EHS students to present at national conference
11/13/08
Five students from the School of Education, Health and Society will be presenting information about Miami health programs at a national conference for peer educators.
The students are HAWKS (Health Advocates for Wellness Knowledge and Skills) from Miami's office of health education, and they will be presenting at the BACCHUS Network General Assembly in Columbus, Nov. 14-15.
The conference typically has about 1,100 student participants and a competitive presentation process, according to Leslie Haxby McNeill, assistant director of health education at Miami.
"Gimme a Little Head Room" will be presented by Stefanie Sliger, a senior social work major and Sarah Pearcy, a senior health studies major. "Head Room," developed in consultation with the university's student counseling service, aims to better identify and support students who may be dealing with psychosocial, educational and other issues that have adverse impacts on their lives.
"Newbies Galore: Recruiting and Training Your New Peer Health Educators" will be presented by Jillian Karem, a junior middle childhood education major, and Elise Huang, a senior double major in English and exercise science. "Newbies" showcases Miami's nationally recognized staff recruitment, selection and development process.
"Operation Jungle Red: Embrace Your Inner Strength" will be presented by Reginald Fennell, professor of kinesiology and health, and Renee Angelo, a senior double major in health education and health studies. "Operation Jungle Red" commemorates the victims of the Virginia Tech tragedy and raises awareness about male violence on college campuses. It encourages conversations about ways to reduce similar violent acts and seeks ways to increase more male participation in such conversations.
The BACCHUS Network is a university- and community-based network of peer educators focusing on comprehensive health and safety initiatives. The BACCHUS philosophy is that students can play a uniquely effective role - unmatched by professional educators - in encouraging fellow students to consider, talk honestly about and develop responsible habits and attitudes toward high-risk health and safety issues.