Peer Health Education at 三亿体育官网
What do the Peer Health Educators (PHES) do?
The Peer Health Education (PHE) program is all about promoting healthy choices and empowering the campus community to live their best lives! PHEs are passionate student leaders who educate, inspire, and support their peers on a variety of important health topics. They鈥檙e here to provide fun, interactive, and judgment-free programming designed to help fellow students make informed decisions about their well-being.
Whether they鈥檙e leading activities or sharing helpful tips, PHEs serve as role models, trusted resources, and go-to guides for all things health. They help create an open, supportive environment where everyone feels comfortable learning and growing together.
Once PHEs complete their training, they dive into a variety of roles. Some join topic-based committees to focus on specific health issues, while others work hands-on in our vibrant Student Wellness Center, making a positive impact on their peers every day!
COMMITTEE WORK
Students can choose from a variety of committees to take part in. Committees meet for an hour each week and students receive 1 academic credit for their work (HF 315).
- Harm Reduction: Focuses on creating a campus culture of safety, responsibility, and support through harm reduction strategies focused on alcohol safety, overdose prevention, and nicotine use awareness.
- Health Equity and Access: Focuses on breaking down barriers that prevent students from accessing the care and resources they need for optimal health and wellbeing
- Life Skills: Focuses on equipping students with the practical knowledge and essential skills needed to navigate adulthood
- Mental Health: Focuses on educating the campus community about mental health, reducing stigma surrounding help-seeking, and empowering students to access the support they need
- Nutrition and Fitness: Focuses on helping students to achieve a healthy, balanced lifestyle through physical activity and proper nutrition
- Sexual Health: Focuses on encouraging open dialogue and raising awareness about issues related to sexual health and wellness.
THE STUDENT WELLNESS CENTER
PHEs can apply to work shifts in the Student Wellness Center. Shifts are two hours each and students receive 1 academic credit for their work in the Wellness Center (HF-315).
The Student Wellness Center is a student-staffed space where 三亿体育官网 students can seek support and resources from trained PHEs about a range of health topics that are pertinent to the college population. This includes, but is not limited to, alcohol and other drug use, mental health, stress management, sexual health, relationships, nutrition, sleep and more. PHEs are also peer-to-peer anonymous resources for students wishing to discuss issues related to sexual and gender based misconduct.
In addition, the Student Wellness Center offers a lovely, inviting space where students can stop by, rest and recharge on their way to their next class. The Wellness Center has
- Items to purchase (cookbooks, gratitude journals, fidget toys, nightcap drink protectors, etc.)
- Free items (condoms, stickers, tea, fentenyl test strips, etc.)
- Rentals (hammocks, picnic blankets, light therapy lamps, shoeshoes, etc.)
- Therapy Dogs (we have a rotation of ~10 certified dogs that frequently visit the space)
how can I become a Peer Health Educator (PHE)?
Interested in becoming a Peer Health Educator (PHE)? It鈥檚 a fun and rewarding way to make a difference, but it鈥檚 also a competitive process! The PHE program is selective, with over 75 applications each semester for just 15 spots in the training course.
Once you submit your application, you鈥檒l go through a two-part interview process. First, you鈥檒l meet with the Health Promotion staff to chat about your interest in the program. Then, you鈥檒l participate in an interactive session with the current PHE Leader Team. This is where we get to see how you engage, think on your feet, and work with others to make an impact.
The goal is to build a diverse, well-rounded group of students with different experiences and interests. No prior health-related experience is required, but we鈥檙e looking for students who are passionate about wellness, eager to learn, and excited to contribute to the team. It鈥檚 all about finding the right fit for both you and the program!
What does the Training Consist of to become a Peer Health Educator?
Once accepted, students will enroll in PHE training course, HF-215; a 3 credit honors forum class. The course is offered every semester and can accommodate a maximum of 15 students per semester. Ongoing training is provided to students who have successfully completed HF 215 through a 1 credit course (HF 315) (committee work or wellness center shifts as outlined above).
- HF 215 Peer Health Education (3 credits): This course introduces students to health education, health promotion and peer health education. Sessions are highly interactive and engage students around topics that are relevant to the health and well-being of college students (including alcohol and other drugs, sexual health, disordered eating, nutrition, mental health, sleep, body image, sexuality, etc). In addition, students develop their leadership and communication skills so that they are well-prepared to serve as peer health educators upon course completion.
- HF 315 Advanced Peer Health Education (1 credit): This course builds on concepts covered during HF 215 by guiding students through the process of promoting health and well-being among the 三亿体育官网 student body. The course is student-driven and allows students the opportunity to further delve into specific areas of study that are of particular interest to each individual
Are there Leadership Opportunities within the program?
Yes! PHEs who have successfully completed HF 215 and have worked for at least one semester in the PHE role are eligible to apply for one of our fantastic, paid, leadership positions. These include:
- Wellness Center Leader (1 position)
- Marketing & Operations Team (2 positions)
- PHE Class Mentors (2 positions)
- Committee Leader (6 positions)