Student Health Advocates
If you are interested in the program, please email us at: studenthealth@ucsd.edu and you will be added to the contact list to be notified when the application process begins NEXT winter quarter. Remember to include: full name, local phone, full email address, college, and year.
The SHA program is an important part of the Health Education team at Student Health Service, and is also a registered student organization on campus. The SHA program was voted "Most Outstanding Student Organization" two years in a row!
Check our main web page for upcoming events on campus.
Student Health Advocates (SHAs) are trained to educate other students about health issues and concerns through outreach programs. They are an essential part of the Health Education program at Student Health Service where they work closely with nurses and medical assistants.
Check out the SHA - Staff interviews here!
SHAs specialize in one of the following areas:
General Health
These SHAs provide education programs on nutrition, stress management, sleep, fitness, perform blood pressure checks and plan General Health Awareness events on campus.
Sexual Health
These SHAs facilitate the sexual health information sessions at Student Health; present programs on birth control, sexually transmitted diseases, HIV antibody testing, perform blood pressure checks, and plan Sexual Health Awareness events on campus.
Community Opportunities for SHAs
General Health and Sexual Health SHAs also have the opportunity to teach nutrition and personal hygiene to third graders at elementary schools and to teach STD prevention at high schools in San Diego County.
The benefits of becoming a Student Health Advocate include:
- Enhanced communication, decision-making and leadership skills
- Improved presentation, teaching, and facilitation skills
- Gaining extensive knowledge of health promotion, disease prevention, and college health issues
- Gaining valuable experience for future employment, academic endeavors, and professional licensure.
- Being part of a skilled, fun, diverse team of students committed to providing accurate, non-judgmental health information to peers on campus and youth in the community.
Who can be an SHA?
Undergraduate students of any major, college, or class level may apply. The only requirement is an interest in health education, the ability to effectively communicate, and a few hours of your time each week. The application and selection process takes place each winter quarter, followed by training throughout the spring quarter.This comprehensive training is based on a lecture series from a variety of disciplines (MDs, RNPs, MPHs) and covers awareness, values clarification, and communication skills, in addition to health topics.
After training, students are required to volunteer for a minimum of three quarters, developing, promoting and implementing health education programs and working in the health center.
Participation in this program allows students to develop health knowledge and skills, build friendships and interact with health professionals. Leadership and academic internship opportunities exist for motivated students.
Students interested in becoming a SHA should possess the following:
- A strong interest and enthusiasm in promoting healthy behaviors among peers
- An open mind to diverse cultures, practices, and sexual orientations different from your own
- Sensitivity to controversial and personal topics and a willingness to talk candidly about them
- Dedication and commitment to health promotion, disease prevention, and responsibility as an SHA volunteer
- Sincere concern for others, their well-being, and quality of life
