Peer Education Program Descriptions
To become a 2008-2009 Peer Educator, please apply by April 14, 2008 for consideration. Please note: SHARE is no longer accepting applications.
For more information call (301) 314-8128.
Gain valuable experience, meet new people, and earn 3 academic credits! Peer education programs include:
,
S.A.F.E.R.(Student Advocates for Education About Rape), OVA (Office of the Victim Advocate),
Terp C.H.O.I.C.E.S. (Choosing Healthy Options in the College Environment Safely,
HEALTH Works (Helping Establish A Lifestyle That Works), and
S.E.E.D.S.(Students Educating about Eating Disorders). Interviews will be conducted during March and April.
S.A.F.E.R.:Student Advocates For Education About Rape
Position: Peer Educator
Coordinator: Lauren Stewart (lstewart@health.umd.edu)
Phone: (301) 314.8227
Room: Health Center, 0101E
Description of Program: The SAFER program is expanded to not only include discussions about rape, but about all sexual violence issues. Male and female peer educators present interactive workshops to classes, student groups, greek organizations, and other campus groups. By sharing true stories written by University of Maryland students, the SAFER program is able
to demonstrate how the issues of rape, relationship violence, stalking and sexual harassment affect the daily lives of students on our campus. Topics covered include consent, how to help a friend, common reactions to sexual trauma, and available resources. In addition, SAFER peer educators also plan and participate in Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Stalking Awareness Week, and Sexual Assault Awareness Month events. The SAFER Program is a strong supporter
of the Office of the Victim Advocate.
Training: Each peer must complete a one week training program tentatively scheduled for the week prior to the start of classes in August.
Commitment: The peer educators earn 3 credits for a one year commitment . The S.A.F.E.R. group meets weekly (attendance is mandatory) for 1.5 hours. Including the meeting time, a S.A.F.E.R. peer can expect to work an average of 3 - 5 hours each week.
SAFER | Apply for a Peer Education Position
OVA: Office of the Victim Advocate
Position: Peer Advocate
Coordinator: Cortney Fisher (victimadvocate@health.umd.edu)
Phone: (301) 314.2222
Room: Health Center, Room 2118D
Description of Program: The Office of the Victim Advocate provides crisis and long-term support services for victims of sexual assault, relationship violence, stalking, and sexual harassment on the University of Maryland-College Park campus. The peer advocates will assist the Office by maintaining regular office hours, conducting informational presentations to campus organizations, and provide direct crisis, short-term, and ongoing client services.
Training: Each peer must complete a mandatory training program. Training is tentatively scheduled for the two weeks prior to the start of classes in August.
Commitment: The peer educators earn 3 credits for a semester commitment. The opportunity may be available for additional credits for additional semesters of work. Attendance at weekly meetings is mandatory and is expected in addition to 5-7* hours per week of office work and a rotating on-call crisis response schedule.
Prerequisite: Previous relevant coursework and experience helpful but not necessary.
Apply for a Peer Education Position
Terp C.H.O.I.C.E.S: Choosing Healthy Options in the College Environment Safely
Position: Peer Educator
Interim Coordinator: Kendra Smoak-McMillan (smoak@health.umd.edu)
Phone: (301) 314-8124
Room: Health Center, 0101C
Description of Program: The Terp CHOICES (Choosing Healthy Options In the College Environment Safely) peer education program increases students knowledge about issues and risks associated with high risk drinking and drug use. Topics include: sex under the influence, tips for responsible drinking, effects of alcohol and other drugs (such as cocaine, marijuana, and prescription drug use), warning signs of problem drinking, and alcohol poisoning. Terp CHOICES is not a "Just Say No" program. Terp CHOICES aims to provide fact based information to help students make informed decisions. Peers make presentations to a variety of campus groups and participate in special events.
Training: Each peer must attend a one week training program tentatively scheduled for the week prior to the start of classes in August.
Commitment: Peer educators earn 3 academic credits (HLTH 380) for a one year commitment (Fall 2008 and Spring 2009). The group meets weekly (attendance is mandatory) for 1.5 hours. A peer educator can be expected to work an average of 3-5 hours/week, including mandatory meeting time.
Prerequisite: Previous experience or course work is helpful but not necessary.
C.H.O.I.C.E.S. | Apply for a Peer Education Position
HEALTH Works: Helping Establish A Lifestyle That Works
Position: Peer Educator
Coordinator: Tracy Zeeger (zeeger@health.umd.edu)
Phone: (301) 314.1493
Center for Health & Wellbeing, Eppley Recreation Center, Room 0121
Description of Program: The HEALTH Works Peer Program is designed to increase student awareness of general wellness, stress management, time management, nutrition, and physical fitness. HEALTH Works provide presentations to classes, student organizations, residence halls,Greek organizations, and other campus groups. The HEALTH Works peers also participate in special events offered throughout campus.The Health WORKS peers learn and present three presentations.
"Wellness U": Focused on general wellness and mental health
"The Mind/Body Connection": Focused on stress management and relaxation techniques for busy college students.
Eat Right! Stay Fit!: Focused on how to eat healthy while in college as well as how to fit exercise into a hectic schedule.
Training: Each peer must complete a 40 hour training program scheduled for the week before the start of the Fall semester. During this training, peers will learn the content necessary to make presentations, as well as communication skills to be an effective health educator.
Commitment: Peer educators earn 3 credits for a one year commitment (Fall 2008 and Spring 2009). The HEALTH Works peer group meets weekly (attendance is mandatory) for 1.5 hours. A HEALTH Works peer educator will be expected to work an average of 3-5 hours/week, including the meeting time.
Prerequisite: Previous experience is helpful but not required.
Apply for a Peer Education Position
S.A.H.E.T: Suicide Awareness Health Education and Training
Coordinator: Carrie Martin (cmartin@health.umd.edu)
Phone: (301) 314.8112
Room: Health Center, 2122
Description of Program: The SAHET Program is designed to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and educate the campus community about depression and suicide prevention.
Its goal is to help students understand how to help friends who may be suffering; how to recognize signs of depression and suicidality; what to say to a depressed or suicidal friend; and identify resources.
SAHET peers are trained to make presentations to classes, student organizations, residence halls, Greek organizations, and other campus groups.
SAHET peers also participate in special events offered throughout campus. Credit is not available.
Training: Each peer must complete a mandatory 3-4 day training program. Training is tentatively scheduled the week prior to the start of classes in August.
Commitment: The SAHET group meets weekly (attendance is mandatory) for 1.5 hours. A SAHET peer educator will be expected to work an average of 3-5 hours/week, including the meeting time.
Requirements: Previous experience is helpful but not necessary.
Apply for a Peer Education Position
S.E.E.D.S: Students Education about Eating Disorders
Coordinator: Julie Parsons (parsons@health.umd.edu)
Phone: (301) 314.8142
Room: Health Center, 2158
Description of Program: The SEEDS Peer Educators are a group of students who have had an eating disorder themselves and/or have struggled with body image issues, but are in recovery. The peers are trained to make presentations about eating disorders and body image and to share their own experiences to classes, residence halls, student groups, and sororities. Credit is available.
Peers who participate in this program also benefit from the support they receive from each other, as issues related to recovery are often discussed. This program is committed to raising awareness of eating disorders on campus and promoting resources for treatment.
Training: Peers are expected to attend a 2 to 3 day training prior to the beginning of the Fall semester.
Commitment: Peers meet one hour weekly, at a time conducive to peers' and the coordinator's schedules. Peers are expected to make approximately 5 presentations a semester. Peers may be asked to help with publicity efforts on campus, through fliers, ads, health fairs, etc.
Requirements: Peers should be in recovery from an eating disorder and/or body image struggles and should be comfortable with their own body, and have a healthy relationship with food. In addition, peers should have a healthy ideal of eating and body image.
Apply for a Peer Education Position
O.V.A.: Office of the Victim Advocate
Coordinator: Cortney Fisher (victimadvocate@health.umd.edu)
Phone: (301) 314.2222
Room: Health Center, 2118D
Description of Program: The Office of the Victim Advocate provides crisis and long-term support services for victims of sexual assault, relationship violence, stalking,
and sexual harassment on the University of Maryland-College Park campus. The peer advocates will assist the Office by maintaining regular office hours, conducting informational presentations
to campus organizations, and provide direct crisis, short-term, and ongoing client services.
Training: Each peer must complete a mandatory training program. Training is tentatively scheduled for the two weeks prior to the start of classes in January.
Commitment: The peer educators earn 3 credits for a semester commitment. The opportunity may be available for additional credits for additional semesters of work.
Attendance at weekly meetings is mandatory and is expected in addition to 5-7 hours per week of office work and a rotating on-call crisis response schedule.
Requirements: Previous relevant coursework and experience helpful but not necessary.
Apply for a Peer Education Position
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