New Peer Education Advisor? We’ve Got You Covered

If you are a first-time peer education advisor (or advisor of any student group, really), the task ahead is exciting yet daunting at times. What’s the best way to manage the group and their expectations? Who can I turn to for help? Surely others have been through this experience.

Yes. All of our advisors started somewhere – many with no background in peer education. Luckily, though, we have decades of experience and the power of NASPA to help you be successful…and have fun in the process.

Join NASPA

This is not a simple membership plea. Membership unlocks all the benefits of having a BACCHUS Initiatives-affiliated group. Basically, advisors for recognized peer education groups need to be Professional Affiliate Members of NASPA. The perks are worth it, though! You have access to other professionals and networking opportunities. You are able to volunteer for projects and events, plus apply for awards. You also receive knowledge and significantly discounted professional development opportunities.

Set Up Your Online Profile

Anyone can go in to naspa.org and create a profile. This will allow you to fully utilize the website and, depending on membership status, access resources and opportunities for participation. You can set email preferences and even set yourself to be notified about new content that is BACCHUS-related. This tutorial will walk you through it.

Explore the BACCHUS Pages

Simply go to: www.naspa.org/BACCHUS and learn more about what we do and the things we offer. On that landing page, you’ll see our regularly updated blog (where you’ll find the latest important information), and links to additional pages. Be sure to check out the Resources section with tips, sample documents, and more.

Learn More About Peer Education

If you are starting a peer education group or are simply new to the field, watch this 20-minute video to get a better idea of what to expect and how to best utilize the resources available to you.

Connect with Us

We post updates, links, and interesting news bits on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram – connect with us on one or all of those. Also be sure to connect with your BACCHUS regional page on Facebook.

Network within Your State and Region

As you may know, NASPA divides into regions as a way to provide members opportunities for dialogue “closer to home.” The BACCHUS Initiatives share these regions. Volunteer professional advisors, called a BACCHUS Regional Consultant (BRC), lead each area. Many states also have a State Coordinator. We recommend connecting with these volunteers and getting to know them. Part of their role is to meet and share information about BACCHUS and peer education with advisors throughout their area.

General Assembly

This November, students and advisors from across the country will gather in Kansas City to feel inspired, share ideas, and build exceptional peer education programs and strategies in health, safety, and student leadership. 

This conference allows attendees to take advantage of a tremendous selection of learning opportunities including 70+ educational sessions, keynote speakers, and featured presentations from renowned speakers. We will also be offering pre-conference learning opportunities, including our Certified Peer Educator (CPE) Training for attendees.

Advisors Academy (at General Assembly)

The role of a collegiate peer health education advisor is complex, ever changing, and sometimes poorly defined. There is no handbook, training, or manual when it comes to working with peer health education groups. At the BACCHUS Initiatives of NASPA 2016 General Assembly, The BACCHUS Advisor Academy provides participants with the training, skills and knowledge needed to be an effective collegiate peer health education advisor.

The BACCHUS Advisor Academy is designed for individuals who are new to advising peer health education groups. This includes staff and graduate students who are new to the field, as well as seasoned professionals who have not previously advised peer health educators. Whether you come from a public health, student affairs, counseling, or other background, this training provides the foundation every peer education advisor needs.

Certified Peer Educator (CPE) Training

Certified Peer Educator (CPE) Training is an effective strategy for building a well educated and sustainable peer education group. CPE Training helps peer educators develop leadership skills to successfully create and implement campus programs.

How Else Can We Help?

Still not finding what you need or the answer to your question? Please reach out to the BACCHUS Initiatives staff and say hello. We’re happy to help you.