Mental Health Intiatives 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 is a relatively new peer program that began in Fall of 2019 and has been growing and developing ever since!

Are MHI positions paid?
MHI positions often come with a semester stipend and have the potential to be used for academic credit.

What is the time commitment?
MHI members commit to around 5 hours per week. This often consists of facilitating at least 1 mental health workshop per week, attending MHI team meetings every 2 weeks, and doing outreach a couple of times a semester. MHI members are regularly provided learning opportunities that require additional indirect work (ex: reading an article, viewing a video, leading a discussion, brainstorming outreach ideas, etc.)

How will I be trained?
Some experience with mental health topics and/or facilitation skills is preferred, but not required. We have 1 full day of training typically 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.

How long do people serve as MHI members?
The minimum period is a 1 year commitment, though some members stay involved longer.

Who can apply?
Only graduate students can apply.

What majors/programs of study do you accept?
There is no restriction on majors/programs, though applicants from these (or related) programs are highly encouraged to apply: Counselor Education; Public Health; Psychology; Higher Education; Human Development; Human Nutrition, Foods, & Exercise; Sociology.

Do you accept undergraduate students?
Unfortunately, no. This is an opportunity designed for graduate students only. However, if you are an undergraduate student interested in being a peer educator with Hokie Wellness, check out these other awesome peer team opportunities: IMPACT (Initiating & Motivating a Positive Alcohol Culture Together), HEAT (Health Education Awareness Team), and Financial Wellness Peer Educators.

When do you accept applications & what is the deadline to apply?
The application process for FEELS positions is typically in March of the spring semester. We are currently not accepting applications now.

May I also apply for the other student groups that Hokie Wellness has, such as HEAT (Health Education & Awareness Team) program or IMPACT?

No, you may only apply for one Hokie Wellness peer education group.

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