Peer Health Education

Promote campus health and wellbeing through education.

Peer Health Educators group photo

Our Mission

The Peer Health Education program promotes campus health and wellbeing through education, connection and advocacy. Peer Health Educators will: 

  • educate themselves on college health issues
  • educate their peers in ways that promote health and wellness
  • connect to, and collaborate with, various resources on campus
  • connect students to resources
  • advocate for changes in the UMass system and the campus community that supports a healthy campus.

Values of the PHE program

  • Compassion
  • Inclusivity
  • Fun
  • Collaboration
  • Diversity
  • Education
  • Self-determination
  • Social justice
  • Advocacy
  • Personal development
Group of peer health educators

PHE Recruitment

Become a Peer Health Educator!

PHE characteristics: 

  • Open minded
  • Self - motivated
  • Creative
  • Inclusive
  • Good Communicator
  • Collaborative
  • Supportive
  • Adaptable
  • Advocate
  • Nonjudgemental
  • Self-aware
  • Engaged

 

Benefits of becoming a PHE

  • Co-create a community with other PHEs.
  • Gain leadership experience.
  • Contribute to the health and wellbeing of the UMass community.
  • Become a skilled facilitator.
  • Build relationships with professional staff.
  • Get paid for being a peer leader on campus.

The Work

Below are some of the ways you can help support the campus community through a lens of integrated health and wellbeing:

  • Co-facilitate wellbeing sessions
  • Collaborate with other RecWell staff and campus colleagues
  • Create engaging and health-promoting videos and posts on social media
  • Assist with Paws events

Be creative, have fun, and make a difference.

 

 

Please note, all Recreation & Wellbeing (RecWell) staff and interns are Title IX responsible. Learn more about Title IX. RecWell staff and interns are also responsible for reporting student disclosures of potential harm to self and/or others.

Follow us on socials! Facebook | Instagram

Questions? Email @email

People petting a dog

Paws Program

The Paws Program connects students to therapeutic animals to reduce stress and improve overall wellbeing.  Peer Health Education, located in Recreation & Wellbeing (RecWell), usually offers two Paws Program events each semester in collaboration with Bright Spot Therapy Dogs, Inc. and UMass Amherst Libraries.

Looking to lower your stress, learn about resources on campus related to stress reduction, and/or discover new ways to boost your wellbeing? Come to one or more of the events listed below!

Paws program events for the 2024–2025 academic year:

Wednesday, October 30
Wednesday, December 4
Tuesday, March 4
Wednesday, April 16

Frequently Asked Questions

How many times will the dogs visit?
Campus-wide events are scheduled twice a semester – at midterms and finals. Weekly therapy dog sessions take place at the Center for Counseling and Psychological Health (CCPH) and the Stonewall Center offers therapy dog events as well. 

Can the dogs stay longer?
The dogs can go 2-3 hours before they need to rest. Sleep is important for everyone!

Can the dogs visit my residence hall or department?
Unfortunately, no. We want as many people as possible to get to relax with the dogs. If you would like a dog to visit your program or residence hall, UMPD K9 officers Alec and Parker are available throughout the year as scheduling allows.

Will you bring cats for petting?
Right now, the Paws Program is able to work with dogs only. We will let you know if this changes!

How about small dogs?
In general, therapy dogs tend to be bigger, but small dogs become certified too. Learn what it takes to be a Bright Spot Therapy Dog at www.bright-spot.org.