Conceptual physical education (CPE) courses are typically included in university course work to provide students knowledge and skills to engage in physical activity for life. The purpose of this study was to identify CPE course characteristics that contributed to positive and negative student perceptions. Participants included 157 undergraduates enrolled in 10 CPE activity classes. Critical incident responses and interviews comprised data collection. Data analysis included constant comparison. Results identified the themes of curriculum, instructor, and social environment contributing both positively and negatively toward participant perceptions of the course. Specifically, participants viewed physical fitness testing and wellness assignments, instructional techniques, and meeting people positively. Negative perceptions included class meeting time, classroom management, and lack of team cohesion. It was concluded that a coherent curriculum and effective teaching behaviors contributed toward positive student perceptions; however, attention needs to be paid to the social environment. (Contains 4 tables.)