REAL Peer Educators

The REAL Project is the programming arm of the Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention Program. Real Peers serve as peer advocates and peer educators in their UCF community. The REAL Project is based on the belief that students can effectively influence the attitudes and behaviors of other students in positive ways. 

Through education, theoretical understanding, community engagement and experiential activities, the program trains qualified students to work together and to empower their peers to deal effectively with college lifestyle choices and issues related to alcohol and drug use. REAL Peers focus on developing environments that support caring and respectful relationships, motivate healthy choices and encourage critical analyses of personal and community attitudes, beliefs and behaviors.

Contact a REAL Peer Educator

How Do I Become a Peer Educator?

REAL Profiles

REAL Peers On-line Community

Who are Peer Educators?

The REAL Peers are specially trained Real Students. REAL Peers may hold either paid or volunteer positions with the REAL Project.

Staff:

Natalie Mullett, Assistant Director of Education and Training
Natalie Mullett, M. Ed, is a Certified Addiction Prevention Professional in the state of FL. She has 25 years of experience in the field of alcohol and other drug prevention, intervention and treatment. She started out as a peer education with the alcohol prevention program at Penn State . She joined the REAL Project team on June 1, 2007.
407.823.0476
Nmullett@mail.ucf.edu

Current REAL Peer Coordinators:
407-823-0473
Click on each coordinator's name for his/her REAL profile.

• Ryan
• Jen
• Dan
• Erin
• Allison
• Kaitlin
• Brent

We are located on the back side of the Counseling Center (Building 27).
We are in the wing closest to the Health Center Pharmacy. Stop on by and see us!

How do I become a Peer Educator?

First, register at MyUCF to take Sex, Drugs and Three Credit Hours - HLP2701: Peer Education Training Course. Then, apply!

Benefits of joining The REAL Project:

There are many benefits to becoming a REAL Peer:

• Learn up-to-date information on current health issues,
• Become a valuable resource for your friends and others,
• Develop your communication and leadership skills,
• Supplement your classroom experience,
• Advocate for important health issues making a difference in the overall health and wellbeing of the UCF community,
• Build Friendships,
• Build your resume.

Paid Positions: REAL Peer Coordinators

If you are interested in obtaining a paid Peer Coordinator position you must first, register at MyUCF to take Sex, Drugs and Three Credit Hours - HLP2701: Peer Education Training Course. After you successfully complete the course, you can apply for a paid leadership position! Paid Peer Coordinators are viewed as leaders and work within specific areas of the University community to make a REAL difference!

Paid REAL Peer Coordinators : 10 - 15 hours per week

• Provide workshops and lead discussions with students about health issues
• Table each Wednesday to provide information and increase student awareness about services.
• Plan, implement and evaluate special events such as Know Your Limits, National College Alcohol Awareness Week activities, Safe Spring Break,
• Recruit other students to become REAL Peers
• Serve as Peer Advocates in housing, academic advising, Greek Life, Athletics, and within their circle of friends.
• Serve as a resource to peer advocates within their area.
  

Volunteer positions: REAL Peer Advocates

REAL Peers may also hold volunteer positions within the organization. Volunteer peers serve as Peer Advocates impacting the health and wellbeing of the communities in which they live, play and learn. Peer Advocates serve as a resource and referral agent for students they interact with.

Peer Advocate Training:
Peer Advoactes complete a one day training course where they learn the basics of advocacy, becoming a change agent, leadership and communication skills. Once an advocate completes the one day training, they are eligible to attend certificate training on a variety of topics. Completing certificate training identifies you as a resource for information and referral in a given topic area. The more certificates you hold the more diverse your knowledge will be as a peer advocate.

Certificates offered:

• TIPS training for the University
• Hazing
• QPR (Suicide Prevention)
• Sex Under the Influence
• Sexual Assault
• Healthy and Disordered Eating
• Fitness
• STI prevention
• Stress management
• Diversity
• Allies