Peer Education

Peer Education at CAPS

UPDATE: Apply online for the 2008-09 Peer Education Program by clicking here! Hurry - the deadline is 12-noon, Friday, April 18, 2008!

Counseling and Psychological Services recognizes the value of peer support in helping students address personal concerns.Students eager to contribute time and energy to assisting their peers, and wishing to gain experience in a counseling environment are encouraged to apply to become peer educators. Peer educators for our three programs are selected in the Spring of each year for an appointment term that runs throughout the next academic year.   The two peer education programs for 2008-09 are:

 

Peer Education - Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is peer education?

Peer education involves UCSD students providing education and outreach to other students.  We believe that student peer education is a strong and important avenue to provide information on topics important and applicable to UCSD students:  mental health wellness, alcohol and substance use,and women's issues.  Peer education provides unique experiences for students to receive training in teaching, presentation, and basic counseling skills.  In addition, these students then provide valuable resources and information to the UCSD community through workshop/outreach presentations, group forums, and individual meetings with students.

Many of our past Peer Educators have attended or gone to graduate school in areas of Counseling and Clinical Psychology, Medicine, Social Work, and even Engineering. There's something for everyone!

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What types of programs are available to join?

CAPS offers the following peer education programs for 2008-09:

Each program offers unique programming and training experiences.  These groups typically meet weekly to discuss training, program development, and program planning.  In addition, the peer educators meet for an "all-peer training," in which the peers are provided extensive training in basic counseling skills, group facilitation, crisis management and ethics, and how to construct and implement outreach/workshops presentations.  For a link to the Peer Education Program section, click here.

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What is the time commitment to be a peer educator?

Peer educators typically devote from 2-4 hours per week throughout the academic year.  During the start of the Fall quarter, there are two extensive "all-peer training" sessions that require approximately 6 total hours.  In addition, some peer education programs require additional training for specific topics or issues.

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What types of programs or presentations do peer educators provide?

Each of the peer education programs provides outreach presentations for a wide variety of issues (related to the program's theme).  Listed is a sample of recent programs and trainings provided with the peer education program:

  • Motivational Interviewing (SAFE Program)

  • National Alcohol Screening Day (SAFE Program)

  • Spin the Bottle (SAFE Program)

  • Depression Screening Day (Wellness Program)

  • Stress Mangement Workshops (Wellness Program)

  • Biofeedback and Relaxation Training Workshops (Wellness Program)

  • Healthy Eating Series (Women's Program)

  • Take Back the Night (Women's Program)

  • Eating Disorders Awareness Week (Women's Program)

For a more detailed description of each program, click here. 

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How do I become a peer educator?

You can apply NOW to be a Peer Educator for the 2008-09 academic year! To apply, click here!

You can also find out more about each program by attending our Peer Info Session on Monday, April 14, 2008, from 7-8pm at the Revelle College Formal Lounge! Representatives from each program will be present - there's also FREE FOOD!

Thank you for your interest in our Peer Education Program.

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