FAQs

A remote synchronous course closely resembles an in- person Physical Education and Wellness courses with students attending 2 classes per week (MW or TR) with Zoom that includes both an instructor and other students. Students choosing this option are required to have adequate space for movement (minimum 6ft x 6ft, non- slip floor, clear of any objects) and internet access to allow for both video and audio to be on during the zoom course. To provide additional perspective students will need enough space to be able to do a push up and jumping jacks.

In a remote asynchronous course, students are required to complete 2 weekly assignments that may include any of the following: readings, quizzes, short answer questions, a video review and discussion boards. Students will independently manage their time to complete these assignments by the deadline to receive attendance credit for the particular assignment. Each assignment is equivalent to one attendance date. Students are also required to attend 2 synchronous zoom meetings (30 minutes) to meet with their instructor and class to review the course materials, assignment due dates and Q&A- typically during week 1 and week 4. See dates/times listed under your class section. Please note: students are eligible to receive points only once per asynchronous class.

Drop-in swim tests are held throughout the academic year on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 8AM, Monday/Tuesday at 7:15PM in the Zesiger Center Pool(W35), Fridays at 2p (except 12/5, 12/12, 1/23, 2/20) and every 3rd Wednesday of the month at 12p in the Alumni Wang Pool (building 57).  Arrive to the pool deck early and the lifeguard can direct you to the manager on duty. Latecomers will not be able to participate in the test. (effective 8/25/25)

• Although a variety of Physical Education & Wellness courses are offered, students are allowed to take the same course more than once and still receive points.
• However, students are encouraged to try new experiences and to participate in a variety of courses.

The Physical Education and Wellness General Institute Requirement states that all students are required to complete a minimum of eight points and the swim requirement. Students are expected to complete this requirement by the end of their second year. Transfer students need to only complete four points and the swim requirement.

Students can earn physical education & wellness points through core courses or alternative options such as group exercise classes, personal training sessions, private swim lessons, or participation in varsity sports or ROTC.

MIT undergraduate students are required to meet the swim requirement by taking a swim course during their first year or electing to take a swim test during orientation. Swim courses are offered throughout the year and students can register through the on-line physical education & wellness registration system.

Visit the calendar for quarterly registration periods.

• Attire that implies, or contains; inappropriate, offensive, or vulgar themes, language, images, or symbols, is not permitted within DAPER facilities.
• At any time, individuals found with inappropriate attire can be denied participation in DAPER sponsored programs and events.
• Staff decisions regarding attire policy enforcement are final. Refer to MIT’s Mind and Hand Book’s section on Harassment, Freedom of Expression, and Institute Expectations of Student Behavior and Integrity for further elaboration of standards and expectations.

• Your degree audit shows how many points you have completed and how many remain incomplete. It will also states whether your swim requirement is complete or incomplete.
• Letter grades for Physical Education & Wellness are not included on student transcripts or degree audits.
• Grades for Physical Education & Wellness are visible in the PE&W registration system only. This is the system of record for the General Institute Requirement.

Physical Education & Wellness points are not awarded for instructional courses offered through the Recreation Program. The Physical Education & Wellness General Institute Requirement most importantly provides undergraduate students 8 hours of highly structured and progressive instruction with practice opportunities for skill acquisition. All courses are taught by trained and certified instructors that meet all the requirements of Physical Education & Wellness.

Whereas, Recreational Instructional Courses focus on providing recreation opportunities designed around the interests and needs of graduate students, staff and faculty.

Because, many times the course duration, amount of progressive instruction and different instructor credentials do not comply with MIT requirements for the General Institute Requirement, Recreational Instructional Courses are not offered for Physical Education & Wellness points.

Physical Education & Wellness points are not awarded for club sports. The Physical Education & Wellness GIR most importantly provides supervised, intentional, methodical instruction for skill acquisition by certified instructors in addition to providing practice opportunities. An additional goal of a physical education & wellness course is to create a sense of community within courses so students can continue practicing the acquired skills with others when the course is completed.

Clubs sports are student initiated, student run and student sustained organizations intended to provide MIT students with a leadership opportunities. The students determine the direction of the club, whether it be competitive or instructional. Although clubs can take an instructional approach, they are not expected to provide structured progressions to beginners twice a week for six weeks. Also, clubs sports instructors or coaches are not required to keep detailed records including attendance or meet the same instructor qualifications.

The Director of Physical Education & Wellness, Physical Education & Wellness Faculty, Director of Club Sports with the Club Sports Council reviewed the concept of offering club sports for physical education & wellness points. It was concluded that there is not sufficient infrastructure within the club sport program and available resources in DAPER to manage and sustain this initiative with appropriate integrity. However, the club sport proposal will be reviewed in the future if a Recreational Sport Coordinator is hired.

As a solution, the Physical Education & Wellness Office will review a proposal by any club sport that would like to offer a course through Physical Education & Wellness that is submitted in April for the following year. Clubs need to demonstrate student interest and recommend an instructor who would provide a 11-class syllabus complete with learning outcomes that meets required degree requirement and certifications. If the proposal is approved, the instructor is then interviewed, hired, and trained as a physical education instructor. These instructors would be expected to complete the same tasks as other physical education & wellness instructors. This is feasible solution because it operates within the current physical education & wellness structure.

• No, please refer to Institute Policies and Procedures statement regarding “Consensual Sexual or Romantic Relationships in the Workplace or Academic Environment”
• For more information, you can also refer to the “Letter to the MIT Community” from President L. Rafael Reif regarding Sexual harassment and the future we invent together”

• The Pirate Certificate is designed to recognize the completion of the undergraduate Physical Education General Institute Requirement and became available in Fall 2011.
• Students who have completed Archery, Fencing, Pistol (or Rifle) and Sailing should send an email to our office with name and MIT ID number once grades are posted for all four courses. Check Student History on our Website.
• Follow us at http://www.facebook/mitpe for updates.

• Yes, graduate students are eligible for the pirate certificate.
• After the completion of their 4th class, and it is confirmed they received a passing grade in all required courses, a certificate will be awarded.

Unless otherwise noted, class times are the following:

Remote synchronous classes and In-person classes
50 minutes long (11 classes) starting at 5 minutes past the posted time

Remote asynchronous classes are for 4 weeks
2 -30 minute synchronous meetings- week 1 and week 4 between 5p-7p

IAP courses
60 minutes, twice per week for 4 weeks.

• If you are a MIT undergraduate student, use the on-line registration system during the open registration period.
• If you are a MIT graduate student, use the on-line registration system during the open registration period.
• If you are not a MIT student, you must submit a request to register through the Physical Education & Wellness Office (physicaleducationandwellness@mit.edu).

While registration is still open, students will be asked to re-confirm their registration by completing forms sent from the PE&W office. Once students re-confirm their registration, they will be responsible for the course fee.

• Although a variety of Physical Education & Wellness courses are offered, students are allowed to take the same course more than once and still receive points.
• However, students are encouraged to try new experiences and to participate in a variety of courses.

• Check the open course list posted under Quarterly Schedules. Contact the instructor directly to be added to the course before day 1 or show up to day 1 to see if space is still available. Open spots will be assigned if available by the instructor.
• Not applicable for Extreme PE classes; our office for availability.
• Plan ahead for next quarter – check the calendar section for the next registration period.

You can waitlist for a class or cancel a registration during the open registration period.

• If students drop a PE&W class online or does not show up to the 1st class, students will be dropped from the course and their student account will not be charged the associated fee. Note: students will still have Canvas access and receive instructor announcements even when they have dropped the course.
• If students attend 2 or more classes your student account will be charged the lab fee and a refund will not be issued.

The online registration process allows you to register for only one class per quarter.

To take an additional class:

• Once online registration has closed, view the open course list posted under Quarterly Schedules and contact the instructor directly to be added to the course you are interested in joining. Please do not contact the instructor prior to online registration closing.
• If you do not see the course you are interested in listed under the open courses, attend the first day of any course on the quarterly schedule. If the instructor has space, they will add you to the class.

*Not applicable to Extreme PE&W classes; our office for availability and registration.

• Your degree audit shows how many points you have completed and how many remain incomplete. It will also states whether your swim requirement is complete or incomplete.
• Letter grades for Physical Education & Wellness are not included on student transcripts or degree audits.
• Grades for Physical Education & Wellness are visible in the PE&W registration system only. This is the system of record for the General Institute Requirement.

• By not showing up to your class, you will automatically be dropped and no further action is needed.
• Contact your instructor directly.
• Send an e-mail to physicaleducationandwellness@mit.edu with DROP in the Subject line and indicate in the body of the e-mail your name, class name and day/time.
• Note: you will still have Canvas access and receive class announcements from your registered class unless you change your course notifications in Canvas.

A confirmation message will display on the screen. In addition, you will receive an e-mail confirmation message. You can also log into the registration system and see your current registration status.

• You will receive communication of waitlist placement movement only during the open registration period. If a student cancels their enrollment after the registration period closes, you will not receive any communication.
• If you are on the waitlist for the course, you should attend the first day of class.
• Not applicable for Extreme PE&W classes; contact our office for availability.

• Yes, you should go to the first day of class to see if space becomes available.
• Instructors will contact students on the wait list to invite them to class on day 1.
• Students also have the option of attending the first day of class. The instructor will fill the open spaces from the waitlist then those who “walk in”.
• Not applicable to Extreme PE&W classes; contact our office for availability.

Yes, your Canvas site also contains the course syllabus, materials, resources, instructor information and class announcements.

Canvas is the course management system used by MIT students, instructors and administrators for attendance. It is the students’ responsibility to verify their attendance in Canvas each week and contact their instructor of any discrepancies. All grades are final once the quarter is closed. To view your current class information, go to: http://web.mit.edu/canvas/

• If you are a MIT undergraduate student, use the on-line registration system during the open registration period.
• If you are a MIT graduate student, use the on-line registration system during the open registration period.
• If you are not a MIT student, you must submit a request to register through the Physical Education & Wellness Office (physicaleducationandwellness@mit.edu).

The Physical Education and Wellness General Institute Requirement states that all students are required to complete a minimum of eight points and the swim requirement. Students are expected to complete this requirement by the end of their second year. Transfer students need to only complete four points and the swim requirement.

Students can earn physical education & wellness points through core courses or alternative options such as group exercise classes, personal training sessions, private swim lessons, or participation in varsity sports or ROTC.

MIT undergraduate students are required to meet the swim requirement by taking a swim course during their first year or electing to take a swim test during orientation. Swim courses are offered throughout the year and students can register through the on-line physical education & wellness registration system.

• Check the open course list posted under Quarterly Schedules. Contact the instructor directly to be added to the course before day 1 or show up to day 1 to see if space is still available. Open spots will be assigned if available by the instructor.
• Not applicable for Extreme PE classes; our office for availability.
• Plan ahead for next quarter – check the calendar section for the next registration period.

You can waitlist for a class or cancel a registration during the open registration period.

The Physical Education & Wellness program will provide both single gender female and male swim courses over alternating IAP sessions after 2025.  IAP 2026: Women only course available.  IAP 2027: Men only course available.

Please indicate your interest to be notified of upcoming gender specific swim classes by sending an e-mail to our office. In the body of the e-mail provide your full name, gender, and phone number.

The online registration process allows you to register for only one class per quarter.

To take an additional class:

• Once online registration has closed, view the open course list posted under Quarterly Schedules and contact the instructor directly to be added to the course you are interested in joining. Please do not contact the instructor prior to online registration closing.
• If you do not see the course you are interested in listed under the open courses, attend the first day of any course on the quarterly schedule. If the instructor has space, they will add you to the class.

*Not applicable to Extreme PE&W classes; our office for availability and registration.

• Your degree audit shows how many points you have completed and how many remain incomplete. It will also states whether your swim requirement is complete or incomplete.
• Letter grades for Physical Education & Wellness are not included on student transcripts or degree audits.
• Grades for Physical Education & Wellness are visible in the PE&W registration system only. This is the system of record for the General Institute Requirement.

At the end of the quarter, all grades are audited and grades should be posted within 7 business days after the last make up and can be viewed in the Student History section of the registration database. At times this process may take longer than expected; if you are unsure of your attendance you can view this on your course Canvas site or verify with your instructor directly.

• Swim tests are available weekly throughout the academic year with Recreation during the Drop in test times posted under Swim and Boat Test page for more information.
• Students must be on time to be eligible to participate.
• A valid MIT ID is required.
• If you have questions or need further assistance, contact our office

Please contact aqua@mit.edu to submit your request if you need a single gender testing environment.

When participating in either the swim test or swim courses, a bathing suit is not required. Students can wear clothing they are comfortable in ie. swim burka or t-shirt and shorts.

If you have any further questions, please contact our office

• The Pirate Certificate is designed to recognize the completion of the undergraduate Physical Education General Institute Requirement and became available in Fall 2011.
• Students who have completed Archery, Fencing, Pistol (or Rifle) and Sailing should send an email to our office with name and MIT ID number once grades are posted for all four courses. Check Student History on our Website.
• Follow us at http://www.facebook/mitpe for updates.

• Yes, graduate students are eligible for the pirate certificate.
• After the completion of their 4th class, and it is confirmed they received a passing grade in all required courses, a certificate will be awarded.

Yes. There is a small locker room with shower and toilet facilities near the aquatics offices (behind the diving boards on the Zesiger Center Pool deck). It is possible to change, shower and use facilities in this area in privacy.

• Although a variety of Physical Education & Wellness courses are offered, students are allowed to take the same course more than once and still receive points.
• However, students are encouraged to try new experiences and to participate in a variety of courses.

Physical Education & Wellness points are not awarded for instructional courses offered through the Recreation Program. The Physical Education & Wellness General Institute Requirement most importantly provides undergraduate students 8 hours of highly structured and progressive instruction with practice opportunities for skill acquisition. All courses are taught by trained and certified instructors that meet all the requirements of Physical Education & Wellness.

Whereas, Recreational Instructional Courses focus on providing recreation opportunities designed around the interests and needs of graduate students, staff and faculty.

Because, many times the course duration, amount of progressive instruction and different instructor credentials do not comply with MIT requirements for the General Institute Requirement, Recreational Instructional Courses are not offered for Physical Education & Wellness points.

Physical Education & Wellness points are not awarded for club sports. The Physical Education & Wellness GIR most importantly provides supervised, intentional, methodical instruction for skill acquisition by certified instructors in addition to providing practice opportunities. An additional goal of a physical education & wellness course is to create a sense of community within courses so students can continue practicing the acquired skills with others when the course is completed.

Clubs sports are student initiated, student run and student sustained organizations intended to provide MIT students with a leadership opportunities. The students determine the direction of the club, whether it be competitive or instructional. Although clubs can take an instructional approach, they are not expected to provide structured progressions to beginners twice a week for six weeks. Also, clubs sports instructors or coaches are not required to keep detailed records including attendance or meet the same instructor qualifications.

The Director of Physical Education & Wellness, Physical Education & Wellness Faculty, Director of Club Sports with the Club Sports Council reviewed the concept of offering club sports for physical education & wellness points. It was concluded that there is not sufficient infrastructure within the club sport program and available resources in DAPER to manage and sustain this initiative with appropriate integrity. However, the club sport proposal will be reviewed in the future if a Recreational Sport Coordinator is hired.

As a solution, the Physical Education & Wellness Office will review a proposal by any club sport that would like to offer a course through Physical Education & Wellness that is submitted in April for the following year. Clubs need to demonstrate student interest and recommend an instructor who would provide a 11-class syllabus complete with learning outcomes that meets required degree requirement and certifications. If the proposal is approved, the instructor is then interviewed, hired, and trained as a physical education instructor. These instructors would be expected to complete the same tasks as other physical education & wellness instructors. This is feasible solution because it operates within the current physical education & wellness structure.

• The Pirate Certificate is designed to recognize the completion of the undergraduate Physical Education General Institute Requirement and became available in Fall 2011.
• Students who have completed Archery, Fencing, Pistol (or Rifle) and Sailing should send an email to our office with name and MIT ID number once grades are posted for all four courses. Check Student History on our Website.
• Follow us at http://www.facebook/mitpe for updates.

• Yes, graduate students are eligible for the pirate certificate.
• After the completion of their 4th class, and it is confirmed they received a passing grade in all required courses, a certificate will be awarded.

Towel service is an opt in amenity and not a requirement. We encourage members and guests to bring their own towels if frequent usage is not necessary. To find out more information go to Member Amenities

To sign up, inform a staff member at any of our entrance desks. Towel service will be billed to your member account on a monthly basis. If you don’t have a credit card or bank account on file, you can add a payment method on our website.  

Drop-in swim tests are held throughout the academic year on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 8AM, Monday/Tuesday at 7:15PM in the Zesiger Center Pool(W35), Fridays at 2p (except 12/5, 12/12, 1/23, 2/20) and every 3rd Wednesday of the month at 12p in the Alumni Wang Pool (building 57).  Arrive to the pool deck early and the lifeguard can direct you to the manager on duty. Latecomers will not be able to participate in the test. (effective 8/25/25)

The Physical Education & Wellness program will provide both single gender female and male swim courses over alternating IAP sessions after 2025.  IAP 2026: Women only course available.  IAP 2027: Men only course available.

Please indicate your interest to be notified of upcoming gender specific swim classes by sending an e-mail to our office. In the body of the e-mail provide your full name, gender, and phone number.

• Swim tests are available weekly throughout the academic year with Recreation during the Drop in test times posted under Swim and Boat Test page for more information.
• Students must be on time to be eligible to participate.
• A valid MIT ID is required.
• If you have questions or need further assistance, contact our office

Please contact aqua@mit.edu to submit your request if you need a single gender testing environment.

When participating in either the swim test or swim courses, a bathing suit is not required. Students can wear clothing they are comfortable in ie. swim burka or t-shirt and shorts.

If you have any further questions, please contact our office

Yes. There is a small locker room with shower and toilet facilities near the aquatics offices (behind the diving boards on the Zesiger Center Pool deck). It is possible to change, shower and use facilities in this area in privacy.

While registration is still open, students will be asked to re-confirm their registration by completing forms sent from the PE&W office. Once students re-confirm their registration, they will be responsible for the course fee.

The online registration process allows you to register for only one class per quarter.

To take an additional class:

• Once online registration has closed, view the open course list posted under Quarterly Schedules and contact the instructor directly to be added to the course you are interested in joining. Please do not contact the instructor prior to online registration closing.
• If you do not see the course you are interested in listed under the open courses, attend the first day of any course on the quarterly schedule. If the instructor has space, they will add you to the class.

*Not applicable to Extreme PE&W classes; our office for availability and registration.

• Please read the following SCUBA specific FAQs.
• Students must complete the PE&W swim and boat test prior to start of registration.
• Note: you must complete a medical history form to be submitted on the first day to your instructors.

• You will receive communication of waitlist placement movement only during the open registration period. If a student cancels their enrollment after the registration period closes, you will not receive any communication.
• If you are on the waitlist for the course, you should attend the first day of class.
• Not applicable for Extreme PE&W classes; contact our office for availability.

• Yes, you should go to the first day of class to see if space becomes available.
• Instructors will contact students on the wait list to invite them to class on day 1.
• Students also have the option of attending the first day of class. The instructor will fill the open spaces from the waitlist then those who “walk in”.
• Not applicable to Extreme PE&W classes; contact our office for availability.