FAQ: About the Joining the Health Promotion Team (HPT)

Who can join HPT? We encourage all types of VA Tech undergraduate students to apply for  the Health Promotion Team and take all kinds of majors.  The program is competitive.  We require, and provide free-of-charge, significant training and attendance at hour-long weekly meetings.  Although it is a volunteer program and positions are not paid, you will get plenty of valuable health promotion experience, meet other people interested in health, help others, and have fun. 

What will I be doing as an HPT member?  Any number of things.  We work on campus wide health events such as: World AIDS day, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Eating Disorders Awareness Week, and many others.  We do Safer Sex Booths around campus, co-sponsor health events, and help with Schiffert Health Center Educational Programs.  Some HPT members have taught 10 minute educational sessions.   Others have worked on, and acted in, web based educational videos.  Although we provide major leadership for the group, we encourage members to develop new health promotion offerings.  Leadership opportunities in the group are available to returning members.

What health problems is the HPT concerned with?  Many, including: cancer prevention, stress, HIV/AIDS, nutrition, exercise, safer sex, alcohol use, and smoking prevention.

What is the time commitment?  On average members work 1-3 hours each week during the fall and spring semesters. We have one training weekend during the fall semester.  Members qualify for continuation after taking basic knowledge tests and fulfilling training requirements.

What is the application procedure? During spring semester we take applications for the following Fall semester.  We usually have more applicants than we can accept into the group.  Based on initial paper applications, we invite some applicants to interview.  Our interviews consist of both a group interview and an individual interview.  From those interviewed we accept next years incoming HPT members.  They will join those previous members who wish to remain with the team. 

When are applications due?  You should submit your application for the 2001-2002 class as early as possible in the spring semester 2001.  We usually start interviewing applicants in March.

Where do I get an HPT application?  We use a dual application for both our Health Promotion Team and our Wellness Peer Educators. Make sure you indicate which group you are applying for on your application.  You can get and application on-line, but you must have acrobat reader on your computer to be able to read it. Get and application here.