How can I get involved at the University Health Center?
The Division of Student Affairs’ mission is to enhance the learning environment for students at the University of Georgia (UGA). This is accomplished by stimulating the learning process, integrating the in-class and out-of-class experiences, promoting an environment conducive to growth and discovery, and facilitating intellectual, spiritual, social, occupational, physical, cultural, and emotional development.
Providing learning experiences for UGA students is at the heart of both the mission and the vision statements for the Health Promotion Department. Following are registered student organizations that focus on health promotion and wellness issues.
Which volunteer student group is best for me?
SHAC: Student Health Advisory CommitteeAdvisors – Jen Swails, Interim Executive Director, and Melanie Gibson, Director of Information and Administrative Services
The primary initiatives of the organization are to provide a student voice in health center operations, promote a positive and open channel of communication between the UHC staff and the student body, and to contribute additional awareness of student issues to the health center administration.
HDAs: Healthy Dawg AmbassadorsAdvisor – Allison Miller, Marketing Professional
These are a select group of students who are chosen to officially represent the University Health Center. Ambassadors serve in multiple capacities promoting UHC’s mission and vision to students, faculty/staff and other visitors.
HDAs are currently accepting applications for the 2021-2022 Academic Year. Submit your application online between Oct 18 – Nov 5 (by 11:59pm): Healthy Dawg Ambassadors Application, 2021-2022
Be Well Peer Educators The Be Well Peer Educators are a diverse group of students committed to educating and supporting the UGA community on many topics of well-being including alcohol and other drug misuse, relationship and sexual violence prevention, sexual health, healthy relationships, and body image. These students are integral in promoting the Health Promotion Department and the overarching University Health Center mission of #BeWellUGA. See below for more information on each content area under the BeWell Peer Educator umbrella.Advisor – Liana Natochy, Alcohol and Other Drugs Education Coordinator
The Be Well Peer Educators: Peers for Alcohol and Other Drug Education (PADE) represent The Fontaine Center and empower students to make informed decisions about alcohol and other drugs while at UGA through prevention education and outreach. Members host a variety of workshops, educational programs, and substance-free events for the campus community.
Advisor – Camilla Herndon, Sexual Health Coordinator
The Be Well Peer Educators: Relationship & Sexual Violence Prevention represent The Fontaine Center and educate students on healthy relationships, active bystander intervention, and survivor support. These students facilitate workshops, educational activities, and campus events to empower their peers to take action in interpersonal violence prevention.
Advisor – Camilla Herndon, Sexual Health Coordinator
The Be Well Peer Educators: Safer Sex Ambassadors promote healthy sexuality through a non-judgmental, inclusive, sex-positive approach. These students have a passion for sexual health and provide peer education through educational outreach activities, workshops, and campus events.
The Be Well Peer Educators: Be You invite diverse audiences to reflect on and strengthen their relationships with their bodies through open dialogue and skill building activities. Members facilitate interactive workshops on body image for classes, student groups, and the campus community.
Are there any groups that are for credit?
PNEs: Peer Nutrition Educators
Advisors – Beth Kindamo, Nutrition Education Coordinator, and Katherine Ingerson, Food Services Dietitian
Students in the Food and Nutrition major (or Health Promotion and Behavior majors who have taken nutrition courses) can apply to be Peer Nutrition Educators (PNEs). They must first take the PNE class and are then eligible to become PNEs.
Apply to become a Peer Nutrition Educator
Can I do a practicum/internship for credit?
For inquiries about Health Promotion opportunities contact Liz Prince, lprince@uhs.uga.edu.
Can I volunteer in the Health Promotion office?
For assistance with administrative-type duties, the Health Promotion Department offers two federal work-study positions in the Fall and Spring semesters. If you are eligible for the work-study program and would like to apply for a position, please visit the Office of Student Financial Aid Federal Work-Study website.
Thank you for your interest in getting involved with the Health Promotion Department!