With the renovation of Karl Michael Pool scheduled for Spring term, some seniors are scrambling to fulfil the swimming requirement before graduation in June.
The College requires all students to pass a 50-yard swim test to be eligible for graduation, but seniors who have put off the test until their final year may face difficulties as the swimming facility is remodelled throughout Spring term.
The renovation of the pool will involve the installation of a dehumidifier system, which is necessary to prevent structural damage to Alumni Gym, according to Roger Demment, associate director of athletics for physical education and recreational sports.
"The humidity is beginning to eat away at the infrastructure," Demment said.
The renovation, which was "needed to maintain the integrity of the building," is part of a wider plan to improve the College's athletic facilities, Demment said.
Plans include refurbishing the upper level of the gym, creating two new multipurpose rooms and improving the current fitness center. According to Demment, the entire project is expected to begin in April and will last six to nine months.
Dement said he expects students to face only minimal distractions if the project remains on schedule.
Although a large number of seniors will be undisturbed by the plans, Demment said that close to 125 seniors have still not completed the swim test.
One senior expressed her frustration at having to complete the test in the first place.
"It's definitely a hassle, and there should be some way to opt out if you can prove your ability otherwise," Kaitlin Jaxheimer '05 said. "I'm a certified lifeguard and swim instructor, and while I may not work for Dartmouth as a lifeguard, I still have the certification -- one would hope that I could swim."
Demment emphasized the importance of knowing how to swim and defended the requirement. According to Demment, close to 85 percent of students take the test during their freshman year.
Claire Arthurs '05 agreed and was unconcerned about the College's plans to shut the pool before some seniors can fulfil their swimming requirements.
"Who didn't complete their swim requirement during, like, freshman orientation? I mean, it is the easiest requirement to fulfill," she said.
Demment stressed that there would still be opportunities for seniors to take the test, as the College's smaller pool would remain open throughout Spring term. Still, he encouraged seniors to take their tests by the end of Winter term.
The remodelling is scheduled for completion by Fall term. Consequently, there will be no swim class offered until winter 2006.
Earlier on in the week there were reports of an accident in the pool. A student reportedly neglected to read cautionary signs and dove into the shallow end of the pool.
Demment said the student was not seriously injured.
