Capitol Hill Blue Forums Science and Technology Health, Medicine & the healing Sciences College's too-fat-to-graduate rule under fire

The thing is the PE requirment applies to everyone unless you have an exemption. this course requirement only applied if you were of certain characterstics. I see that as a major distinction. I just don't like singling out one type of student for this course. In all likelihood, many of those near the BMI number will in time exceed it, and could use a well run education program on exercise and eating. So to me if you require such a course apply the requirement to everyone, as is done in the California undergrad systems.

Thanks, Sky...I should have checked that out before posting the last reply.

For the record - Lincoln University is a private, historically black university in Pennsylvania. I did some consulting work there years and years ago; later knew someone who worked there.

Given this data, Obesity Trends in the US , Lincoln University should be lauded for its efforts to educate students.

I believe I remember reading - have no idea where - that the incidence of obesity in the black population, and the diabetes and high blood pressure that follow it - were part of LU's concern when they started the program. I can't swear to it, though, as it was some time ago.

No one should be required to take a college PE class; however, since the government will probably declare a "war on obesity" and tie it in with health insurance (I wouldn't be too surprised if BIG PHARMA has an anti-obesity drug that the schools will administer along with their Ritalin), there should be exemptions for the physically fit. If you pass some simple objective tests, then you're exempt from PE. However, I would include a swimming test as part of the exam. I believe that people should at least know how to float or dog-paddle. Bottom line is that some people just don't want to move their butts. Personally, I believe that walking, yoga, gardening, bowling, or whatever activity someone enjoys is enough for most people to maintain some level of physical fitness.

Good points, Almost. Thanks for clarifying.

Why? Why shouldn't a basic PE class be part of an undergraduate's curriculum. Typically you have to take at least one course in math, physics, chemistry, biology, english, history, etc, why not PE? A well rounded education does not end at your brain. Universities ARE NOT vocational schools. You are not there to learn a trade, you are there to become a well rounded individual, yes you learn things that you use later on (sometimes), but it is so much more than that. You are there to also try new things, to discover things that you might not have even known you were interested in.

Also, a PE requirement could be satisfied by something other than what many think of "P.E.". It could be satisfied by a dance class, it could be satisfied by a weight training class, a yoga class, a health class, a martial arts class. Universities tend to have a wide range of physical activity classes available.

Finally, you know the required curriculum going into the university you apply to. No one is "making" you take these courses. You know this is what you have to do to graduate when you apply to this college. I work at a university with six colleges. Each college has different requirements for graduation, and a different set of undergraduate course work you have to satisfy to get that diploma. Applicants to the university pick which college they want to go to based on which set of undergrad requirements they want to have to go through, and yes, some are a lot more rigorous than others.

This is already happening. My company takes $120.00 off our annual insurance premiums if our cholesterol, LDL, and blood pressure is lower than the year before. We need to submit our paperwork to Benefits by November 15th of each year for our discount to take effect on January 1st.

I disagree. Exercise needs to be a learned life-long habit. There's nothing wrong with looking tight 'n tastey your whole life.

Well stated, Ecto!

My first college P.E class was a scuba diving course. It began a life-long love affair with the ocean for me. My second was fencing, which to me is like physical chess. Great fun, and a hell of a workout!