spend the night alone in the wilderness. Differing philosophies of survival are discussed and different techniques of shelter-building, fire-making, and navigating by nature are practiced. Emphasis is placed on learning how to stay comfortable through preparation, a positive attitude, awareness, and improvisation in the woods.
063 Trail Running
Get a little natural history with your workout! Outdoor Education staff show students some of their favorite local runs while covering a variety of topics such as technique and local flora. Grab your running shoes and hit the trail!
064 Trail Maintenance
Do you love using trails for walking, running, riding a horse or a bike? Every wonder where our trails came from or who made them? In this course students get outside and practice techniques of building and maintaining trails that will last for many years.
065 Hike and Paddle
Can’t decide which course to take? This course combines two favorites — hiking and paddling. As winter is departing, students spend time hiking locally among the fading snow and buds of spring. Once the lake and rivers thaw, students spend a Saturday exploring some local calm waterways (in canoe and/or kayak) and enjoy the penetrating warmth of the sun. There is no better way to kick-start spring!
066 Mountain Biking
Looking to burn off a little steam? Grab a bike and ride dirt roads and local double and single track trails. Explore the woods in low or high gear while cranking up hills, cruising down hills, and pausing at scenic overlooks. Through the course students learn essential skills such as riding techniques, bike maintenance, leave no trace practices, map reading, and dressing for the outdoors. Note: Participants must provide their own mountain bike (inquire about rentals) and helmet. No experience necessary.
067 Spring Fling
Want to try out diverse outdoor activities? Students romp around the local area while Geo-caching (using GPS to locate hidden treasures). Students spend a day paddling around Lake Moraine and a day learning basic survival skills. This course has something for everyone. A great way to explore the elements of the outdoors and have new adventures in the local area. $15 fee.
068 Fall Sampler
Split your time between land and water! Explore some of the most interesting spots in the Chenango Valley regardless of whether they’re wet or dry. Students learn more about their home here and leave feeling well acquainted with local hiking and canoeing options.
069 Winter Sampler
Can’t decide? Sign up for the sampler! Who knows what the spring weather will bring? Students are prepared to hike, snow shoe, climb at the wall, canoe, or whatever else Mother Nature throws at us.
070 Flat Water Canoeing
Students master the art of canoe travel on local waterways of the Chenango Valley, including use of the infamous “J” stroke. These skills are put to use during a weekend canoe/camping trip in the Adirondacks. Instruction begins with the basics of how to pack, paddle, and carry the canoe, then moves on to more advanced skills such as canoe rescues and portaging.
071 White Water Canoeing
Come feel the magic of the cross-bow draw! Learn the nuances of tandem open canoeing with Outdoor Education. Class one teaches students basic strokes and maneuvers on Lake Moraine, and the second introduces students to paddling in current. Finally, a Saturday outing allows students to test skills on a local waterway.
072 Fly Fishing
Yes, there are fish in Payne Creek! Students learn the basics of fly fishing casting, river ecology, and angler ethics while putting catch and release practices into play. No experience needed. New York state fishing license required (available locally).
073 Discovering Chenango Valley
The Colgate experience can include much more than what you find on campus. This course provides a unique opportunity to go beyond the Colgate campus and develop your own “sense of place” with this rural landscape. Through a series of experiential outings, students have the chance to discover your new “backyard.” Students learn about local plants, animals, events, and people that have shaped Hamilton’s history, and the watershed that sustains it. Outings include local day hikes, canoeing and kayaking on the Sangerfield River, a trip to a local organic farm, climbing at the Colgate Wall and an insider’s tour of downtown Hamilton. Students also discuss strategies for environmentally responsible living.
074 White Water Kayaking
Get your feet wet and enjoy the thrill of whitewater kayaking — the hottest sport around! You progress from flat water to moving water to white water and learn the basic strokes, river reading and safety, eddy turns, peel outs, ferries, and can try your hand at the Eskimo roll. Guaranteed fun!
075 Pool Paddling
Learn basic self-rescues, strokes, and other skills to set you up for success on open water — lake, rivers or the ocean environment. Students also work on mastering brace strokes and the Eskimo roll to help with on-water stability. Participants must be able to swim and should feel comfortable holding their breath underwater.
076 Sea Kayaking
Students learn the basics of sea kayaking in the pool, on Lake Moraine, and on Cazenovia Lake. The course covers rolling, paddling strokes, rescue techniques, and navigation. More advanced courses include weekend trips to Lake George or Cranberry Lake.
078 Fall Break Sea Kayaking
Enjoy fall break and fall foliage on Canada’s Thousand Islands in the St. Lawrence Seaway. The Thousand Islands offer many granite cliffs, abundant wildlife, great folklore, and various nooks and crannies to explore. Skills covered include: kayak safety equipment, night and day navigation, strokes, camping, rescues, travel skills, and relaxation. Participants must have passports or US birth certificates to cross the border into Canada.
079 Fall Break Rock Climbing
Can you keep a secret? New York’s Adirondack Park is a hidden gem for rock climbers. Students spend fall break relaxing, camping, and climbing in the ‘dacks’ without the crowds. Students learn bouldering, top-roping, and new climbing styles (e.g., crack technique for which the ‘dacks’ is well known). By the end of the trip students acquire new skills and have a new appreciation for a unique place. Current belay certification at the Angert Family Climbing Wall is required.
080 Cross-Country Classical Skiing
Students progress from the flats to the steeps, beginning with the foundation of kick and glide and moving on to instruction in how to pole, turn, herringbone, snowplow, and much more. During several excursions on the golf course, ski hill, and local state forests there are opportunities to practice these skills while experiencing the beauty of winter.
081 Cross-Country Ski Touring
Students learn the basics of cross-country skiing while winter camping in a local winter wonderland. This course covers the secrets of a good glide, winter navigation, and how to stay warm in a sleeping bag on a starry winter’s eve.
082 Beginning Telemark Skiing
This course expands the realm of downhill skiing by freeing the heel in the telemark turn. Students master this centuries-old European style which is gaining popularity in this country. After learning the principles of the free-heel turn, students have individual instruction and practice time to develop skills and form.
083 Skate Skiing
A new style with a definite workout and zoom factor has emerged from that popular winter sport that has drawn thousands to the frozen white countryside, cross-country skiing — you know, the one you always perceived as a quiet, mellow, contemplative activity. Skating on skis on snow might become your new favorite winter activity. The final make-up class is held only in case one of the other classes needs to be canceled due to snow or weather conditions.
084 Snowshoeing
Students learn why snowshoeing is the most efficient mode of non-motorized deep-snow travel. This course is a good way to turn a Hamilton winter into a positive experience through snowshoe excursions into the surrounding woods. The basics of winter travel and comfort are also covered.
085 Intermediate Telemark Skiing
You’ve got the basic telemark turn — now it’s time to learn the finer aspects of free heeling. Try your feet at jump turns, parallel turns, and the bumps at Labrador and Snow Ridge Mountains. Prerequisite: ability to link telemark turns.
086 Winter Camping/Shelter Building
This course focuses on the knowledge needed to stay warm and comfortable in the cold. Students learn to differentiate between three-season and four-season camping and to recognize the mistakes that can take their toll on the winter camper. This course offers an opportunity to develop existing skills to a higher level.
087 Tree Climbing
Still a kid at heart? See Colgate’s campus from another angle and join Outdoor Ed as we hang out in the canopies of local maple, ash, oak, sycamore, and tulip trees all the while clad in helmet, harness, and attached to ropes. Students learn safe techniques to set and ascend ropes, rappel, and climb from tree to tree without touching the ground! Guaranteed fun! All equipment is provided.
088 Outdoor Rock Peter’s Kill Cliff
Feel the sun’s rays and the breeze as you climb on real rock in spring. Students travel on a weekend trip to Minnewaska State Park for two days of cragging and camping after two preparatory classes at the climbing wall. Students are top-roping and learning to belay while getting a feel forclimbing very featured rock. No experience necessary. Make-up is for weather cancellationonly. Disclaimer: this class is weather dependent.
089 Advanced Indoor Climbing
When it’s too cold to climb outside, it’s time to get better at climbing inside. This class focuses on technique, and strength training to make students better climbers. Students also spend a bit of time getting ready for the second annual Colgate Climbing Competition. Prerequisites: previous climbing experience and belay certification at the Angert Family Climbing Wall.
090 Basic Rock Climbing
This course provides an introduction to the top rope system and plenty of opportunities to try it out. After learning and practicing the skills needed to boulder, belay, and top-rope climb safely, students are exposed to the basics of movement on rock. Emphasis is placed on the development of good climbing habits founded upon an attitude of safety and awareness.
091 Women Who Rock
The rock doesn’t care about gender, yet it is no secret that rock climbing has always been a male-dominated sport. Sister, the times are changing and this is your chance to solve problems, take risks, and rely on yourself. Use your balance, flexibility and strength to learn the fundamentals of Climbing Smart. Women only!
093 Ice Climbing
Clad in crampons, plastic boots, ice tools, and helmets, students learn how to move vertically on frozen water. The course teaches basic rope work and tool craft at the climbing wall before heading outdoors for a weekend of climbing, either locally or in the Adirondacks.
094 Advanced Rock: Sport Leading
Have you ever wondered how the rope gets to the top? This class covers techniques for lead climbing sport routes. Students practice “mock” leading until they are comfortable going on the “sharp end.” Get ready to take it to the next level. This class travels to Hamilton College.
095 Caving
Students journey down under to experience the innards of the earth. Before doing so, they learn the essentials of caving safety, minimal impact practices, and group travel and communication. Students have an opportunity to discover firsthand the geology and climate of caves in central New York.
096 Intermediate Vertical Caving
Visit Gage Cavern that starts with a 50’ rope-assisted vertical lower! Learn more about cave navigation, rope systems, cave safety and explore even deeper into the underground world! Prerequisite: Basic Caving course with Outdoor Education (OE) or comparable experience approved by the OE Director.
097 Advanced Rock: Outdoor Climbing
Are you a problem-solving nerd who loves to climb? Want to start building climbing anchors and make sure you’re following safe practices? For climbers with some experience setting anchors, this course teaches natural and artificial (gear) anchor building and mock leading. Learn new knots and new ways to use them. Instruction is outside as much as weather allows.
099 Staff Training
Staff training is a seven-month experiential course that focuses on leadership, risk management, environmental education, group dynamics, and technical skills. Students who complete this course may be hired by outdoor education to lead physical education courses and other programs. Students apply through outdoor education. Open to first-year students and sophomores only.