Unique ID: HED #11155

HED 178F: Fieldwork in Health Promotion

Fall 2017

Instructor: Marian E. Trattner, MSW(pronouns: she/her/hers)

Class Times: Thursday, 4 – 5:30 PM

Location: Counseling and Mental Health Center, Large Conference Room, 5th floor SSB

Instructor phone: 512-475-6962

Instructor email:

Office:SSB Room 5.228A

Office hours: Wednesdays, 8:30 AM -10:30 AM or by appointment

Teaching Assistant:Mayra Sharma, office hours M and F 9 AM – 11 AM

1 credit course

Required Materials:

  • “What Made Maddie Run” by Kate Fagan

About the course sequencing:

This is the third course offered in a sequence of three courses. This course follows HED 378Dand HED 178E. Similar to course HED 178E, students will complete 30 service hours in addition to meeting weekly.

A note about how this course is structured:

In this course students will be further examining concepts related to the application of peer education, public health, and mental health promotion. This content builds on the previous two semesters. Students meet weekly and will complete 30 service learning hours outside of class time.

Course Description:

The purpose of this course is to actively engage students in continuing to build the skills necessary to be effective mental health promotion peer educators. The course builds on successful completion of HED378D and HED178E. Students will complete 30 service hours by delivering workshops, serving as mentors to the new class of peer educators, attending CMHC events, attending Wellness Network Meetings, representing CMHC at campus functions, and/or developing their own innovative projects.

Course Objectives:

By the conclusion students who have successfully completed this course should be able to:

  1. Deliver at least 2 resilience workshops to peers at UT-Austin
  2. Understand the role that mental health peer educators serve on UT-Austin’s campus
  3. Take on clearly a defined leadership role in the CMHC Peer Educator group
  4. Serve as a mentor to the new class of CMHC Peer Educators
  5. Articulate best practices for student self-care
  6. Articulate to peers the tenants of positive mental well-being
  7. Practice self-care for themselves in order to model this to their peers

Course Policies and Procedures:

1. We will be exploring content that may be uncomfortable or very personal for some students. It is expected that all students will act with respect toward themselves and other students and actively engage in discussions. If you have an issue or concern over content, presentation style, assignments, or any other aspect of the class, please feel welcome to have an individual conversation with the instructor. We encourage you to please take care of yourself and seek outside help/support if you need to talk to someone about your feelings. You are always welcome to talk to Marian before or after class or during office hours. If you would like additional support, you’re encouraged to speak to a counselor at the Counseling and Mental Health Center (call 512-471-3515) to make an appointment) or call the CMHC Crisis Hotline (512-471-2255).

2. Active class participation is expected and encouraged; professional debate and discussioncreate a stimulating learning environment. The instructor encourages students to use this class as an opportunity to explore their own thoughts and opinions related to mental health. Students are expected to be sensitive and respectful of others’ viewpoints and offer feedback in a constructive manner. Some mental health topics are difficult to discuss and it is expected that students listen to others’ point of view and express your own while attempting to learn something new.

3. Students are expected to read the assigned materials and accompanying learning materials for the week. Assignments are due on the date indicated. If you know that you have prior commitments on the day an assignment is due, it is your responsibility to get the work done ahead of time.5 points will be deducted from the assignment each day is it late.The instructor expects that students will communicate via campus mail or Canvas prior to the deadline if special consideration about a deadline is needed. This creates a written record of the conversation. The key here is communication. All writing assignments must be typed using 12-font and double spaced with 1” margins in APA format. Final course grades will be given with a letter grade.

6.Attendance and timeliness to class are vital and will be expected at each class period. If you must miss a class meeting, please notify Marian in advance. A great deal of emphasis is placed on being in class due to the participatory nature of the course. You will be allowed one (1) class absence during the semester without penalty. More than one absence will result in the 2 deduction points per day you miss from your overall attendance and participation grade. In addition, students are also expected to be in class on time. If you know you will be late for class because of a specific reason, notify the instructorin advance by text or email. If you don’t notify the instructor that you’ll be more than 5 minutes late to class, 1 point will be deducted from your overall participation and attendance grade each time you’re late.

UT-Austin Policies:

Learning Technology Center (LTC) Services: This resource is located in the Sanchez Building, Room 536. LTC Services provides the facilities, equipment, supplies, and instruction for students, faculty, and staff to produce a variety of digital media and other instructional materials.

Academic Integrity: A fundamental principle for any educational institution, academic integrity is highly valued and seriously regarded at UT Austin, as emphasized in the standards of conduct. You and other students are expected to "maintain absolute integrity and a high standard of individual honor in scholastic work" undertaken at the University. This is a very basic expectation that is further reinforced by the University's Honor Code. At a minimum, you should complete any assignments, exams, and other scholastic endeavors with the utmost honesty, which requires you to: a) acknowledge the contributions of other sources to your scholastic efforts; b) complete your assignments independently unless expressly authorized to seek or obtain assistance in preparing them; c) follow instructions for assignments and exams, and observe the standards of your academic discipline; and d) avoid engaging in any form of academic dishonesty on behalf of yourself or another student.

Scholastic Dishonesty: Students who violate University rules on scholastic dishonesty are subject to disciplinary penalties, including the possibility of failure in the course and/or dismissal from the University. Since such dishonesty harms the individual, all students, and the integrity of the University, policies on scholastic dishonesty will be strictly enforced. For further information please visit the Student Conduct and Academic Integrity Web site:

Academic Accommodations: The University of Texas at Austin provides upon request appropriate academic accommodations for qualified students with disabilities. For more information, contact the office of Services for Students with Disabilities, at 471-6259, 471-4641 TTY,

Religious Holidays: By UT Austin policy, you must notify me of your pending absence at least fourteen days prior to the date of observance of a religious holy day. If you must miss a class or an assignment in order to observe a religious holy day, I will give you an opportunity to complete the missed work within a reasonable time after the absence.

Behavior Concerns Advice Line (BCAL): If you are worried about someone who is acting differently, you may use the Behavior Concerns Advice Line to discuss by phone your concerns about another individual’s behavior. This service is provided through a partnership among the Office of the Dean of Students, the Counseling and Mental Health Center (CMHC), the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and The University of Texas Police Department (UTPD). Call 512-232-5050 or visit

Sexual Discrimination and Sexual Harassment (Title IX): Students who believe they have experienced sexual harassment in the academic environment should consult the following website:

Students may also call the Office of the Dean of Students at 512- 471-5017.

The University encourages affected individuals to promptly report incidents of sex and gender discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual assault, sexual misconduct, interpersonal violence, and stalking as provided in this policy. The University also encourages individuals who may have witnessed instances of prohibited conduct to report such information as outlined in this policy.

Confidentiality and Mandatory Reporting: As an instructor, one of my responsibilities is to help create a safe learning environment on our campus. I also have a mandatory reporting responsibility related to my role. I have to report incidents of prohibited conduct like the ones mentioned above. The University will respond to all reports made under this policy. The University will conduct a prompt, fair, and impartial investigation and resolution for complaints and, when appropriate, issue remedial measures and/or sanctions. It is my goal that you feel able to share information related to your life experiences in classroom discussions, in your written work, and in our one-on-one meetings. I will seek to keep information you share private to the greatest extent possible. Students may speak to someone confidentially by contacting the CMHC Crisis Line at (512) 471-2255, talking to a mental health professional at the Counseling and Mental Health Center to seeing a medical provider at University Health Services.

Emergency Evacuation Policy: Occupants of buildings on the UT Austin campus are required to evacuate and assemble outside when a fire alarm is activated or an announcement is made. Please be aware of the following policies regarding evacuation: Familiarize yourself with all exit doors of the classroom and the building. Remember that the nearest exit door may not be the one you used when you entered the building. If you require assistance to evacuate, inform me in writing during the first week of class. In the event of an evacuation, follow my instructions or those of class instructors. Do not re-enter a building unless you are given instructions by the Austin Fire Department, the UT Austin Police Department, or the Fire Prevention Services office.

Use of Class Materials: The materials used in this class, including, but not limited to, exams, quizzes, and homework assignments are copyright protected works. Any unauthorized copying of the class materials is a violation of federal law and may result in disciplinary actions being taken against the student. Additionally, the sharing of class materials without the specific, express approval of the instructor may be a violation of the University's Student Honor Code and an act of academic dishonesty, which could result in further disciplinary action. This includes, among other things, uploading class materials to websites for the purpose of sharing those materials with other current or future students.

Use of E-Mail for Official Correspondence to Students: Email is recognized as an official mode of university correspondence; therefore, students are responsible for reading their email for university and course-related information and announcements. Students are responsible to keep the university informed about changes to their e-mail address. Students should check their e-mail regularly and frequently—daily, but at minimum twice a week—to stay current with university-related communications, some of which may be time-sensitive. Students can find UT Austin’s policies and instructions for updating their e-mail address at

Use of Canvas in Class: In this class we will be using Canvas—a Web-based course management system with password-protected access at for syllabus and all class assignments. Students can find support in using Canvas at

Resources for Learning & Life at UT Austin: The University of Texas has numerous resources for students to provide assistance and support for your learning, including:

  • Undergraduate Writing Center (UWC):
  • The Sanger Learning Center:
  • Vick Center for Strategic Advising & Career Counseling:
  • Furthermore, because a course of this nature may raise both personal issues and health concerns, you should be aware of the following student services available on campus:
  • Counseling & Mental Health Center:
  • University Health Services:
  • Student Emergency Services:

Assignments/Projects**:

**Take note: All assignments are due through Canvas.

1)Attendance, participation, and professionalism

Purpose:

  1. To actively participate with other CMHC Peer Educators and explore the nature of peer education at UT.
  2. To increase professional communication skills as you represent CMHC

Students are expected to be on time and attend all scheduled class meetings times. Please give the instructor notification if there are conflicts and you’re unable to attend class. Students are also expected to attend all the service hours they volunteer for and give at least 24 hours notice if they can no longer attend unless they have a personal emergency.

2)Mid-term group meeting: Due between the weeks of October 23rd and 30th

Purpose:

1.To reflect on and discuss your growth thus far as a Peer Educator

During the week(s) of October 23rd and 30th, students must schedule a 30 minute meeting with the instructor to discuss and reflect on the progress they’re making in their final semester as a peer educator for CMHC. Students will sign up in groups of slots of two to meet with the instructor.

3)“What Made Maddy Run”Book club facilitation and discussion: Due various dates throughout the semester. See syllabus below for your assigned dates.

Purpose:

1.To gain practice facilitating a group discussion

2.To do a deep dive in exploring aspects of college life that can impact student mental health in both negative and positive ways

3.To explore how the culture of UT impacts student mental health

Throughout September and October groups of two students (the instructor will create the groups) will be asked to lead a discussion related to assigned chapters in the book, “What Made Maddy Run”? Students must generate 2 questions from the chapters they read and then ask them in class. These questions will turn into a 10-15 minute class discussion. Students will be assigned their individual class dates to facilitate this discussion the first day of class. Students will be awarded points for this assignment based on the questions they create and how they facilitate the book discussion.

4)Letter to a future peer educator: Due on Nov. 30thby 9 PM to Canvas.5pages double spaced

Purpose:

  1. To reflect on your growth as a peer educator over the course of three semesters.
  2. To reflect upon how you plan to continue utilizing this work after you complete the program.
  3. To reflect on how you would improve the program for future classes of CMHC Mental Health Promotion Peer Educators.
  4. To assess how the CMHC Mental Health Promotion Peer Education can continue to grow and evolve for future generation of peer educators

This paper will act as your final reflection paper for the CMHC Mental Health Promotion Peer Education Program. Students are asked to write a letter to a future peer educator about their experience in the program. Either the full letter or parts of the letter may be shared with future peer educators at a later date. Reflect and share on the following questions: 1) What did you enjoy about being peer educator? 2 ) What caused you stressed in the program? 3) What advice would you give future peer educators? 4) How did you take care of yourself as a peer educator? 5) What are your hopes for the new peer educator? 6) What are the biggest lessons you learned as a peer educator?

5)30 Hour Service Learning Requirement: Due on Dec. 7thby 9 PM to Canvas.

Purpose:

  1. To continue tohave the opportunity to apply content learned from the previous two course semesters.
  2. To have the opportunity to participate in outreach activities.
  1. To gain additional practice in public speaking, facilitation, presenting on topics within the mental health realm.

Students will have the opportunity to participate in activities outside of class time that will serve to deepen their understanding of classroom material. Students will complete these hours by providing resilience workshops to students across campus, tabling events, staffing the Mobile Mind Body lab, attending Wellness Network committee meetings, participating in suicide prevention/mental health promotion/VAV opportunities, and/or creating their own outreach. Two of these hours must be spent meeting with assigned mentees in the 2016-17 class of peer educators. More information and specific opportunities and tracking these hours will be presented in class.

Students will receive a professionalism grade. Students who do not show up on time to tabling or other CMHC service hours they volunteer for, or give less than 24 hours advance notice when they can no longer do the service hour they signed up for will be loose points in their participation grade. There will be a sign-in and sign-out sheet at CMHC related tabling events for peers to sign. In addition, students MUST complete 25/30 to pass the course and get a letter grade.

Service hours can be recorded in one of the following ways: