Last episode of “your college bound kid” podcast had a spotlight on Furman and mentioned they have a graduation requirement that you must attend 40 campus events of your choice (lectures/recitals/etc.) to graduate.
Seems unique. So CC what other schools have cool quirky strange or unique graduation requirements?
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Cornell has a swim requirement for graduation.
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That’s not that unique. MIT also has a swim requirement. So does Columbia University’s Columbia College, but not the School of Engineering; presumably their engineering students can build a boat or bridge to get off the island. 
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It is interesting that they still do.
At all these colleges it is left over from a time when colleges were primarily all male and the government wanted young men fit for war.
As elite colleges have expanded access and their demographic changes, the swim test has become decidedly inequitable IMO.
I could swim, so I fulfilled my gym credits (which is a quirk in of itself) with bowling and ball room dancing 
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Even more interesting is that these same colleges, including Columbia engineering, have an additional PE requirement.
I went to an average public university that required 3 PE classes, I took bowling 1, bowling 2, and trampoline.
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More “unique” than quirky or cool:
No matter how high the GPA/class rank, each USMA Senior (Firstie) MUST pass a final APFT (Army Physical Fitness Test) to graduate or face separation with serious recoupment consequences.
And, each cadet must take the Oath of Affirmation the first day of Junior (Cow) year committing to complete the service years required by whichever branch they are assigned at Branch Night later that year. Many cadets voluntarily separate at this two-year point with no service or financial consequences.
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Davidson required a swim test or class for graduation - I don’t think it was because of fitness but being able to swim as a skill.
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That is really cool. I have attended schools where lots of interesting guest lecturers came in. But I was always “too busy” and didn’t go. This forces kids to do it, which (IMHO) is a good thing.
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When I was at W&L in the 90s we had to pass a swim test and we needed FIVE PE credits. I’ve never heard of another school requiring that many.
I also like Furman’s event requirement. As a lazy undergrad I did attend some speakers but I can’t imagine how much more I could have learned had I been required to see more. I know the Furman kids grumble about the requirement a little but it’s one of those things I think you’d look back on and be grateful for.
ETA I just looked it up. They still require a swim test and 4 PE credits!
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I have heard that it was requirement in GaTech too, but it was removed more than 25 years ago.
I was going to say as of 2020 they had to pass a swim test and take 4 PE credits. I think it’s a good thing. Older S took yoga. I can guarantee you the child would never have tried yoga otherwise. And he liked it well enough! He also took weight lifting (more his thing) and badminton. Another sport he never would have tried. I forget the last. Maybe running.
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Williams had a swim test requirement until recently. (I think the class of 2025 is the last class that had to take it – during orientation no less! If you didn’t pass, you had to take and pass a swimming class.) They still have a PE requirement for students who aren’t on varsity teams. Haverford also has a PE requirement for nonathletes.
Yes, my daughter at Trinity U also has a PE requirement, but just one credit. We had to take 5!
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Williams requires 4 quarters of PE by the end of sophomore year. There are some fun options like snowshoeing and dance classes and ensembles.
Haverford requires 6 quarters! “Students must complete six quarters of physical education, one of which is the “Intro to Fitness” class, prior to the start of junior year. Intro to Fitness is designed to provide students with the knowledge needed to incorporate fitness and proper nutrition into their lives at Haverford and beyond.” Students have some interesting options to fulfill the requirement including community service that involves physical activity, self-monitored running and weigh-training, a women’s self-defense class, plus intramural teams and clubs.
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I think that’s great, my daughter’s PE class has brought her back to working out after a freshman year of somewhat letting her health go. PE can be social and fun too and sometimes just having a break from serious work is energizing.
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I agree. I have strong couch potato tendencies, and Haverford’s PE requirement was great for me. I learned squash, played badminton, and most importantly had fun.
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Doesn’t fit the unique, quirky, or unusual categories, but D24’s college requires students to do at least 1 ‘enhanced learning experience’ in order to graduate…research project, career-related internship, study abroad, formal full-time 3-week job shadowing experience off campus.
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My oldest has an arts requirement. She’s currently taking Flamenco dancing during her semester abroad. It’s way out of her comfort zone but she’s enjoying it. She would never have taken this class otherwise.
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deciding not to take the oath of affirmation aka “2 and screw” is a personal choice like taking a test drive and not committing to buy
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