Health and Wellness Education

Catamount Wellness Ambassadors are peer health educators who serve as liaisons between Health and Wellness Education and WCU students to promote health and wellbeing on campus. CWAs deepen their understanding of health and wellness topics while gaining important leadership skills such as public speaking and program planning.

• Assist the Assistant Director with planning, promoting, and implementing health and wellness programs, initiatives, and events 
• Participate in outreach presentations and tabling events
• Promote a healthy lifestyle and encourage healthy behaviors on campus as peer health educators

• Become a Certified Peer Health Educator
• Develop leadership skills 
• Gain widespread knowledge about health and wellness
• Develop skills in public speaking and program planning

• Attend regular meetings
• 2.5 GPA (First-year students are welcome to apply)
• Only apply if you can commit to the Fall and Spring semesters

Complete the online application!

In accordance with Western Carolina University’s Policy #38, which is consistent with the requirements of the Code of the Board of Governors of the University of North Carolina (the “Code”) and UNC Policy 1300.1, the University Board of Trustees adopts this Policy to address such threats to the integrity of the University community and to comply with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989.

• Drug Free Schools and Campuses Biennial Review Report
• Drug and Alcohol Prevention Program (DAAPP) Report

The Alcohol and Other Drugs Committee (AODC) is responsible for developing and executing an annual plan to address alcohol and other drug issues. The AODC works collaboratively to promote other Health and Wellness initiatives on campus.

Alcohol Awareness Week is a fun, engaging, and meaningful way for students to learn about alcohol. The week focuses on safe drinking and busting the myths associated with college drinking. Alcohol Awareness Week is held the third full week of October.

The Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students (BASICS) program is an evidence-based program that is designed to help college students assess their alcohol-related decisions. The goal of BASICS is to help reduce risk for the student who chooses to explore BASICS with us.

BASICS is ideal for students who may struggle with the negative impacts of substance use, specifically related to alcohol decisions.

The BASICS program uses a harm-reduction approach designed to:

• Help you explore your alcohol use in a non-judgmental setting
• Reduce risky behavior and harmful consequences of alcohol abuse
• Identify changes that could help you reduce your risk
• Provide important information and skills for risk reduction

If you are interested in connecting with a trained facilitator as part of the BASICS program, please reach out to BASICS@wcu.edu.

Please Note: This is not therapy or substance use treatment. Professionals facilitating these sessions are not substance-misuse professionals or licensed clinical therapists.

Brief overview of the Health & Wellness Unit’s offerings and resources, and a deeper look into the wellness wheel. Available to present to classrooms, student organizations, residence halls, and more.

To request this presentation, please contact Claire Allison.

Explore ways to ensure a healthy, happy, and successful experience at WCU and learn about the on-campus resources available to promote eahch of the 7 dimensions of wellness (Emotional, Environmental, Intellectual, Occupational, Physical, Social, Spiritual). Available to present to classrooms, student organizations, residence halls, and more.

To request this presentation, please contact Claire Allison.

This presentation is meant to provide insight on campus policies and procedures that relate to gameday tailgating. We also include harm-reduction tips and tricks to keep students healthy and happy.