Peer Health Education at Skidmore
What do the Peer Health Educators (PHES) do?
The mission of the Peer Health Education program is to promote healthy choices and lifestyles through educating and empowering the campus community on a variety of health-related topics. PHEs serve as a resource, referral agent and role model for their peers. They are responsible for providing positive, interactive fun and non-judgmental programming and education aimed at providing their peers with information to make healthy, informed decisions regarding their health and well-being.
The Peer Health Educators work in varying capacities once they successfully complete the training course. Some elect to work on topic-based committees, while others opt to work in our Student Wellness Center.
COMMITTEE WORK
Students can choose from a variety of committees to take part of. Committees meet for an hour each week and students receive 1 academic credit for their work (HF 315).
- Public Health: Designs and delivers programs and marketing campaigns on a range of topics including alcohol and other drugs, stress, sleep, sexual health, physical activity, and general wellness. Uses social norming strategies to correct misperceptions about student behaviors.
- Community Building: Focuses on creating community for students looking for alternatives to the college party scene. Oversees Friday Night Out program. Also focuses on opportunities for community service and building partnerships on campus and in the greater Saratoga region.
- Sexual Health: Focuses on encouraging open dialogue and raising awareness about issues related to sexual health and wellness.
- Nutrition and Fitness: Focuses on promoting active lifestyle and healthy diet.
- Mental Health: Focuses on educating the campus community about mental health and reducing stigma for help-seeking.
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 Skidmore 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)?
In order to become a Peer Health Educator, students must first apply and be accepted into the PHE training course. The PHE program is highly selective. It is not uncommon to receive upwards of 75 applications in a single semester (the training course can accomodate up to 15 per semester).
After the application is submitted, the interested students go through a two-part interview phase. The first part is with the staff from the Department of Health Promotion. The second part is an interactive session with the current PHE Leader Team. This helps the team select the most suitable students for the program, in which the goal is to select a well-rounded group of students with a range of interests, experiences and backgrounds. Students do not need to come to the program with any prior training or experience in health-related work, but should be prepared to demonstrate why the program is a good fit for them and why they would be a strong addition to 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 Skidmore 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:
- Head PHE
- PHE mentor (two positions)
- Committee leader (5 positions)
