Swim Requirement
General Info:
The Faculty Advisory Committee on Athletics and Physical Education (FACAPE) has established a basic swimming and water safety competency requirement for all entering first-year undergraduates. Normally, the requirement is taken during the Fall orientation process at Helen Newman Hall or Teagle Hall pools.
Changes to the Swim Requirement:
Upon an evaluation and recommendation by FACAPE, the Cornell swim requirement has been assessed and updated to a more modern water safety competency based on industry standards and American Red Cross.
To complete the updated Cornell Water Competency Graduation Requirement, students must:
- Jump or step into the deep end of the pool
- Float or tread water for one minute
- Turn around in a full circle
- Swim 25 yards (1 length) using any stroke(s) of choice without touching the bottom or holding on to the sides (there is no time limit)
- Exit from the water
Any student who cannot meet this requirement must register for PE 1100 - Beginning Swimming as their physical education course before electives can be chosen. Students who do not complete the swim requirement during their first year or during orientation subsequent years will have to pay a $100 fee. If a student does not pass the swim requirement in their first Beginning Swimming PE class, then the student must take a second Beginning Swimming PE class (1100 or 1101). Successful completion of two Beginning Swimming classes (based on attendance requirements) with the instructor's recommendation will fulfill the University's swim requirement.
Questions and Answers
When will this new Swim Requirement begin?
The updated Cornell Water Competency Graduation Requirement was implemented November 10, 2023. During the 23-24 academic year, students could choose either the new Cornell Water Competency Graduation Requirement, or the previous requirement of 75 yds – feet first jump in the deep end, surface, then complete three lengths of the pool using any style or stroke with no time limit.
As an existing student, do I have to meet the old or new swim requirement?
Starting in June 2024, all new or existing Cornell undergraduates, with the exception of transfer students, who have not completed the swim requirement as of that date are required to meet the standards of the new Cornell Water Competency Graduation Requirement.
When can I attempt the Cornell Water Competency Graduation Requirement?
The swim requirement can be taken during Orientation each August and January for free. Click here for additional Swim Requirement Dates & Times and view other options throughout the semester.
Why was the decision made to change the requirement?
In the Fall of 2023, the Faculty Advisory Committee on Athletics and Physical Education, through research in collaboration with various institutions and national organizations, modernized Cornell’s swim requirement with an emphasis on developing a requirement focused towards swimming competency - rather than proficiency - to prevent accidental drowning which remains as the 3rd leading cause of injury death.
Based on expert advice, the committee implemented a resolution creating the Cornell Water Competency Graduation Requirement, as defined by the American Red Cross, and plans to continue ongoing assessment of the requirement including through student surveys.
What if I cannot complete the Cornell Water Competency Graduation Requirement?
Any student who cannot pass the swim requirement is required to take Beginning Swimming as part of the physical education program at Cornell. If a student does not pass the swim requirement in their first Beginning Swimming PE class, then the student must take a second Beginning Swimming PE class (1100 or 1101). Successful completion of two Beginning Swimming classes (based on attendance requirements) with the instructor's recommendation will fulfill the University's swim requirement.
Students unable to meet the swim requirement because of medical reasons should contact the Office of Student Disability Services. When a waiver is granted by the Faculty Committee on Physical Education, an alternate requirement is imposed. The alternate requirement substitute is set by the Director of Physical Education.
Why are students required to meet a swim requirement, or enroll in Beginning Swimming?
Drowning remains the 3rd leading cause of unintentional injury death worldwide and the leading cause of death for children. The CDC reports 11 people/day die from drowning. Water competency to prevent accidental drowning, and not proficiency, is the ultimate goal of the Cornell swim requirement. This updated swim requirement reaffirms Cornell’s commitment to requiring formal swimming competency or lessons to all undergraduates as a means of promoting water safety and drowning prevention.
How to meet the Swim Requirement for free:
1. All students are encouraged to take it during their first year to avoid late fees. For more information on fees charged for delaying beyond your first year, please check here.
2. Complete it during the Fall Orientation period in August each year.
3. Pass it during a Beginning Swimming Physical Education course (PE 1100) during any year.
Transfer Students
Starting in Fall 2025, transfer students entering Cornell will be required to take physical education classes for credit and meet the swim requirement.
