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PEER PROGRAMS
Peer Programs involve student volunteers and extend Counseling Center outreach to the student body. Student volunteers are selected and trained to participate in the following peer programs:
- Peer Counselors
- Peer Educators
MSU Peer Counselors
Peer Counselors are trained, volunteer student paraprofessionals who work with the University Counseling Center to extend counseling services and mental health information to the student body. Peer counselors take a 4 credit mental health course in the fall as part of their training.
Many students’ first contact with peer counselors is during the Introduction to the University session in July, August, or January. Peer counselors assist new students during those periods by conducting campus tours, explaining the registration process, and answering many questions about student life.
Peer counselors meet with students around campus and in the residence halls to talk about personal, social, and academic concerns. All sessions with peer counselors, as with the professional counselors, are confidential.
Typical Activities:
Got Drama? Talk with a Peer Counselor!
Peer counselors have office hours in the Counseling Center and in the residence halls to meet with students individually about personal, social, and academic concerns. All sessions with peer counselors, as with the professional counselors, are completely confidential.
EXPRESSIONS
During the school year, peer counselors conduct EXPRESSIONS, a discussion series where students can talk openly about issues of concern to them. EXPRESSIONS is held in the evenings in the residence halls.
Workshops and Other Activities
Peer counselors work with the Counseling Center in a variety of other ways, including helping lead workshops and make presentations to classes, assisting with mediation when two or more students need help resolving a conflict, or even working with groups in the community. Peer counselors have initiated a conflict resolution and mediation project on campus. Each year’s activities are planned by the current group of peer counselors in consultation with the counseling staff.
You may make an appointment to talk with a peer counselor by coming to the Counseling Center, CGW room 202, or calling (443)885-3130.
Become a Peer Counselor
Are you the kind of person whom others talk with about their problems? Peer counseling is an excellent leadership development/ personal growth experience. We invite you to apply to become a peer counselor! Applications are available in the spring for the program that begins in the summer and extends through the next academic year. Students with strong GPAs, good communication skills and an interest in helping others are encouraged to apply. Talk with a current peer counselor or the coordinator, Ms. Claudia Leight, for more information .
Applications are available in the Counseling Center or click here to print an application. Applications are due in March of each year. At the time of application, students should sign up for a personal interview.
Peer counselors are expected to enroll in the training class for peer counseling, offered in the fall. (The 4 credit course counts as a free elective.) Applicants must have a GPA of at least 2.8 (3.0 for students with 16-24 credits).
Peer Counselors, 2008-2009
- Yohance Ayodike
- Avis Jackson
- Vanessa Njoku
- Mema Bamba
- Ciara James
- Nicola Norman
- Tenia Butler
- Renee Jefferson
- Aaries Reed
- Jeremiah Chukwuka
- Subria Lapps
- Erika Trenard
- Dede D’Almeida
- Charlene Monu
- Andrea Tuck
- Dwayne Dubarry
- Dionne Muir-Clarke
- Roberta Virgil
“Sometimes the Best Ear Is Your Peer”
Peer Educators
The Peer Educators are student volunteers trained in the areas of HIV/AIDS as well as relationship violence. These students present information sessions in orientation classes as well as residence halls. They are also called upon to collaborate with student organizations. Throughout the academic year, they sponsor tables in the Student Union from which they distribute information and resources.
During the fall semester the Peer Educators receive specialized training on HIV/AIDS. Upon completion, they are able to present basic facts, including definitions, modes of infection, testing, and information specific to African Americans. Typically, the Peer Educators sponsor a week of activities in commemoration of World AIDS Day, December 1st of each year.
The Peer Educators receive additional training on relationship violence during the spring semester. The cycle of violence, signs of healthy relationships and resources for assistance are covered. During Sexual Assault Awareness Month (April) educational activities are sponsored which culminate in the annual Take Back the Night Rally and March.
Typical Activities
- Homecoming
- RAINN Day
- AIDS Lock-In
- World AIDS Day
- National Black AIDS Awareness Day
- Clothes Line Project
- Take Back the Night
For additional information about the Peer Educators, including membership, please contact Dr. Sonya Clyburn at 443.885.3130.
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