Mental Health Initiatives Peer Team

Being a part of the MHI team is an opportunity to connect closely with a small team of graduate level peers from a variety of disciplines. MHI members gain personal and professional development on mental health skill building, public health approaches, program development and assessment, facilitation / leadership skills, and more! MHI members get to engage the Virginia Tech community in a fun, interactive, empathetic, & creative way!

Here are some things that MHI members have said about their experience:

• "The MHI team is so warm and welcoming. Building connections with like minded individuals, while honing professional development skills has been very fun."
• "I have gained confidence in my presentation skills & abilities."
• "This is the first time I have facilitated workshops and this has been a great experience in learning how to do this effectively."

How long has there been a MHI program?

MHI began in Fall of 2019 and has been growing and developing ever since!

Are MHI positions paid?

Yes, in addition to the training, experience, learning, friendship, and other positive outcomes members gain from this position, peer educators receive hourly pay and are eligible for pay increases after their first year.

What is the time commitment?

MHI members commit to around 5 hours per week. This often consists of facilitating at least 2 mental health workshops per week, attending MHI peer team meetings every 2 weeks, and doing outreach at least once a week. MHI peer team members also assist with Mental Health Initiatives events and other programs as assigned.

How will I be trained?

Some experience with mental health topics and/or facilitation skills is preferred, but not required. We have 2 full days of training in August, some practice sessions at the beginning of the semester, and ongoing skills training throughout the year. You will be trained on a variety of mental health topics, health education topics, and facilitation / presentation skills. MHI Peer Team members will also go through Mental Health First Aid training.

How long do people serve as MHI members?

The minimum period is a 1-year commitment, though many members stay involved longer.

Who can apply?

We accept applications from all undergraduate students - rising Sophomores and rising Juniors are particularly encouraged to apply. Graduate students are also encouraged to apply.

What majors/programs of study do you accept?

There is no major restriction; all majors/programs are welcome and encouraged to apply.

When do you accept applications & what is the deadline to apply?

The application process for MHI positions is typically in February and March of the spring semester.

May I also apply for the other student groups that Hokie Wellness has, such as IMPACT or Financial Wellness?

No, you may only apply for one Hokie Wellness peer education group. You are able to apply to be a facilitator for The Connection Project if you would like.

May I also apply to be a facilitator for The Connection Project (TCP)?

Yes, you are welcome and encouraged to apply to also be a TCP facilitator. Please note you will have to go through the application and interview process for each position separately and if selected for both teams, you must be able to handle the workload involved in each.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status.