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What is the Peer Educator Program?
The overall mission of the Peer Educator program at George Washington University (GWU) is to increase student awareness of mental health issues on campus and to reduce the stigma associated with seeking help. Click here for our mission statement. The Peer Educator program at GWU is coordinated by two University Counseling Center staff members, Dr. Stephanie Burns and Dr. Tyger Latham, who serve as course instructors and outreach supervisors. Peer Educators are undergraduate students who have an interest in psychology and commitment to engaging in an educational role with other students.
Peer Educators attend a semester-long academic seminar. The focus of coursework is on psychological topics relevant to college students. Coursework may include readings, short reaction papers, topic presentations, and multiple outreach activities delivered directly to students. Outreach activities include those selected and created by the Peer Educators, those requested of UCC staff and appropriate for the Peer Educators to provide, and those associated specifically with the Peer Educator Program. Outreach activities are conducted in residence halls, undergraduate courses, or to a specific campus population identified via student groups, departments, or other means.
What Will I Learn By Being A Peer Educator?
- Through relevant readings and discussion, students will learn about a wide variety of mental health and adjustment issues impacting college students:
o Depression
o Suicide prevention
o Anxiety
o Stress management
o Resiliency
o Eating and body image issues
o Lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender, queer/questioning (LGBTQ) and other multicultural issues
o Healthy relationships
- How to prepare, plan, and present to the campus community about mental health issues
- How to use your own leadership style when partnering or in groups
- How to explore and confront your own values and beliefs about mental health issues
- How to facilitate discussions
Please see comments from current Peer Educators for a greater perspective on the experience.
What Are Some Past Accomplishments Of The Peer Education Program?
The Peer Educator program has held an integral part in the outreach efforts of the UCC since the program started a few years ago. Peer Educators participate in a wide variety of programs throughout campus and outreach to hundreds of students each year. Here are some important events that Peer Educators have been involved with:
Annual Activities
National Depression Screening Day
Final Exam De-Stress Event
Love Your Body week
Anxiety Screening Day
Chalk-in
National Alcohol Screening Day
Activities done by Peer Educators
Different workshops on relaxation, stress management, and test anxiety
Presentation on depression and suicide prevention
Co-sponsorship of “Real Women Have Curves” movie night and discussion during Love Your Body week
Presentation for the Multicultural Student Services Center on minority students adjustment
Presentation on alcohol abuse and how to help a friend who may have alcohol poisoning
Presentation on positive psychology
Presentation on spirituality and mental health
Creation of video about students' attitudes towards mental health issues on campus
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