New fitness classes at the University Center Complex

In an email sent out on May 2, Stevens announced the removal of physical education as a degree requirement. This applies to all incoming students, as well as waiving any remaining classes for current students. The Stute reached out to Dr. Sara Klein, Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs, and Russell Rogers, Athletics Director, for more information.

Previously, many students reported struggling to register for PE classes, as section times and capacity were limited. In Fall 2020, Stevens announced that the PE requirement would be waived for just the current graduating class, as COVID-19 had impacted the ability to hold PE classes. More pressing, however, was the “limitations of both space and instructors,” and Dr. Klein stated that “COVID played a minimal role” in the decision. This removal is a welcome change for the students who struggled to find available sections for PE classes in previous semesters. 

Stevens will continue to offer PE classes in upcoming semesters and plans to send out a survey in mid-June to ask the Stevens community for their input on which classes should continue to be offered. In addition to classes, which will have a fee associated, information sessions and drop-in options are being considered. Information sessions will provide students with the basics of the fitness center whereas drop-in classes “would give students the opportunity to try out a class without having to commit for the entire semester.” 

Klein and Rogers also elaborated on the structure of the new PE classes, saying “Moving forward, we plan to offer approximately 20 group exercise classes per semester in addition to information sessions on technique and use of equipment and weekly drop-in sessions that will focus on exercises for specific muscle groups. Students will need to register in advance through DSE for group exercise classes as well as the information sessions.” Students will be able to use the new spaces in the University Center for the fitness classes. Klein stated that “The goal is to provide a wide variety of fitness and wellness options that meet student needs and interests.”