PT and the Worker

For 200 members of the freshman class, the first year's schedule is unusually crowded. In addition to the regular freshman load, these men spend at least six hours a week earning part of their college expenses. One of the heaviest time consumers, physical training, poses a problem for all students; but for a student with a six-hour job the problem is particularly difficult. Not only does he have fewer hours in which to study, but the combination of PT exercise and the energy expended working leaves him below top efficiency and prevents his fulfilling other college requirements.

The directors of the physical training program claim that the system is necessary to keep all freshmen in good physical condition. While required athletic participation may be advisable for the average freshman, it becomes too heavy a drain on the man with a job. It leaves him fewer hours to study and often precludes extra-curricular activities. If University officials are concerned over the physical condition of freshmen, they can still assign the special course to the 20-to-30 percent who fail the step test. But in order to allow the physically fit working student enough time to study effectively, they should subordinate their program to other more important purposes of the College.

The proponents of required physical training also argue that the program introduces all students to the Harvard athletic plant. But when it comes to introductions, the directors should realize that it is more important to introduce freshmen to the educational advantages here. Those who work and still want to attend PT should, but men with six-hour jobs who don't have time need and deserve an exemption.