Physical Education Degree Requirement Changes

Wed, 12 Dec 2018 14:26:34 -0500

We are writing to inform you of the status of UMBC’s physical education requirement for the undergraduate baccalaureate degree.

As you know, on November 13, 2018, as an information item, the Faculty Senate was presented with a draft resolution that would support an administrative proposal to eliminate the current physical education requirement. Yesterday, during the December 11, 2018 meeting of Faculty Senate, the Senators voted to support the elimination of the physical education requirement for all undergraduate baccalaureate degrees, effective Winter 2019 term and forward. This means that as of the Winter 2019 term, both currently enrolled and newly enrolled students will no longer be required to take physical education courses for their degree.

As a result of this resolution, all undergraduate degree audits will be automatically updated to reflect the new degree requirements. However, students who wish to remain under the prior requirements (have two physical education courses required for their degree), may request to have their degree audit/degree requirements reflect this choice (please refer to the FAQ page referenced below).

It is important to note that there will be no changes to any UMBC transcripts. The only changes that will be made will be to degree audits that will no longer display physical education courses as required for graduation.

While physical education is no longer required for the UMBC undergraduate degree programs, physical education courses will continue to be offered and students may elect to take a physical education course for their personal edification and for the health and wellness benefits.

For additional information, we encourage you to visit our Frequently Asked Questions webpage.

Best wishes for a successful remainder of the semester.

Philip Rous, Ph.D. Provost
Katharine Cole, Ph.D. Vice Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Academic Affairs