Frequently Asked Questions about Peer Health Educators (PHES)
If your questions are not answered on this page, please contact Jarreau Bowen at health@stanford.edu.
Login to the Current PHE Infectious Disease Report
- On this page:
- What is a PHE?
- What is great about being a PHE?
- What education and training are mandatory parts of the PHE program?
- Who is eligible to apply to be a PHE for 2011-2012?
- Do I have to be a particular major to apply?
- I’m overseas during Winter Quarter 2011. Can I still apply for 2011-2012?
- I’m a freshman right now and I really want to be a PHE one day. How can I be a successful applicant?
- How do I become a PHE?
What is a PHE?
A PHE is a residential staff specialist who actively promotes and supports student health, wellness and safety.
PHEs are affiliates of Wellness and Health Promotion Services (HPS)
at Vaden Health Center. They are supervised by HPS and their Resident
Fellows.
A PHE
- is a role model for healthy living
- provides culturally inclusive health education programs, support and information regarding campus health and safety issues, “hot” topics and policies
- provides health coaching, peer counseling and resource referral
- tends to minor colds and ailments; provides referral for other health issues
- assists with campus infection control and helps promote safety measures by working closely with Vaden staff
- advises residential staff members on health issues and is an integral part of the staff team
What is great about being a PHE?
- Learn about a wide range of health topics
- Connect with residents
- Be a vital part of a residential staff team
- Be the “go to” person for health issues
- Develop your leadership and presentation skills
- Develop your counseling and coaching skills
- Be part of the close-knit PHE community
- Make funny, fabulous health education materials
- Contribute to the health and well-being of the Stanford Community
What education and training are mandatory parts of the PHE program?
- PHEs must successfully complete “Health Promotion and the Campus Culture” (PEDS105, 4 units) Spring Quarter 2011, Tuesday and Thursday, from 3:15 to 5:05 p.m.
- PHEs return to campus one week before New Student Orientation for PHE early arrival training.
- PHEs participate in mandatory weekly meetings throughout the academic year.
Who is eligible to apply to be a PHE for 2011-2012?
PHEs applicants are current sophomores or juniors who have had previous experience and leadership in student service and/or health-related programs. They are enthusiastic and committed to promoting wellness and safety in the Stanford community. Freshmen are not eligible to apply.
You must:
- Be a current sophomore or junior (junior or senior during your year as PHE)
- Be on campus all three quarters of the academic year
- Successfully complete Pediatrics 105, the four-unit PHE Training Course in Spring 2011 titled “Health Promotion and the Campus Culture” (on Tuesday and Thursday from 3:15 to 5:05 p.m.). NO EXCEPTIONS!
- Have one year of guaranteed housing left
- Accept your PHE placement
- Return to campus for training in mid-September 2011 (PHE training conflicts with Sophomore College and Honors College. Therefore, you may not participate in Sophomore or Honors College when serving as a PHE.)
- Participate in all of PHE training and staff retreats starting late August/early September (and participate in other training sessions during the year). Specific dates for training are provided during the selection process
- Attend mandatory weekly PHE meetings during the 2011-2012 academic year
- Abide by all University policies. Violating University policy or breaking the law is grounds for termination
- Remain in good academic standing. Candidates who are on probation or provisional registration are not eligible for a PHE position. Incompletes must be completed before the start of the job in September. If a student is placed on probation or is suspended during service as a PHE, this can be grounds for termination
- Have a social security number. Non-US citizens must also have a current and appropriate visa. In addition, proof of employment eligibility is required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986
- Live in the residence to which you are assigned and sign and abide by the Stanford Housing Residence Agreement and any other special house agreements that are required by members of the house
- Purchase at least the minimum board plan associated with the houseto which you have been assigned, and eat most meals in the house. Exceptions for cases involving unique health requirements may be pursued with your supervisor
Do I have to be a particular major to apply?
NO. PHEs have a broad diversity of majors and interests!
We have classics majors, feminist studies majors, symbolic systems
majors and electric engineering majors, just to name a few. Pre-meds have
a lot of fun as PHEs as well.
I’m overseas during Winter Quarter 2011. Can I still apply for 2011-2012?
Yes. Please send an email message to health@stanford.edu as soon as possible.
I’m a freshman right now and I really want to be a PHE one day. How can I be a successful applicant?
Get involved with some of the many health groups at Stanford.
Great places to start:
- SHPRC (Sexual Health Peer Resource Center)
- HIV*PACT (HIV Peer Anonymous Counseling and Testing)
- The Bridge Peer Counseling Center
- The Real World: Stanford
- Wellness and Health Promotion Services internships
See Get Involved: Volunteer Opportunities for more information.
All student leadership experience is also beneficial.
How do I become a PHE?
The selection process involves a written application and a first and second round of interviews. Because PHEs work closely with HPS and House staff, both HPS and Resident Fellows interview applicants in the Winter Quarter. Placements are announced by the Friday of dead week in Winter Quarter.
Applicants must attend one of the two mandatory information sessions in which you'll learn the "ins and outs" of the application process and hear firsthand about the PHE experience from current PHEs.
Peer Health Educator Information Sessions at Vaden Health Center, Education Center North (Second Floor):
- Tuesday, January, 18, 2011 at 7pm
- Wednesday, January, 19, 2011 at 7pm
Application Due: February 4, 2011
Questions? Contact health@stanford.edu