What is PAN?
PAN stands for Peer Advising Network. PAN is an organization of students who work to positively influence the health-related attitudes and behaviors of SMU students. Peer educators conduct education and awareness programs and campaigns that create awareness and encourage positive decision-making. The focus is on health topics and issues that affect students’ lives such as alcohol and drug abuse, responsible decision-making, sexual responsibility, nutrition, body image, stress management and more. These students work with residence halls, Greek life, faculty, and other campus and community organizations.
What’s in it for me?
PAN members have the opportunity to acquire valuable skills and knowledge by participating in trainings, presentations, and campus and community outreach. Members have the option of completing Certified Peer Educator (CPE) training to become nationally certified as a peer educator. Other training opportunities include: Because I Care and TIPS.
How do I get involved?
Contact Megan Knapp, SMU Health Educator, at mknapp@smu.edu or 214-768-2393. Get involved!
Certified Peer Educator Training
Certified Peer Educator Training occurs each semester and is open to any interested SMU student. For more information, call 214-768-2393.
2007-2008 Activities
NCAAW (National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week)
During National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week, PAN held several activities to raise awareness of alcohol issues on college campuses. The week kicked off with Memorial Monday - 1700 flags were placed in front of Dallas Hall as a reminder of the annual number of students who die in alcohol-related incidents. PAN also hosted a "responsibility pledge," "Gordie Day," and a "Meet the Cops" mixer during the week.
Sexual Responsibility Week
During the week of Valentine's Day, PAN worked to provide education about sexual responsibility and sexually transmitted diseases. One in five people in the U.S. has a sexually transmitted infection.
Wellness Classes
This spring PAN members helped facilitate the alcohol and other drug section of the required Wellness classes. PAN members shared their experiences and offered advice to other students during the class.
Safe Spring Break
During the week preceding Spring Break, PAN members set up tables in Umphrey-Lee and Hughes-Trigg to provide students with more information on safer sex, alcohol responsibility, alcohol poisoning, general travel tips, and skin protection.
SOS: Stomp Out Stress
To round out the school year, PAN set up "Stomp Out Stress," an event for students to receive information on positive ways to relieve stress, free massages from a Dedman Center massage therapist, and free healthy snacks. Zoe's Kitchen, Target, and Vitamin water donated great freebies for the event.
