Project GRAD (Graduate Ready for Activity Daily) evaluates a university cou
rse to promote physical activity. In a randomized study 338 university seni
ors participated in either an intervention course for academic credit, and
posttest data were collected on 321. The control course was knowledge-orien
ted. The intervention course taught behavior change skills in weeks lecture
s and peer-led labs. Physical activity was assessed with 7-Day Physical Act
ivity Recall interviews. The intervention had no significant effects on men
. Among women, the intervention increased total physical activity during le
isure, strengthening exercises, and flexibility exercises. This university
course had the intended effects of promoting healthful patterns of physical
activity among women, but not effects were observed on men, who were more
active than women at baseline.