Student Support Network
Student Support Network
Want to learn who is involved with the Student Support Network? Find Out ....
What is the purpose of the Student Support Network?
The Student Support Network is a component of the WPI Student Development and Counseling Center and has been initially funded by a national grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Peer Advocates are selected and trained to enhance student awareness of mental health and wellness throughout the WPI community. Peer Advocates will be central within a supportive network of students trained and committed to improving the quality of life for all members of the WPI community. Peer Advocates will also be given the opportunity to offer active and passive programming that will enhance the education, skill building, and personal growth to further fellow students’ well-being, coping, and resilience. Peer Advocates will disseminate information about the services provided by the Student Development and Counseling Center and decrease the stigma associated with seeking counseling. As student leaders reaching out to other students, Peer Advocates serve as positive role models for the campus community.
What do Peer Advocates do?
The role of the Student Advocate at WPI gives a wide variety of opportunities for both personal and professional growth. Peer Advocates will be extensively and thoroughly trained in recognizing and describing mental health concerns and will assist their peers in locating appropriate resources either on campus or in the community. The Peer Advocates will create a network that will raise awareness of mental health concerns among their fellow students. The Peer Advocates will be given the opportunity to provide programming on a variety of topics including and not limited to: recognizing and coping with depression and anxiety, developing healthy relationships, and stress management. Although they will not provide counseling, Peer Advocates will enhance interpersonal and support skills which will help prepare them to function in leadership roles where they live, learn and work.
What are the expectations and responsibilities of a Student Advocate at WPI?
- Peer Advocates will become knowledgeable about common mental health concerns of college students and be able to make effective referrals and increase help seeking behavior on campus
- Peer Advocates are approachable, good listeners, good leaders, respected by their peers, and good communication skills
- Peer Advocates are creative and are willing to look at problems from different perspectives
- Peer Advocates will strive to be positive role models within the WPI community
- Peer Advocates will maintain confidentiality of fellow Peer Advocates, and other members of the community
What are the benefits of becoming a Student Advocate?
- Learn valuable skills that will help in furthering your professional career
- Help students in need by raising awareness of mental health concerns
- Become part of a community service group on campus
- Opportunity to meet new people within the WPI community
What happens and what are the requirements for Student Advocate training?
Peers are selected and supervised by the SDCC Outreach Coordinator and other staff members of the Student Development and Counseling Center and must attend an initial orientation meeting, along with five scheduled trainings throughout the term. Training sessions will occur weekly and last up to an hour and a half and will cover topics including the nature of crisis and struggle, core support skills, recognizing and responding others' distress, common student mental health concerns and awareness of key supportive resources on campus. The training sessions are highly interactive and focused on real issues and concerns. Peer advocates are also encouraged to support other initiatives and activities organized by SSN including special interest sessions, peer education efforts and general advocacy to promote menatl health on campus.
How do I become a Student Advocate?
Peer Advocates are students at WPI who promote healthy lifestyles and supportive resources on campus. We seek energetic, compassionate, and creative students with good social skills and good judgment who are committed to educating others about mental health issues and resources.
Applications will be taken for the 2008 D-term training through February 13th. You can fill out an application below, or pick up an application packet at the Student Development and Counseling Center at 157 West Street. Your application must be received by date to be chosen later to be considered. Applications are reviewed by the Outreach Coordinator for appropriateness for the program and all applicants will be contacted before the beginning of D-term to be notified of their status with the program.
Peer Educator Application
Questions?
Please Contact:
Rebekah Freeman Schulze - Outreach Coordinator
rschulze@wpi.edu
Student Development and Counseling Center
sdcc@wpi.edu
x 5540
Maintained by webmaster@wpi.eduLast modified: February 27, 2008 11:20:56