The “A” List: A Student Approach to Dispelling Common

Misconceptions about College and Altering Destructive

Behavioral Patterns

Jelena Peric

Lena Van Nimwegen

Karen Moses

Presenters

Lena Van NimwegenHCSAC Nutrition and Exercise Coordinator

A List Subcommittee Co-Chair

Jelena PericHCSAC Chair Emeritus

A List Subcommittee Co-Chair

Karen MosesWHP Director

A List Subcommittee Advisor

Introduction

• Who we are– Arizona State University

– Health and Counseling Student Action Committee (HCSAC)

• A List Subcommittee

– Arizona State University (ASU) Wellness and Health Promotion (WHP)

Our Inspiration:ACHA 2009

• “A Strategic Plan for Health Promotion: Understanding the College Culture”– Presented by Enid Jennings and

Cheryl Hug-English– University of Nevada-Reno– Most Important Point taken

from this presentation – Promoting Healthy Norms on a College Campus

Objectives

• Identify the aspects of a health and wellness website that communicates the most effectively with the student population

• Describe the greater efficacy of a student-generated medium rather than an administrative-based medium influencing the conceptions and actions of the student body

• Discuss the role of collaborating with administration when creating and promoting the website and planning for its sustainability

The Beginning• We have an idea, now what?

– Formed HCSAC Subcommittee

– Approached HCSAC Advisor – Dr. Allan Markus, Campus Health Director

– Referred to Karen Moses, WHP Director

Is another website necessary?• Current ASU WHP website

– Purpose• Relevant health information

• Reference list

• Program information

• For students and parents

• Online program access

• Present ASU student data to

correct misperceptions and

promote healthy norms

– Style• Professional

• Informational, not judgmental

• Conforms to institutional design standards

• New WHP FacebookFanpage– Purpose

• Current information

• Dynamic, interactive

• Program information

• Correct misinformation

– Style• Casual language

• Informational, not judgmental

• Conforms somewhat to design standards

Is another website necessary?

Is another website necessary?YES

• Student Developed Website – THE “A” LIST– For students, by students– Further presenting accurate social norms and

dispelling misperceptions– Doesn’t have to obtain ASU approval

• USG Website

• Open and frank language/topics

Purpose of A List

• Lower the influence of peer pressure that is associated with the idea that everyone is engaging in these activities

• Provide specific factual data that is representative of the ASU student body

• Provide a series of resources and/or links to organizations that offer health and wellness related services

For Students, By Students…

Students at Arizona State University Football Game

Process: Partnerships

Process:Collaborating with Administration

• Importance of working with campus administrators

• Role of Students• Role of Administrators

Campus Health Services Building which houses Wellness and Health Promotion

Process:Content Development

• Brainstorming with subcommittee– Sections– Student input– The Student Voice

Process: Content Development

• Content areas– Alcohol– Drugs– Tobacco and Hookah– Diet and Weight

• Memorial Union (MU) Nutrition

– Fitness and Exercise– Sexual Health

• STIs

– Stress– Body Image

Process:Content Development

• Address misperceptions about social norms

• Provide applicable information

• Local resources

• Present information in an unbiased and non-judgmental manner

Memorial Union Nutrition – Not all Chicken Sandwiches are Created Equal…

Process: Content Development

• Content Development Phase– Time commitment– Reliable information

from credible sources– Collaborations

• Accountability and recognition for contributions

Process:Student Feedback – The Student Voice

• Focus Groups– Institutional Review Board

(IRB) process– Planning and Organizing the

Focus Groups• Timing• Incentives• Leading the focus groups• Audio taping

– Evaluations of content

ASU Students Showing School Pride

Process:Student Feedback – The Student Voice

• Helpful feedback– Non-judgmental

information

– Different perspective

– Format

– Language choices

– Applicable

– Different reactions to information

– REFERENCES!

Challenges

• Initial decision-making process about another website– Supplemental,

congruent, and taking a collaborative approach

Challenges

• Challenges with Partnerships– USG involvement

• Challenges with the timeline– Time consuming

process

– Establishing a timeline

Arizona State University’s Tempe Campus

Outcomes:Promotion and Official Launch

• WHP, HCSAC, USG collaborative promotion– Fall Welcome– Passport to ASU– Booths, tabeling, strategic marketing– Targeting incoming freshmen– Include all 4 campuses

Outcomes:Further Evaluation

• Continued promotion throughout Fall 2010 semester

• Evaluation Surveys near end of Fall 2010 semester

• Promoting healthier lifestyle and not website

Palm Walk:Common Place for Promotional Activities

Questions?

Contact Us!• If you would like more information or

updates on our progress, please feel free to contact us!– Jelena Peric

• jperic@asu.edu

– Lena Van Nimwegen• lena.vannimwegen@asu.edu

– Karen Moses• karen.moses@asu.edu