Program Opportunites
These programs, activities, and incentives are provided free of charge upon requests (not out of town). The Health Educators and/or the student educators will present for other campuses, local middle and high schools. We have also been available for Civic organizations.
Alcohol and other addictive drugs:
- Alcohol Awareness: General information about alcohol and high risk drinking. Helping students to discover personal boundaries, and how to recognize the signs of alcohol poisoning. We provide information about accessing the emergency system or where to get help for problematic drinking.
- Women and Alcohol: The presentation is to inform women about the consumption of alcohol and its effects on our bodies. We show how the alcohol is metabolized differently and the risks of increased addiction, physical illnesses, family problems, increased violence….
- Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: Alcohol and the effects on the fetus. Includes long term consequences for the child, the family, and finally, society.
- Alcohol and the Athlete: Alcohol alters the performance level of the athlete. We discusses the body time to recuperate after consuming
- Alcohol and Marketing: How does advertising normalize alcohol consumption? Focusing on the marketers targeting younger students.
- Smoking Cessation: Tobacco (Bidis, cigarettes, pipe,), marijuana...—Discuss short and long term consequences, the normalization by the media….
- Other illegal drugs/Prescription medications abuse: Drugs frequently abused by students (including Adderall)
Violence:
- Sexual Assault: The FBI statistics states 1 in 4 women will be assaulted in her lifetime and 1 in 6 men will be assaulted. College women have an increased risk for assault. The program defines sexual assault; advise how to minimize one’s risks for assault, and finally, where to go for help.
- Partner Violence/Stalking---Partner violence is on an increase. Although men are frequently the perpetrator, we are seeing an increase with women stalking and assaulting their partners
Sexual Health:
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases—define the various STIs and how each is contracted. We discuss prevention methods and the various treatment options.
- Contraception—what is available and the pros and cons of each.
- Breast Cancer—Provide classes on breast exams (model breast provided). We discuss high risk candidates and what their options are.
- Testicular Cancer—Provide class on self examination for testicular cancer (model testis provided). Also, what to do if one locates a lump.
- Women’s Health— what type of exams should we ask for and at what age should we begin…..?
- Men’s Health--- what type of medical exams should we ask for and at what age should we begin?
Psychological Health:
- Depression/Anxiety---we talk about the various types of depression/anxiety and the various symptoms we my see. Finally, we discuss possible options for the students.
- Understanding Personal Learning Style—We help students identify their personal learning styles and how they can incorporate that into their daily routine for academic success
- Eating Disorders—the program identifies the various types of Eating Disorders, the potential causes, and most importantly, where to go for help.
Diversity Issues:
- SAFE ZONE: Workshops offered on Gay, Bi-sexual, and Straight issues and terms used by minority groups of students. This class is offered to staff, faculty, and students.
- Men on the Down Low/Alternative Life Styles: We define what it means to be on the Down Low, potential problems associated with the practice, and where to access help if needed
Nutrition and Exercise:
Avoiding the Freshmen 15: It is well documented that students frequently gain weight their freshmen year. We will explore why it occurs and how to alter the behaviors causing the weight gain. Obesity is a huge problem in our culture. Upon request we will provide dietary advice and assist student in reaching their personal goals. Exercise and diet changes are suggested. We work closely with Intramurals developing student’s personalized programs so that they become successful...
Student Educators:
- Peer Educator—The Peer Educator works under the direction of the Health Educator. Each is trained to present on a variety of health topics described earlier. The training is ongoing by the Health Educator, Community Experts, conferences…this is a paid position.
- Advocates for Sexual Assault Prevention---ASAP: Includes “1 in 4”, Women’s Interest Group (WIGs), and Wiglets: These students are volunteer and they are self governed. The students are well trained. Frequently, they become advocates for their peers.
Classes offered:
- Men’s program—Men teaching other men about sexual violence. The program is inclusive rather than finger pointing. They teach with the assumption that sexual violence is a societal problem rather than a gender issue.
- Men teaching other men about partner violence
- WIGS-Female students presenting to other women about Partner violence and stalking issues. They identify the Power and Control Wheel and the significance of each section. They talk about Self-esteem issues and also the difficulty in breaking the cycle.
- Mixed gender presentations: They will present the Sexual Assault and/or Partner Violence programs to a mixed gender audience. There is always a question-answer opportunity.
- Wiglets: Sorority women that can’t commit time for campus-wide programs but want to be well trained advocates for their sisters.
Campus-wide Activities Include:
- National Alcohol Awareness Week (October) ---provide activities throughout the day and extending into the evening. Activities offer information for passive and active learning. Frequently, extra credit is offered by the faculty/staff for student attendance.
- Health and Safety Week: The week before Spring Break we increase awareness of high risk behaviors. We highlight behaviors that might put our students at risk while on break. National speakers deliver alcohol programs, Health Education works with other departments and student organizations to provide more comprehensive programming.
- Nationally recognized Speakers—offered 1-2 times each semester (extra credit frequently offered). The speakers may present on addiction issues, sexual violence problems, or any other current health issue.
Campus Committee Involvement:
- Responsible Sexuality Committee: Faculty, Staff, and Students work together identifying, educating, and supporting the campus community with sexual issues.
- ADAPT: Alcohol and other Drugs education.
- Sexual Assault Response Team: Team of faculty, staff members, and campus police that assess occurrences of acute sexual assaults. The committee can evaluate frequency of assaults and to develop new strategies for addressing the issue.
- Many student organizations work with us throughout the year. We provide support of programs, activities, and planning