Apply to PHE

Being a PHE will require a substantial commitment of time and energy (an average of 3 hours per week). Minimum commitment of three semesters is required; four semesters is preferred.

First Semester: In-training Peer Health Educators will receive approximately 30 hours of training (EDHS 3240: Concepts of Peer Health Education) and will provide a total of 15-20 hours of volunteer service through observing/assisting trained Peer Health Educators with Outreach, Patient Education, Special Wellness Events, and attending one-hour weekly planning/training meetings.

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, Patient Education sessions, Special Wellness Events, Marketing, and Recruitment and/or additional improvement projects.

• Attending one-hour weekly planning/training meetings (Tuesdays 5:00-6:00 PM)
• Designing, organizing, and participating in campus-wide awareness activities
• Designing and presenting Outreach programs
• Staffing information tables (i.e., Mental Wellness Screening Day)
• Designing and distributing flyers, brochures, and other promotional materials
• Assisting with the planning and implementation of the 4th Year 5K
• Attending the EDHS 3240 Concepts of Peer Health Education training class during first fall semester

• Gain extensive knowledge about contraception, sexually transmitted infections, body image, alcohol, tobacco and illegal drugs, eating disorders, nutrition, health promotion theory and practice, men's and women's health, depression, healthy relationships, and stress management.
• 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 Curry School of Education for the fall training semester.
• Develop teaching, communication, presentation, and group facilitation skills.
• Become a recognized member of the Office of Health Promotion volunteer staff.
• Have an opportunity to contribute significantly to the growth of the Peer Health Education program.

• Must be a first- or second-year UVA student to apply
• Must be present 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 community, applicant 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
• Open mind to cultures, practices, and sexual orientations different from your own
• Sensitivity to controversial and personal topics that are sometimes embarrassing, and have 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
• Demonstrate a sincere concern for others, their well-being and quality of life

Operational skills

• Ability to speak publicly in a positive, engaging, interactive, and nonjudgmental manner
• Ability to facilitate group discussions and include all members of the audience
• Ability to show concern and empathy in a one-on-one information-sharing format
• Ability to function in a group, both as a leader and as a supportive team member

If you would like to learn more about mental wellness, sexuality, alcohol, and other college-health issues, would like to be part of an effort to raise awareness of these issues on campus, 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 acheetham@virginia.edu