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The Peer Education Program

The mission of the Peer Education Program is to create an interactive educational experiences based on John Travis's model of holistic health and wellness that will enhance the learning potential, academic success, and personal development of students outside the classroom. This includes programs such as interactive discussions on wellness, collaboration with campus affiliates, supportive and informational skills groups, one-on-one services to promote well-being, and online wellness resources.  Although our program is stationed primarily within the Counseling and Career Development Center (204 STU), we offer services at both the Allendale and Pew campuses to GVSU Living Cener Communities, within classrooms, for student organizations/groups, and for campus departments.

Our staff of Peer Educators provide support as our "ground force team" in promoting our mission. The Peer Educator staff consists of students who are specially trained in 12 areas of wellness, mental health topics, and leadership skills. The Peer Educators use their training in order to provide interactive presentations, participate in outreach associated with the Counseling Center, and collaborate with campus affiliates to infuse wellness into the greater community. In addition, our group is a member of the Bacchus Network, a national organization of peer educator programs. As part of our affiliation, we train our Peer Educator staff utilizing the 12-hour Certified Peer Educator (CPE) Training Program developed by the Bacchus Network that includes topics such as leadership, communication, presentation skills, program development, and teambuilding.

If you would like to request a wellness consultation or program, please contact the program coordinator Brian Bossick (bossickb@gvsu.edu).  Please make a request at least 2 weeks prior to the event date.

The Benefits of the Peer Educator Program

We hope that all our Peer Educators leave the program with transferrable skills and a positive experience they can take with them long after they have graduated from GVSU! This may include gaining leadership experience and team-building skills; attending regional and national conferences; official recognition as a Nationally Certified Peer Educator; community service and civic engagement experiences; and, of course, having fun, meeting new people, making a difference, and trying something new!
 

Interested in Becoming a Peer Educator?

We are currently seeking new peer educators for the 2012-2013 academic year. View the application below to learn how to apply! If you have additional questions about this program, please contact  Brian Bossick (bossickb@gvsu.edu).