Are you a student who wants to make a positive difference on campus and the surrounding community? Do you enjoy educating others? Do you care about the health and well being of others? If you answered yes to any of these questions, consider joining the Student Wellness Ambassador Team (SWAT) and help to make campus a healthier, happier, and safer place!
SWAT is a volunteer registered student organization focused on fostering healthy lifestyles and behaviors in ISU students and the community through a variety of services and interactive programs.
SWAT members may be any year in school and any major. Members are trained by Health Promotion and Wellness staff to be able to talk with fellow students about a variety of health issues. They conduct interactive and educational workshops, assist with campus and community outreach projects, and help staff the mobile wellness gazebo that travels around campus weekly.
Members attend a once-a-semester weekend training retreat as well as weekly meetings throughout the fall and spring semesters to learn the latest information on relevant health topics. SWAT provides valuable and transferable experience as well as enhances team-building skills for students from diverse backgrounds looking to make a difference on campus.
Characteristics of SWAT members
- A willingness to listen, learn new skills, and become a healthy role model
- An open-minded attitude toward new ideas
- The ability to balance a busy lifestyle with ongoing peer education requirements
- A true commitment towards helping others in the spirit of volunteerism
- A desire to have fun and meet new people
What do previous SWAT members have to say?
- My favorite thing about being in SWAT was being able to be my complete self and feeling understood at the same time. We came to know each other so well, that we could speak volumes to each other without saying a word. I came into this experience alone and left with an army behind me. – Lisa ’16
- Without SWAT, I would not have the courage to pursue a graduate degree. Without SWAT, I would not have anywhere near the amount of confidence I have now. Being in SWAT made my experience at ISU. – Kara ’16
- SWAT immensely helped me personally. Not only did it awaken my passion of public health, but it also allowed me to break out of my shell and really figure out who I want to be as a person. – Lisa ’16
How to join
There are numerous ways to join SWAT. The first meeting is Wednesday, August 22, in 184 McCormick Hall from 3:30 – 4:50 p.m. Weekly Wednesday meetings will continue through the semester. Students can also stop by the Health Promotion and Wellness office in 187 McCormick Hall during offices hours, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, to apply in person or complete an online application. Email Jim Almeda at jralmed@ilstu.edu for more information.
About Health Promotion and Wellness
Health Promotion and Wellness provides wellness information, services, and programming to students, faculty, staff, and the Illinois State community. People living, learning, and working in a healthy environment are more likely to reach their highest potential.
For more information, visit Wellness.IllinoisState.edu or stop by 187 McCormick Hall.
