Do you have a passion for wellness and a desire to help others? Join the Student Wellness Ambassador Team (SWAT) and help make campus a healthier, happier, and safer place.

SWAT is a registered student organization that promotes healthy behaviors and lifestyles to Illinois State University and the community through a variety of activities, programs, and services. SWAT members may be any year in school and any major. Members are trained by Health Promotion and Wellness staff to be able to talk with fellow students about a variety of health issues. They conduct interactive and educational workshops, assist with campus and community outreach projects, and help staff the mobile wellness gazebo that travels around campus weekly.

Members attend a once-a-semester weekend training retreat as well as weekly meetings throughout the fall and spring semesters in order to learn the latest information and research on health topics. SWAT provides valuable and transferable experience as well as enhances team-building skills for students from diverse backgrounds looking to make a difference on campus.

Characteristics of SWAT members

  • A willingness to listen, learn new skills, and become a healthy role model
  • An open-minded attitude toward new ideas
  • The ability to balance a busy lifestyle with ongoing peer education requirements
  • A true commitment towards helping others in the spirit of volunteerism
  • A desire to have fun and meet new people

How to join

There are numerous ways to join SWAT. Interested students can attend informational meetings on Wednesday, August 20, and Wednesday, August 27, at 3 p.m. in 262 McCormick Hall. Students can also stop by the Health Promotion and Wellness office in 187 McCormick Hall during offices hours, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, to apply in person or complete an online application. Email Jim Almeda or Amanda Papinchock for more information.

About Health Promotion and Wellness

Health Promotion and Wellness provides wellness information, services, and programming to students, faculty, staff, and the Illinois State community. People living, learning, and working in a healthy environment are more likely to reach their highest potential.

For more information, visit Wellness.IllinoisState.edu or stop by 187 McCormick Hall.