Mission
The Department of Physical Education, Recreation and Athletics is dedicated to promoting students’ intellectual success and balanced living through increased knowledge, skill development, and participation in physical activity and sports. PERA engages and challenges all students through a diverse physical education curriculum, varied types and levels of recreation, and competitive varsity athletics, affirming the undergraduate degree requirement as an essential component of a liberal arts education.
Learning Outcomes
PERA pursues its educational mission through three programs:
- Physical Education: instructional classes
- Recreation: independent fitness, intramurals, walk-in classes, outdoor education, and special programming
- Athletics: varsity intercollegiate competition
Students who participate in these programs will:
- Acquire knowledge of and competence in fundamental and advanced motor skills that will allow students to enjoy regular physical activity.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental training principles that apply to cardiovascular fitness, flexibility, and strength.
- Develop strategies for self-assessment and goal-setting to achieve fitness and sport-related objectives.
- Understand the link between regular physical activity and improvements in mood, cognition, and academic performance.
- Adapt quickly to challenging situations as a result of being exposed to risk-taking opportunities.
PERA also partners with other departments -- including Student Activities and Human Resources -- to provide students, faculty, and staff a variety of fun, active, and engaging fitness opportunities throughout the year.
PERA is the catalyst for all students to learn, play, compete,
and achieve an active, balanced lifestyle.
PERA Strategic Goals, 2008-2013
To act on its mission and meet the College's challenge of 60% participation of all students in regular physical activity by 2011, PERA must:
- Use a variety of educational skills, sports and recreational activities to connect with all students in meaningful ways to ensure they develop healthy active lifestyles.
- Maintain a strong commitment to excellence in intercollegiate athletics.
- Retain our faculty educational model that supports physical education, recreation and athletics experiences for students.
- Promote a vibrant residential campus that values physical activity as a powerful way to enhance students’ lives and balance academic rigor.
- Enhance a sense of campus community through the use of facilities, programming and partnerships. Students remain our first priority.
- Support the mission of Wellesley College “to provide an excellent liberal arts education for women who will make a difference in the world.”
