Alcohol and other drugs Campus Education Services (ACES) Peer Education Program: Information Packet Thank you for your interest in becoming a member of the 2019/2020 ACES Peer Education team! This packet includes a brief description of the ACES Peer Education Program, including requirements for application and a description of the peer educator position It also includes stipend information and a paper application for submission Please read all materials carefully, and follow the included instructions as you complete the application Completed applications may be submitted one of the following ways: E mail: Please send your completed application to the ACES Peer Education Program coordinators Nicole Marganti and Alyssa Yoxtheimer at aces@gvsu.edu OR University Counseling Center: You may print and drop off your application at the University Counseling Center, located in 204 STU The application due date is Friday, March 15th All applications must be received by 5:00pm for consideration Applicants will be notified regarding the status of their application by March 22nd Interviews will be conducted between April 1st and April 5th Page of Alcohol and other drugs Campus Education Services (ACES) Peer Education Program: Peer Education Program and Peer Educator Job Description Peer Education at ACES at Grand Valley The ACES Peer Education Program is comprised of highly trained students who serve as liaisons and leaders to the campus community Peer educators receive ongoing professional development in topics relevant to their needs, the needs of the ACES office, and the needs of the larger student body Peer educators are trained to provide education and resources on safe and responsible substance use, legal and health implications of substance use, and strategies to empower alcohol-free choices Peer educators receive training issues pertaining to alcohol, marijuana, campus trends, state law, and best practices in high education Peer educators work closely with the College Student Affairs Leadership graduate assistant, Grand Valley Police, House and Residence Life and the Office of Student Life In addition to training received, peer educators have the opportunity to develop and lead initiatives while cultivating skills transferrable to the professional workforce Those skills include, among others: * * * * * Presenting to and/or leading discussion with large groups Marketing initiatives to target groups Collaborating with individuals, departments, and/or community organizations Engaging effectively with persons of diverse backgrounds Responsibly representing a professional entity Overall, on behalf of the ACES office, peer educators aim to: * Educate students on alcohol use, health impacts, and campus trends * Introduce and connect students to the University Counseling Center and ACES services * Provide education and referral related to substance use and holistic wellness * Engage in responsible dialogue and action around substance abuse or misuse * Serve as student leaders on campus Job Requirements Our vision is to establish a staff of peer educators who are diverse, enthusiastic, and passionate about positively impacting individuals and the larger campus community through outreach, education, promotion of alcohol-free initiatives We hope to attract students from a variety of academic disciplines and with a variety of life experiences so that each might offer unique history, perspective, and strength to the larger team We are looking for peer educators who are professional, curious, eager to learn, open to feedback, and motivated to serve as a vital members of the ACES outreach team In addition to those qualities noted above, Peer Education Program applicants must be enrolled in the 2019/2020 academic year and: * Have and maintain a 2.5 gpa * Work well alone and as a member of a team Page of * Be willing and able to devote between and hours per week to Peer Education * Make a one year commitment to serve as a peer educator (FALL 2019 and WINTER 2020) Job Description Peer educators are expected to act as positive role models and as administrative representatives of the University Counseling Center Furthermore, peer educators are expected to: * Attend peer educator training * Attend weekly team meetings * Represent ACES at campus-wide events * Participate in national mental health screening days * Plan and facilitate alcohol and marijuana education programing * Create and deliver a psychoeducational program to a campus group or organization * Attend and support monthly Game Nights held on Friday evenings on campus * Other duties as assigned Though peer educators are not required to work all of the hours outlined below on a weekly basis, peer educators MUST be regularly available during the following times during the academic year (FALL 2019 and WINTER 2020) in order to participate in the Peer Education Program: * The Thursday and Friday prior to the first day of classes, fall semester (dates/times to be announced) * The 3rd Friday of each month 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm * Two weekday evenings per month pm – 8:00 pm Compensation We hope that all of our peer educators leave the program with transferrable skills and a positive experience they can take with them long after they have graduated from GVSU! For their contributions to ACES and its mission, peer educators who complete the mandatory minimum number of hours per semester (approximately 45) through their participation in the activities noted above will receive a $350 stipend at the end of each semester Students who not complete the mandatory minimum number of hours or who otherwise not fulfill their obligations as a peer educator not receive a stipend and may be relieved of their role as a peer educator An Additional Note Regarding Peer Education Peer education offers students from a variety of academic disciplines the opportunity to work alongside a diverse team of talented professionals, including psychologists, social workers, nurse practitioners, doctoral interns, faculty members, higher education administrators, and graduate students in education If you’re interested in growing as a professional, learning new skills, taking a leadership role, and having fun while working hard to positively impact the Grand Valley community, then peer education is right for you Apply today! Page of Alcohol and other drugs Campus Education Services (ACES) Peer Education Program: Application Personal/Contact Information Name: _ G Number: Phone Number/s: _ Email: _ Local Address: Home Address: _ Educational Background School/Major: Current Status (2018/2019): 1st year GPA: 2nd year 3rd year 4th year Other Expected Date of Graduation: Post-Graduation Plans: _ High Schools, Universities or Colleges attended: Name Dates Major Degree Conferred Work and Volunteer History Employer Job Title/Description Dates of Employment List participation in any student organizations, national organizations, extracurricular activities, or athletics: Page of Page of Alcohol and other drugs Campus Education Services (ACES) Peer Education Program: Application Please respond to the following questions completely and concisely Incomplete applications will not be considered Why you want to be a peer educator? In what ways can this position help you achieve your personal and professional goals? What issue/s are you most passionate about addressing as a peer educator? Why? Briefly describe any previous experience/s (academic, volunteer, personal, workrelated, etc.) that might have prepared you to serve as a peer educator What strengths and skills to you possess that would contribute to your success in this leadership position? We ask peer educators to commit to approximately hours per week What other extracurricular and work responsibilities will you have next academic year and how will you manage these commitments while also serving as a peer educator? Page of