Department of Physical Education
and Wellness Instruction

Welcome to the University of Notre Dame and the Department of Physical Education and Wellness Instruction.  The University is committed to the education of the total individual - intellectually, spiritually, emotionally and physically. We will present you with a wide variety of experiences that will contribute to your growth and enhance your quality of life, both here on campus and for years to come. The program of instruction has been developed with offerings aimed at the development of individual wellness and lifetime activities based on perceived and demonstrated student needs. Our department looks forward to contributing to your total education of mind, body, and spirit. 

The Mind/Body/Spirit concept of Physical Education and Wellness seeks to foster a positive experience and maximize appreciation of a healthy lifestyle.  The interaction of Mind/Body/Spirit integrates the total self to enrich self-awareness and personal growth as well as physical fitness.  It serves as a foundation promoting life satisfaction, physical wellbeing, and personal adjustment in the present and for long term health.

• Life Satisfaction – activities that focus on skill development and physical activity that assists in the development of an enriched life of recreational endeavors.  Among the anticipated outcomes are fun, competence, and fitness.  In addition, physical activities have a role in alleviating stress and anxiety as well as promoting individuality, posting relationships and overall good mental health.
• Physical Wellbeing – regular exercise and a physically fit body enhances cardiovascular fitness, flexibility, and strength in addition to a positive body image.  Combined with physical exercise, nutrition, relaxation, sleep and awareness of substance abuse issued are essential components of a healthy lifestyle.
• Personal Adjustment – an understanding of an integrated, balanced approach to life is critical to meet the challenges of daily living.  A sense of wholeness and cohesiveness to self and others are essential to a positive lifestyle.  The development of self-awareness and self-responsibility enhances self esteem, self understanding and self confidence.

We hope you enjoy the interesting and challenging array of opportunities that await you. We wish you great success in your first year of studies.

Thomas Kelly, Ph.D.
Chairman
Physical Education and Wellness Instruction