Physical Education is part of Cornell's Graduation Requirements for all Students

In order to graduate, transfer students who matriculate Fall 2025 and beyond are required to pass the swim competency and take at least two Physical Education (PE) classes for credit. The object of the swim competency is to ensure that the students are able to survive and make their way to safety in case they are in a drowning situation. Dates and times for the orientation week swim test, along with history and further rationale for the requirement can be found here.

Swim Requirement

If you know how to swim, be sure to complete your swim competency during Orientation (dates and times can be found here).
If you do not know how to swim, sign up for Beginning Swimming (PE 1100) for the fall term.
There is a significant historical rationale to the swim competency for all students. You can learn more about it here.

Note: students who postpone their swim requirement past the first year may also be subject to a fee.

PE Courses Offered Fall 2025

Review the extensive list of PE courses offered this fall and select a few courses that interest you and that fit your schedule
Some courses may already be full due to enrollment by students in their sophomore years and beyond
Engineering Advising recommends prioritizing your technical courses and pivoting to a different PE course if you need to arrange your schedule

PE Requirement for Athletes

If you will be an NCAA varsity athlete or participate in marching band during your first-year at Cornell, you may be eligible to receive PE credit for participation. The process to earn credit for your varsity sport often depends on the sport. Please discuss this process directly with your coach or Student Athlete Support Services.

PE Course Fees

Some PE Courses have fees associated with them. These fees are displayed in the course descriptions on Class Roster. Be sure to be pay attention to these fees, and note that they are billed through the Bursar.

PE Course Add/Drop

Each Physical Education course has a published add and drop deadline, and this deadline supersedes the University drop deadline. Pay careful attention to this, as both the add deadline and drop deadline occur before the University deadlines.

PE Course Grading

PE Courses are graded SX/UX (pass/fail only), and are based on participation, and this includes attendance. Each PE course allows a certain number of missed classes. Students who exceed the maximum number of missed classes are in danger of not passing the course. Students who earn a UX in PE have not completed the PE requirement.

Questions regarding PE requirements, the swim test, and courses should be directed to the PE department: 607-255-4286.