Peer Educator Program
As a major component of the Counseling Center’s consultation and outreach offerings, the Peer Educator Program provides psychoeducational learning experiences for the UC Irvine student community. Peer Educators are committed to teaching skills that will help students to reduce the potential for distressful life experience (primary prevention) and to resolve stressful situations more quickly should they arise.
Introduction to the Peer Educators
Peer Educators are undergraduate students representing a rich diversity of cultural backgrounds and life experiences. Many, but certainly not all, students participating in the program plan on pursuing either employment or graduate work in the counseling/mental health professions. However, students in the program have represented a variety of undergraduate majors and there are former Peer Educators and Student Associate Coordinators who have entered into such graduate programs as economics, law, and veterinary medicine. Peer Educators have a genuine commitment to learning and self-growth, and to providing a meaningful service to the UC Irvine student community. Students accepted into the program during the Spring Quarter participate during the following academic year.
Alyssa Mae Hufana P.E.E.R Educator |
Freda By P.E.E.R Educator |
Alexandria Tong P.E.E.R Educator |
Danny Nguyen P.E.E.R Educator |
Jasmine Riad P.E.E.R Educator |
Jonathan B. Lim P.E.E.R Educator |
Yvonne Vo P.E.E.R Educator |
Ana Alvarez P.E.E.R Educator |
Lisa Chow P.E.E.R Educator |
Lavina Ho P.E.E.R Educator |
My Nguyen Nguyen P.E.E.R Educator |
Pooja S. Parashar P.E.E.R Educator |
Yannwen Liang P.E.E.R Educator |
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Kenneth Han P.E.E.R Coordinator |
Sang X. Do P.E.E.R Coordinator |
Titana Tran P.E.E.R Coordinator |
While not all inclusive, the following provides a general overview of training topics typically addressed: primary prevention in mental health services; consultation and outreach skills; team development and leadership; experiential learning; teaching and presentation skills; workshop/curriculum development; focus groups/needs assessment; multiculturalism and mental health services; wellness model; college student development; and specific mental health/psychoeducational areas including stress management, depression, intimate relationships, and mediation skills.
Peers receive 3 units/quarter of 198 Group Study on a pass/no pass basis. Winter and Spring Quarters are also approved for Social Ecology 195, Field Study.
Peer Educators provide consultation services to various student groups; develop and deliver workshops/training sessions covering a variety of mental health topics, market the services of the Center to the campus community; assist professional staff with outreach programming; assess student need regarding mental health issues; and provide stress management relaxation training to individual students. Peer Educators also complete a special project which contributes to the effectiveness of the Peer Educator Program and the Counseling Center. Peers receive group supervision from the program instructor/coordinator and Associate Coordinators on a weekly basis and individual consultation as needed.
Friends Helping Friends seminars, presented by the UC Irvine Counseling Center Peer Educators, provide psycho-educational advice and training for students who are interested in increasing their social, self-management and helping skills. The seminars, covering a wide range of topics, will assist you in developing skills that will enable you to identify and support a friend in distress. There is no cost for this program and it is open to all UC Irvine students. You can download the full informational brochure here.
Those students attending a minimum of five (5) psycho-educational seminars will receive a Friends Helping Friends certificate and will be honored at an awards ceremony.
The Spring 2012 schedule of seminars included:
“Living Together”
Tuesday, April, 17, 2012; 7-8pm
Emerald Bay A , Student Center
For many, the college experience includes living with others. This workshop is designed to help you develop better relationships with your roommate (s) and make living together a positive experience.
“Mediation Skills”
Wednesday, April 18, 2012; 8-9pm
Doheny Beach B , Student Center
We sometimes have conflicts, and it is important to deal with potential disputes before they become key triggers of stress. Learn and practice ways to deal with conflict before it damages or destroys a relationship.
“Time Management & Procrastination ”
Wednesday, April 25, 2012; 7-8pm
Balboa Island A, Student Center
Discover ways to manage your priorities and overcome procrastination by setting your goals ahead of time.
“Test Anxiety, Study Skills, & Stress Management ”
Thursday, April 26, 2012; 7-8pm
Pacific Ballroom C , Student Center
Explore practical techniques that can help you reduce stress, better prepare for your exams, and cope with stress.
“Assertiveness Training ”
Tuesday, May 2, 2012; 7-8pm
Balboa Island A, Student Center
Come learn assertive skills that can help you directly communicate with others about your needs and goals, while considering the needs and goals of others.
“Intimate Relationships”
Wednesday, May 3, 2012; 7:30-8:30pm
Newport Beach B , Student Center
Maintain a healthy and mutually beneficial relationship. Primary foci will be on 1) understanding yourself and your needs regarding the relationship, and 2) good communication skills in a successful relationship.
"Communications Skills”
Tuesday, May 8, 2012; 7-8pm
Doheny Beach A, Student Center
Communication is essential in many aspects of our lives, including our interpersonal relationships and public speaking. Learn how to organize and express ideas clearly through listening, observing, interpreting, and understanding others.
“Grief”
Wednesday, May 9, 2012; 7-8pm
Emerald Bay B , Student Center
Loss is difficult: the death of a loved family member, the loss of a cherished relationship, the loss of a highly expected opportunity. Learn to help friends who experience grief or loss.
“Depression & Suicide"
Tuesday, May 15, 2012; 7-8pm
Doheny Beach B, Student Center
Research shows that 20% of the UCI population suffers from some symptoms of depression and that 3% meet the criteria for clinical depression. Learn signs of depression and suicide ideation as well as how to support and assist friends in need.
“Eating Disorders & Body Image ”
Wednesday, May 16, 2012; 7-8pm
Doheney Beach B , Student Center
Do you think that your friend may have an eating disorder but are not sure how to approach her or him? Learn to identify common behaviors among people who have eating disorders and receive suggestions on how you might assist your friend in getting the help s/he needs
"Abusive Relationships”
Tuesday, May 22, 2012; 7-8pm
Moss Cove A, Student Center
Develop understanding of abusive relationships and warning signs that might suggest you or a friend may be in or entering into one. Learn how to end and move on from a destructive relationship.
All UC Irvine undergraduates with a minimum GPA of 2.5 are eligible to apply for the program. Applications for the 2012-2013 year are available by following this link. Please fill out the application and make sure to turn it in at the Counseling Center front desk by May 15, 2012.
Questions about applying to the Peer Educator Program can be addressed to Jeanne Manese , Ph.D. Instructor/Coordinator.
