Health for Students by Students
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Being healthy involves making decisions that are right for you and being part of a community that cares about each other. Here we foster student health advocacy, where students grapple with personal and social questions that affect their overall well-being and the well-being of others.
A large part of the Department of Health Education is student run. Students voices need to be heard-regarding their lives and health needs. We offer courses, training, student internships, opportunities for research and advocacy, part-time jobs and community service experiences. We work with students on all campuses and focus on leadership, advocacy and social justice.
We believe that being healthy means having the confidence, resources, skills and energy to live each day to the fullest. In part, good health is up to each of us: how we live our lives and care for ourselves and others. Good health requires a system which assures the conditions needed for people and communities to function well.
SHRIMP
Health for Students by Students:Student Health at Rutgers Independent Mini-grant Project puts student health promotion into student hands. This student-run initiative seeks to fund creative, student-developed projects that will foster a healthier Rutgers community. Interested students and student organizations can complete a short application online
SHADES
SHADES Theater (Student Health Advocates Developing Educational Scenarios) is an interactive student improv theater troupe. Students create and perform scenes dealing with real life issues about sexual health, violence, relationships, racism, homophobia, etc. Performances include an open discussion between actors (remaining in character) and the audience. It is a safe place to talk openly about issues that are often hard to talk about. Scenes or a full show may be performed for groups as small as 20. For information on scheduling a performance or to audition, call us at (732) 932-7710 x273.Robert H. Bierman Student Health Journalism Award
Two of the best health articles appearing in a campus newspaper between March 18, 2002 and March 14, 2003 are awarded cash prizes. Such stories might focus on sexuality, relationships, drinking/drugging behavior on campus, impact of racism/sexism/homophobia on student health, body image, current health trends/perception of college students, and any topic that looks at health as a social issue requiring collective action, rather than just personal behavior or habits which contribute to disease. Check the website for details.Sexuality
Sexuality is an essential part of life that can be confusing and somewhat overwhelming at times. Learning about sexual health can help students develop healthy relationships and create a safer and caring community.Sexual Health Advocates (SHAs) are students who have completed a course of training and lead programs and discussions that address students sexual health concerns. SHAs are knowledgeable about:
- Contraception and safer sex methods, where to obtain, prices, etc.
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and HIV/AIDS modes of transmission, prevention, general info
- Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender issues
- The connection between sexuality and alcohol and other drug use
- Sexual health issues in the context of other realities in students lives, such as racism, sexism, heterosexism, and homophobia
- Sexuality, relationships, and communication
- Body image and sexuality
CURVES
Challenging UnRealistic Views on Eating and Size is a student-run organization whose goal is to proactively challenge the campus environment and societys norms regarding the ideal body shape and size for both women and men. CURVES members participate in Body Appreciation Week and create other forums to stimulate dialogue and promote body appreciation for Rutgers University students of all shapes and sizes.ALCOHOL, NICOTINE, and other drugs
Substance misuse and abuse (alcohol, nicotine and illicit drugs) negatively impact the entire campus community. Recent student surveys conducted here at Rutgers indicate that 2/3s of students who socialize with alcohol have 3 or fewer drinks and 1 in 5 dont drink at all. Social Marketing Students are trained to talk with students about making informed and responsible decisions, addressing such issues as:- Conflict management
- Facts and myths about alcohol, nicotine, over-the-counter and illicit drugs
- Understanding the relationship between alcohol and sexual contact
- Issues related to women and alcohol
- RU Sure? - an interactive program exploring alcohol-related decisions
- For Smokers Only - an informational packet to help students quit smoking
NUTRITION
Nutrition is vital to improving fitness, energy level, the immune system, mood and overall good health.Having nutritious meals can sometimes be difficult, especially if you are cooking for yourself, using a meal plan, or eating on the run. Student Nutrition Advocates (often nutrition majors) are trained in nutrition and lead discussions, such as:
- Nutrition for a healthy lifestyle
- Effects of dietary habits on mood, exercise and performance
- Healthy weight control
- Healthy options in the dining hall
- Vegetarian eating styles and options
ACADEMIC CREDIT
Various academic opportunities for coursework, internships and CASE service placements are available.New Brunswick
- Individual and Community Change*-10:832:252 (also called Theories, Assessment and Practice of Health Behavior 01:377:252) is a four-credit course (including one CASE credit for community service). Students discover new ways of understanding their own health and examine basic principles and processes of social justice and college health. Students become involved in community health issues through direct community service. Students examine basic principles and processes of social justice and college health.
*formerly called Developing a Wellness Lifestyle - Sexual Health Advocate Training Class (10:832:301,302,303) is a two-semester, 7-credit course (including one credit for community service) that prepares students to advocate for sexual heath. SHAs facilitate programs and discussions on sexual health and other topics by learning about issues on racism, sexism, homophobia, safer sex, body image, etc. Interested? Fill out an application online or at the Department of Health Education.
- Advanced Instruction and our Peer Seminar are also available for 1-3 credits for pursuing special projects in specific health areas by arrangement with Health Education staff, especially for students who have completed the Change... or Sexual Health... courses.
- Nutrition Advocate Training is a one-year training experience to learn and present nutrition programs on campus and in the community. Trained student nutrition advocates continue their advocacy in subsequent years with the Department.
NEWARK AND CAMDEN
Interested in learning more about yourself? Concerned about the health and well-being of others? Want to make a difference on campus, or have a career interest in health services? Check us out:Newark
- Special Issues-Psychology: Sexual Health Program (21:830:489) This 4-credit course (including one CASE credit for community service) prepares students to advocate for health, become involved in community health issues, and conduct discussions on- and off-campus. Students examine racism, sexism and heterosexism and how it effects individual and community health. Explore the socio-political barriers to health and develop approaches to reach students with health messages.
Camden
- Join the Department and make our campus a healthier and better place to be. Learn about: personal health, reaching out to peers, developing health programs.
- Become a Student Health Advocate. We offer a 6-week group training to prepare students to lead programs on campus.
- Join the Student Health Advocate Organization. Founded in 1998, the H.A.O. welcomes all students who are interested in and concerned with student health, the physical, mental and sexual health issues of the campus and community.
Health Theory & Advocacy (Urban Studies 50:975:489) critically examines health theories and prepares students to advocate for health on campus and in the urban community. Explore individual and community health, health care, and health promotion in the public and private sectors.
Call for information: (856) 225-6005, or email rrusso@crab.rutgers.edu.
The Department of Health Education, in the Rutgers University Health Services, supports students building personal and community health. Request a program, apply for positions, ask a question online.
Department of Health Education
Camden Health Center (856) 225-6005
326 Penn Street
Student Center-2nd floor
Camden, NJ 08102
Hurtado Health Center (732) 932-7710 x273
11 Bishop Place
College Avenue Campus
New Brunswick, NJ 08901-1180
Newark Health Center (973) 353-1236
Blumenthal Hall
249 University Avenue
Newark, NJ 07102
http://health.rutgers.edu