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Mission
- The Office of Student Wellness Education strive to continuously improve student well-being through SAMHSA’s 8 Dimension of Wellness, which addresses students’ emotional, spiritual, intellectual, physical, environmental, financial, occupational, and social dimensions, to elevate student success in academics and in their future beyond Hofstra University.
- We foster peer-to-peer awareness through the Peer Wellness Educator leadership track within Peer Alliance.
Values
- Social Connectedness
- Inclusivity
- Synergistic Approaches
- Holistic Well-Being
Team Information
Peer Wellness Educator program
Peer Wellness Educators
Peer wellness educators (PWEs) make the difference on our campus by educating students on interpersonal violence prevention, substance use prevention and awareness for recovery, and mental and social wellness. The PWE team aims to promote a student culture of belonging, social responsibility, resiliency, and support.
Our Purpose
Many students are entering college without basic education on topics such as healthy relationships, social connection, stress management, and alcohol and other drugs. These gaps remain if students continue to not take courses in these areas. This combination leads to students who are graduating without life skills (i.e., resiliency, defining personal boundaries, and self-care). Peer health education is one way that Hofstra University prepares alumni to meet these challenges and thrive in an ever-changing world.
Peer Educator Skill Areas
On top of the trainings around interpersonal violence prevention, mental and social health, and alcohol and other drugs, PWEs gain skills and competencies throughout their time in the position. These skills are grounded in five competency areas as shown below.
- Education
- Knowledge of subject
- Define and assess learning outcomes
- Tailoring and teaching content
- Leadership
- Role modeling
- Logistics (problem-solving, etc.)
- Empowering others
- Supporting their community
- Public Speaking
- Workplace Development
- Scheduling
- Accountability
- Technology proficiency
- Communication
- Team Management
- Interpersonal communication
- Group management
- Facilitation
- Cultural Curiosity
- Self-awareness
- Understanding of cultures that comprise the Hofstra student body
- Dynamics of power, privilege, and oppression.
- Understanding vs. addressing
Become a Peer Wellness Educator!
Program Timeline
- February applications open up.
- April applications due.
- April/March interviews are conducted.
- May interviewees are notified.
- August summer training.
- September new member trainings along with other all-team meetings.
- September – December facilitate workshops and biweekly meetings
- January – May facilitate workshops and biweekly meetings
We welcome all students who are passionate about healthy relationships, stress management, and supporting their fellow students to apply! The application opens in February for the following year. Interviews will take place in March to early April. Students are notified at the end of April/beginning of May about their candidacy. New Peer Wellness Educators will receive 20 hours of training with the Office of Student Wellness Education in August and September in order to facilitate workshops. PWEs are asked to commit eight hours per week during the semester between programming and office hours.
Quick Wellness Topics
Time Management
- Go to the “Tools” section of the Center for Academic Excellence for downloadable pdf files!
- You can also schedule time to meet with an advisor for support.