Peer Health Education

Frequently Asked Questions about the Peer Health Education Program: 

• NEW! Join Our (Award-Winning) Team! Peer Health Educator Recruitment (2013-2014 Academic Year)
• What is a Peer Health Educator?
• Who are the Peer Health Educators?
• What is involved? What is the time commitment?
• What qualifications and skills are needed?
• How do I become a Peer Health Educator?
• Are Peer Health Educators paid?
• Are there additional benefits to being a Peer Health Educator?
• Where can I get more information about the Peer Health Education program?

Join Our (Award-Winning) Team! Peer Health Education Recruitment 2013-14 Academic Year

Want to learn more about the Peer Health Educator Program? Attend an upcoming Peer Health Educator (PHE) Information Session.
Students who plan to apply to the Peer Health Educator Program for the 2013-2014 academic year, must attend one session.

If you did not attend an Information Session, but are interested in applying to be a Peer Health Educator, please email Beth-Anne Vieira (bvieira@umassd.edu).

• Download an application form: Peer Health Educator Application Form 2013
• Completed application forms are due on Monday, April 1, 2013 by 12 pm (Noon)
  
• Group interviews with new applicants: Tuesday, April 9 and Tuesday, April 16 (if needed)
  
  

What is a Peer Health Educator?

Peer Health Educators are student leaders who support the health and wellness of the campus community by:

• conducting and sponsoring educational programming. (Read more about our educational workshops here.)
• disseminating accurate health information
• providing referrals to on- and off-campus services
• advocating for changes in campus policies and procedures which support student health

Peer Health Educators are expected to serve as leaders and role models in their efforts, and to serve as an extension of the professional staff of LiveWell: The Office of Health Education, Promotion, & Wellness and the Department of Health Services. 

Who are the Peer Health Educators? 

Meet the Peer Health Educators!

What is involved? What is the time commitment?

 Candidates selected to become Peer Health Educators are required to:  

• Complete a 3-credit internship during which training is provided.
  This training is only provided in the fall semester.
  Following completion of the internship, students are asked for a minimum one-year commitment.
• Work collaboratively with professional health promotion staff to create and implement a strategic plan for the Peer Health Education program.
• Participate in weekly staff meetings. (2 hrs/week)
• Conduct outreach. (2 hrs/week)
• Present workshops. (4+/semester)
• Serve as a health information resource for the campus and provide referrals for students to on- and off- campus resources which may assist them.
• Actively promote the Peer Health Education program (outreach, postering, flyering, Facebook, Twitter, The Torch, etc.)
• Seek out opportunities to work collaboratively with student organizations and other departments.
• Participate in training and continuing education opportunities, as identified/assigned.
• Other duties as determined and assigned as the program evolves.

What qualifications and skills are needed?

Applicants for must meet the following minimum eligibility requirements to be considered for a position:

• have a graduation date of May 2015 or later
• be a degree-seeking student and enrolled at least part-time (6 credit hours)
• have a 2.5 minimum cumulative GPA
• have no significant Code of Conduct violations
• Attend one information session

Students recruited into the Peer Health Education program must have successfully completed 30 credit hours to participate in the internship per university policy. 

 Additionally, applicants:

• Must be committed to proactively addressing health issues relevant to college students. Topics may include, but are not limited to: alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs; sexual and reproductive health; sexual assault and dating/relationship violence; stress; sleep; nutrition; eating disorders and body image, etc.
• Must be a role model for responsible and healthy lifestyle choices
• Must be enthusiastic about educating their peers on wellness issues
• Must be able to communicate effectively with students; university faculty, staff, and administrators; and community-based organizations
• Must be able to work as part of a team and independently (“be a self-starter”)
• Must coordinate multiple tasks and responsibilities, using good time management skills
• Must possess a positive work attitude
• Must be dependable and responsible
• Must not be afraid to ask questions or say “I don’t know”
• Previous student leadership, peer education, event planning and/or health education-related experience is helpful, but not mandatory

How do I become a Peer Health Educator?

Students interested in becoming Peer Health Educators must complete an application and interview process.  Recruitment takes place once a year in the spring for entry into the program the following fall.

See above for additional information about Peer Health Educator recruitment for the 2013-2014 year.

Are Peer Health Educators paid?

Peer Health Educators who meet performance expectations receive a $550 stipend at the conclusion of each semester. (Students do not receive a stipend while in training, i.e. while enrolled in the internship.)  Failure to meet performance expectations may result in a withholding of the stipend and/or termination from the Peer Health Education program.

Are there additional benefits to being a Peer Health Educator? Yes! As a Peer Health Educator, you will:

• Be recognized as a student leader and positive role model
• Develop skills in organization, presentation, communication, and group facilitation
• Gain experience for professional development and/or graduate school (It looks great on a resume!)
• Become a certified peer educator with national recognition
• Gain extensive knowledge regarding health issues
• Meet, help, and serve others
• Be a part of a skilled, award-winning leadership team
• Make new friends
• Travel (to attend the Bacchus Network's Area 10 Spring Conference)

Where can I get more information about the Peer Health Education program?  

You can contact the Peer Health Educators directly via email or phone at 508-910-6966. "Like" us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @UMDPHE.