Welcome to the School of Physical Education

"All parts of the body which have a function if used in moderation and exercised in labours in which each is accustomed, become thereby healthy, well developed and age more slowly; but if unused and left idle they become liable to disease, defective in growth and age quickly."

~Hippocrates, circa, 450 B.C.

Thanks for taking time to visit our webpage. We hope the following information will be useful to you as you consider the next step in your education and pursuit of lifelong learning. At PLU we are "committed to nurturing the development of whole persons-in body mind and spirit" . In support of this statement from the PLU "Principles of General Education" the School of Physical Education (SOPE) provides a variety of educational experiences that help students satisfy both General University Requirements (GUR) as well as pre-professional preparation requirements in several undergraduate majors and minors. The wide range of physical activity classes offered by the SOPE help students satisfy the GUR's and are intended to help students increase their awareness, knowledge and behavioral skills regarding the role of physical activity as a foundation for lifelong health and fitness. Further, we believe our undergraduate pre-professional preparation programs, that integrate both liberal arts and professional education, truly prepare students "for lives of thoughtful inquiry, service, leadership and care" (PLU 2010, p.1). If, after reading over the following pages, you have any further questions about our programs in the SOPE please don't hesitate to contact us.

Best wishes,
Tony Evans Ph.D
Professor, Interim Dean and Director of Exercise Science

PLU - A Campus on the Move

On fields, tracks, courts, alleys, trails, and lakes. In pools, gymnasia and studios. PLU students, faculty and staff play, exercise, recreate and compete on their way to developing a “sound mind in a sound body”. The motivation for this involvement may be to prepare for a professional career in teaching, coaching, health and fitness management, physical therapy, exercise science or recreation administration and programming. It may also be the simple desire to pursue the challenges, excitement, fun health and fitness benefits that are associated with active lifestyles. Whatever the motivation, it is a fact that Pacific Lutheran University is a community on the move.

Mission Statement

Preamble

Professional education in a liberal arts setting in a church-related institution promotes a lifetime of discovery and learning that is based on diverse backgrounds of knowledge. Our mission statement reflects the mutual responsibility shared by Pacific Lutheran University, the School of Physical Education, and the student body to promote a lifelong commitment to better physical activity, health fitness, and motor skill development in service to self and to others.

Mission

The primary mission of the School of Physical Education is to provide quality academic professional preparation for undergraduate students in physical education and allied study (exercise science, recreation, health education, pre-therapy, sports administration, athletic training, and health and fitness management). In addition, we provide diverse instruction for students, faculty, and staff which promotes an understanding and fundamental respect for the role of physical activity in living. Our curricular and co-curricular programs provide opportunities for all participants to develop and apply a knowledge base regarding physical activity and psychomotor and behavioral skills, which encourages the development of lifelong fitness and health.

The goals and objectives of the School of Physical Education are as follows:

To provide challenging pre-professional classroom and fieldwork opportunities in physical education and allied studies for undergraduate students. These academic courses focus on, but are not limited to, theoretical knowledge combined with communication skills needed to articulate ideas in professional settings.
To develop in each student a fundamental respect for the role of physical activity in living. This is achieved through the Physical Education General University Requirement (GUR) which is achieved through participation in four one credit classes in Physical Education that includes PHED 100: Personalized Fitness Program. This is a required class for all PLU students that focuses on: (1) assessment of physical condition, (2) the development of personally designed safe and effective, functional fitness programs, and (3) recommendations for maintaining and improving physical health throughout the life span.
To enhance diversity in the physical education curriculum and in co-curricular and other programs servicing the various PLU communities. To participate in other pan university classes such as J Term, Writing for Inquiry, Freshman Inquiry, Women’s Studies and Study Abroad.

In addition to other appropriate subject matter in these classes SOPE faculty also address the
unique contributions played by physical activity, health and fitness in the pursuit of lifelong learning.

Physical Education Program

“Education should begin with the right direction of children’s play.” Plato, 427-347 B.C.

    The university's physical education program seeks to ingrain in each student a fundamental respect     for the role of physical activity in living. Instruction is offered in approximately 30 different physical         education activities.

    The activity program is uniquely characterized by a timely response to student interests in
    recreational opportunities available in the Pacific Northwest. The school's professional programs
    prepare prospective leaders for careers in physical education, exercise science, health & fitness
    management, pre-physical therapy, pre-athletic training, and recreation.