Yoga, weight training, spinning — for some students trying to fill their health and wellness general education requirement, the simpler, the better. But Binghamton University offers more for those looking to step out of their comfort zone.
Dozens of unique classes can fulfill the general education requirement. Courses such as Tae Kwon Do, scuba and cycling are offered through the health and wellness studies department. For more adventurous students, Ourdoor Pursuits offers hiking, skiing and English horsemanship.
Students are required to fulfill a one or two-credit physical activity and health and wellness course as part of the general education requirement. All courses that include a physical activity component charge a $30 locker/towel fee, while some, such as scuba, charge an additional equipment fee of up to $250.
This semester, there are over 20 classes offered through the health and wellness department and four Outdoor Pursuits classes. Because they are weather-dependent, the classes offered vary by semester, but 10 total classes will be offered for spring 2016.
Lisa Hrehor, the director of health and wellness studies, said one of the department’s goals is to alleviate the stress of being a student through exercise and general well-being.
“The overall intention for people, in general, is to be healthier,” Hrehor said. “And one of the best ways to do that is to catch people when they’re in college.”
Noah Singer, a senior majoring in mechanical engineering, said he took a scuba class to try something different. The course covers the proper use of masks, fins, snorkels and underwater-breathing apparatuses.
“The majority of the world is covered in oceans,” Singer said. “So scuba opens up a literal new world for me to explore.”
According to Assistant Director of Outdoor Pursuits Teresa High, the philosophy of the program’s classes is for students to be an active part of their learning.
“This is what experiential education is for us,” High said. “To have a small group [and] to have folks be responsible for themselves, one another and the environment.”
Omer Hillel, a senior majoring in biology, said she couldn’t pass up the opportunity to learn how to ride horses while earning credit for her health and wellness general education requirement.
“Horses are used in many rehab facilities and for healing techniques, so spending three hours a week with these animals was the best activity for a stressed-out college student like me,” she said. “People think hanging out with friends, watching a movie and napping are all relaxing activities but when you actually take a class that achieves the same satisfaction, it’s a game changer.”
High encourages underclassmen to try an Outdoor Pursuits class early on and not to wait until their senior year, as most students end up loving the classes and want to take more of them. Additionally, students can register for courses early before their registration slots open on a first-come, first-served basis by going to the Recreation Center and putting their names on a list.
Ultimately, High said she wants students to walk away with something useful, whether it’s wilderness skills, environmental appreciation, new friends or the confidence to go out on their own to explore nature.
“We want to get students out of the classroom,” she said. “And we want to give them the background of wellness.”