Peer Health Educators

Peer Health Educators (PHEs) are a group of trained student leaders that strive to promote healthy behaviors and lifestyles on campus by raising awareness and knowledge in various wellness topics.

Peer Health Educators at the Center for Student Wellness & Health Promotion are volunteers encouraging wellness on campus. Our PHEs focus on the topics of Emotional Wellbeing, Body Image, Alcohol & Other Drugs, and Sexual Health & Healthy Relationships. Our PHE’s serve the UC Irvine Campus through::

  •  Campus events and outreach
  •  Facilitating workshops
  •  Developing health materials and passive campaigns
  •  Serving as health advocates
 
Apply by picking up an Application Packet at G319 Student Center (at the Center for Student Wellness & Health Promotion)

Applications due Friday, January 31st by 5:00pm

Questions? Email Cassie Finazzo our Peer Education Programs Manager at cfinazzo@uci.edu

Frequently Asked Questions

Peer Health Educators (PHE’s) at the UCI Center for Student Wellness & Health Promotion provide information to the campus communities about health and wellness. While PHE’s encourage, endorse, and promote healthy norms and behaviors, they also challenge and confront unhealthy social norms and individual behaviors. The health topics PHE’s focus on include: Emotional Wellbeing, Body Image, Alcohol & Other Drugs, and Sexual Health & Healthy Relationships. While all PHE’s will receive some education in all topic areas, you will be asked to choose one focus area during your time as a PHE.

PHE’s learn to lead presentations, booth on Ring Road and at events, create promotional marketing campaigns, and more!

PHE’s must commit to a full academic year of service (Fall to Spring). Prerequisites include a mandatory 1.3 credit P/NP class, where you will receive a Peer Educator Certificate, as well as a mandatory 2-day retreat within week 0 of Fall quarter (see Application Packet for exact dates). During the academic year, PHE’s are required to attend group meetings scheduled for Fridays 3-4pm on odd weeks, and topic area meetings to be scheduled on even weeks. PHE’s will also sign up to facilitate workshops, tabling events, and other large and small events. Public speaking is a key component of the program, and you can expect to dedicate at least 20 hours per quarter to your role.

Recruitment begins week 1 of the Winter Quarter where you can pick up an Application Packet from our center (G319 Student Center, above the Zot n’ Go!). Applications are due by Friday at 5:00pm of week 4. Selected applicants will be contacted at the end of week 5 with an interview time during either week 6 or 7. Notification emails will be sent out by the end of week 8.

Once you are accepted into the PHE program, you will be given an authorization code to enroll in the 1.3 unit Peer Health Educator course that will be offered in the Spring Quarter. This class explores health education and promotion in higher education and common health issues that college students may experience. You will also learn the fundamentals of being a peer educator and become a Certified Peer Educator (CPE). During the summer just before Fall Quarter begins, you will be required to attend a two-day training orientation that will prepare you for the academic year (see Application Packet for exact dates).

Many of our PHE’s already have a passion for health and wellness and join the program to learn more and gain experience in the field. Our PHE’s gain valuable experience in health education, public speaking, event planning, and team work. PHE’s also make new friends and establish new connections on our campus. This program gives students the opportunity to:

  • Develop leadership skills
  • Improve their communication and listening skills
  • Gain a better understand of health and wellness
  • Improve their public speaking and outreach skills
  • Give back to the campus community
  • Have fun and make new friends!
  • Connect with the CSWHP professional staff team and earn future letters of recommendation

Contact:

Cassie Finazzo

Alcohol & Other Drugs and Peer Education Programs Manager

949-824-0346

cfinazzo@uci.edu