RU Surviving Thriving in the Rutgers University Wilderness

1. RU Surviving?Thriving in the Rutgers University Wilderness Josh Gelles, Mike Andrikanich, Bethany Little, Mike Cleary, Jessica Pansini, Jillian Ottaviani, Marissa Johnson, Staci Piech, Jennifer Arnau, Christina Alfano, Paula Heifez AHC Advisors: Dr. Lea Stewart, Dr. Helene White, Dr. Lisa Laitman, Dr. Robert Pandina, Cynthia Bates, Jennifer Greenberg

2. 2 Agenda Overview Theoretical Models Supporting Data Class Structure Peer Facilitation Methods Conclusion

3. 3 Overview First Year Student Seminar � Offered Fall Semester Offered to students thinking about being communication majors Peer Facilitators 2 Facilitators per class Provide information and serve as mentors for first year students Collect data and disseminate alcohol and other drug prevention messages Overseen by CHI and ADAPS

4. 4 Theoretical Models Socially Situated Experiential Learning Model Experience-based process of acquiring and interpreting social information (and misinformation) received from peers and other sources within the context of their direct learning experiences (Lederman & Stewart) Health Belief Model Behavior Change Theory

5. 5 Supporting Data Personal Feedback Interventions N=116 44.8% of PFI participants believe they are maintaining safe drinking habits 76.1% of males and 59.6% of females reported having engaged in at least one episode of dangerous drinking in the past month Discrepancy between perceptions, behaviors, and risks related to alcohol use.

6. 6 Class Topics Health and Wellness Health Centers Locations Hours Pharmacies Health Services What is available for students Exercise Gym Locations FIT Cards Proper exercise practices Alcohol and Drug Abuse RU SURE Campaign Messages/Misperceptions Prevention of Drug Abuse Sexual Health Safety Testing Nutrition Where to eat off-campus What to eat Dining Hall specials/deals Avoiding excessive weight gain Balancing Meals Government Nutrition Guides Study/Academics Where to study Good study habits Tutoring Advising centers Libraries How to use library resources How to research Course Recommendations Social/Miscellaneous Bus guides Fraternity/Sorority information Parking lot locations Rutgers Fest tips Calendar of School events

7. 7 Class Assignments/Artifacts Self Report Journals ADAPS Service Hours PFI Brief Motivational Interviews Questionnaires ADaWGS SHADES

8. 8 Daily Timeline 10 minutes � Self Report Journal Entries 10 minutes � Discussion of Self Report Journals Perceptions Thoughts 25-30 minutes � Themed Informal Lecture or Group Activity 5-10 minutes � Final Questions and Wrap Up 55 minutes total

9. 9 Peer Facilitators Prerequisites: Third Year Communication Major Minimum Communication GPA 3.0 Enrolled in Spring Semester Advanced Health Communication Class Must achieve at least a �B� in AHC Selected by instructor Peer Facilitating Earns 3 Credits 1.5 credits for facilitating 1.5 credits for lesson preparation

10. 10 Facilitation Methods Listening Observing Communicating Decentering Being an Example Team Building Importance of Confidentiality Ethical Considerations GA to Supervise Peer Mentors

11. 11 Conclusion Our perceptions as first year students Self fulfilling prophecies Proactive rather than reactive

12. 12 Thank You Esteemed Guests USDE Q184H050084 NIDA 017552 AACU Bringing Theory to Practice Project With Support from the Charles Engelhard Foundation

13. 13 Questions?