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By: Jill Royston, M.A., Program Coordinator; Student Wellness Resource Center

A few years back I was walking across campus during orientation with my G+ shirt on and a father of a new Gonzaga student asked if that was a good grade to get at GU.  I simply stated, “the BEST”! G+, also known as G-Plus (Gonzaga Peers Listening and Understanding Students) is a group of trained students who inform other students about alcohol and drugs, power-based personal violence, and mental and physical health and well-being. They provide support and resources for students dealing with these issues and/or seeking more information for themselves or a friend. These amazing students are an incredible outreach arm of the Student Wellness Resource Center (SWRC) and range from freshmen to seniors, accounting majors to psychology majors, with as diverse a background and interest as you can find; yet, together they share a common goal – to help their fellow peers become more balanced and healthy in their lives.

As a G+ member, students select a health topic that they are passionate about and then research and plan a program, awareness campaign or activity to share with their fellow students. Members of G+ work to improve listening skills, presentation skills, referral and resource abilities, and learn all aspects of program planning and execution. Some of these programs include facilitating BASICS (Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students), an alcohol awareness program at the SWRC and also within the residence halls as “mocktail” programs, facilitate Green Dot (power-based personal violence prevention) programming and bystander training, SPA night, Boone Block Party, and many more health and wellness programs both in the residence halls and campus wide.  As natural helpers, these students find their way to the SWRC and envelope our mission and goals for a healthier campus for all. G+ members have an opportunity to become nationally certified peer educators, a skill set that will last them a lifetime.

If you think your student would be a valuable asset to his/her fellow peers in this role, share with them today about G+ and recommend they come see us at the Student Wellness Resource Center. You can also recommend they check out the Facebook site at G+ Gonzaga. If you are interested in learning more about G+, please contact Jill Royston, G+ Advisor, today at royston@gonzaga.edu or (509) 313-5922!

 

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