Interested in becoming a PHE? Our application will open in Spring 2026. We look forward to reading your application!
Hoo Can Apply?
We are looking for students graduating in 2028 or later who will be available to take a required three-credit fall course (EDHS 3240 - Tuesdays/Thursdays from 2-3:15 pm) and attend our weekly team meetings on Tuesdays at 5 pm.
No prior experience in public health or health promotion is necessary and all schools are welcome to apply! We are looking for any and all students who are passionate and committed to expanding the community of care at UVA!
- Expected Commitment
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Being a PHE will require a substantial commitment of time and energy (an average of 3 hours per week). A minimum commitment of three semesters is required; four semesters are preferred.
- First Semester: Peer Health Educators in-training will receive approximately 30 hours of instruction (EDHS 3240: Peer Health Education) and will provide approximately 25 hours of volunteer service through observing/assisting trained Peer Health Educators with outreaches, signature events, and marketing and event promotion. PHEs in-training will be expected to attend one-hour weekly planning/training meetings on Tuesdays from 5-6 pm.
- Subsequent Semesters: Trained Peer Health Educators will provide a total of 30-40 hours of volunteer service (per semester) by attending one-hour weekly planning/training meetings and conducting outreach programs, signature events, marketing and event promotion, and recruitment and/or additional projects.
- Key Tasks and Responsibilities
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- Attending one-hour weekly planning/training meetings (Tuesdays 5-6 pm)
- Designing, organizing, and participating in campus-wide health and wellness activities
- Designing and presenting outreach programs
- Staffing wellness events (i.e., Mental Wellness Screening Day, Celebrate Every Body Week, etc.)
- Designing and distributing flyers, brochures, and other promotional materials
- Assisting with the planning and implementation of the 4Y5K: Community of Care race
- Assisting with the recruitment and retention of new PHEs
- Attending the EDHS 3240: Peer Health Education training class during first fall semester
Why PHE?
- Benefits
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- Gain extensive knowledge about contraception; sexually transmitted infections; bystander intervention; healthy relationships and consent; alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs; motivational interviewing; and health promotion theory and practice.
- Become part of a highly skilled, diverse team of students committed to providing accurate, nonjudgmental college-health information to the UVA community
- Obtain three credits through the UVA School of Education and Human Development for the fall training semester
- Develop teaching, communication, presentation, and group facilitation skills
- Become a recognized member of the Well-Being Services volunteer staff
- Have an opportunity to contribute significantly to the growth of the Peer Health Education program
- Requirements for Application and Selection
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- Must be graduating in 2028 or later
- Must be on-Grounds during the fall semester to enroll in the 3 credit training course EDHS 3240: Peer Health Education (may not go abroad during this time)
- Although we encourage involvement in many other activities at the University and in the community, applicants must be able to balance other activities with the PHE commitment of 40 hours/semester (approximately 3 hours/week)
A strong PHE applicant should possess the following qualities:
Personal Skills:
- Strong interest and enthusiasm in promoting healthy behaviors among your fellow students
- Openness to cultures, practices, and sexual orientations different from your own
- Sensitivity to controversial and personal topics that are sometimes embarrassing, and a willingness to talk candidly about them
- Ability to articulate the facts about health-enhancing behaviors and dispel myths and misperceptions
- Dedication to health education, health promotion, and the PHE program
- Sincere concern for others, their well-being, and their quality of life
Operational Skills:
- Ability to speak publicly in a positive, engaging, interactive, and non-judgmental manner
- Ability to facilitate group discussions and include all members of the audience
- Ability to function in a group, both as a leader and as a supportive team member
- How to Become a PHE
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If you would like to learn more about sexual health, alcohol, healthy relationships, and other college-health issues; would like to be a part of an effort to raise awareness of these issues on Grounds; and have the interest and the time to devote to being a PHE, we welcome your contribution to the program and encourage you to apply.
Our recruitment process takes place during the spring semester. Questions? Contact our Group Development & Recruitment Intern