Dates:Orientation session-TBA or contact Darline Hunter at darhunte@utmb.edu or Rhonda Moore at 409-747-9508. Regular meeting times will be determined by the group. Note: this activity requires a minimum of a semester membership. This activity cannot be repeated for credit

Participation: Participation is open to all disciplines.

Description: The Peer Support Team will provide peer support (usually to a student in another discipline) in order to help students successfully manage their lives while a student at UTMB. A summary reflection essay is required.

Activities:

1. To participate in training to develop and increase peer helping skills, to learn to identify potential at-risk peers, and to learn when referrals to mental health professionals are needed. (Six hours total usually 2 hours per week for 3 weeks.)
2. To mentor students who are new to the UTMB campus and/or who need extra support in times of increased stress or decreased support. (Meet with them at least one peer weekly or bi-weekly for 3 months.)
3. To be ambassadors to faculty, staff, and students about the Peer Support Team, and give them information on how to make a referral (Each team member is encouraged to make three presentations, to be assigned by the sponsors.)
4. To document each peer contact so that the sponsors can monitor the effectiveness of each peer relationship and follow-up on referrals as needed. (Approximately 30 minutes per peer encounter.)
5. Meet weekly or bi-monthly (as needed)with the team for case reviews for the three month period. (One hour each meeting.)
6. Write a summary reflection essay (not to exceed 300 words) stating your evaluation of the benefits/drawbacks of such a peer support team, populations for whom such services are most effective, and how you might utilize what you have learned in your future practice.

Activity Objectives: The student will have opportunities to: