Healthy Living

The CHOICES Program uses a peer-based approach to promote healthy living at Regis University. We encourage responsible lifestyles by offering alternatives to unhealthy behaviors by increasing awareness about relevant student life issues and by correcting misperceptions about college life. By using innovative, informative, and entertaining approaches, CHOICES aims to reduce harm and increase health. CHOICES peer educators strive to be accessible and compassionate listeners. As educators, role models, and activists, CHOICES students strive to make a difference at Regis and in the community. As a diverse group, we work hard to collaborate, support one other, be good friends, and most importantly, to have fun.

CHOICES encourages students to develop healthy lifestyle patterns and to examine how the choices they are making today support the goals and aspirations they have for the future. CHOICES emphasizes the development of the whole person: self-esteem, health, relationships, community, and spirituality. Coinciding with the Regis University mission, CHOICES asks students to reflect on the question, "How ought we to live?"

CHOICES is responsible for sponsoring educational programs and support services to help students gain awareness of a number of student life issues, such as substance abuse, sexual assault, personal safety, HIV/AIDS, STD's, relationships, nutrition, eating disorders, mental health issues, suicide prevention and more. 

CHOICES is an affiliate of the Bacchus Network, an international association of college and university-based peer education programs, focusing on student health and safety issues. This organization is founded in the philosophy that students can play a uniquely effective role in encouraging their peers to consider, talk honestly about, and develop responsible habits, attitudes, and lifestyle.

CHOICES also offers a certified Peer Education Training (CPE) program which is an 8-hour training workshop designed to give students the basics in peer education:

  • Listening skills
  • Confrontation skills
  • Educational programming skills
  • Self-care skills

This interactive program is perfect for peer educators, residence life, athletes, and student leaders, and is designed to empower students in acquiring these helping skills. The material is presented in real-life scenarios, in an upbeat manner, in such a way that students find the solutions and learn the power of positive choices.

Students who complete the training are then nationally certified by the BACCHUS and GAMMA Peer Education Network. They will receive credentials from the National Headquarters along with peer educators' newsletters.

What Can CHOICES Do For Me?

  •   Influence others in positive ways
  •   Peer Education
  •   Peer Support
  •   Role Modeling
  •   Meet new people and make friends with others who share a common purpose
  •   Receive on-going training as a Certified Peer Educator
  •   Listening Skills
  •   Confrontation Skills
  •   Dealing with sexual assault, alcohol abuse, eating disorders, mental health awareness, suicide prevention and more
  •   Become a part of a winning team. Choices is nationally recognized in peer education:
  •   1997 Outstanding Network Affiliate Award from the BACCHUS & GAMMA Peer Education Network
  •   1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001 & 2005 National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week Award
  •   2000, 2001, 2005 Outstanding Area 3 Affiliate Award from BACCHUS
  •   2000, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005 Outstanding Student Awards from BACCHUS
  •   Have the opportunity to travel and present at national conferences
  •   Gain leadership skills and a chance to hold regional and national offices with The Bacchus Network
  •   Attend 2011 General Assembly near Washington D.C.

We currently have paid (Level I, II, & III Workstudy) and volunteer positions.

Debbie Guenther from Wellness and Recreation is the staff advisor for the CHOICES program. Please call her at 303.458.4179 or email her for more information.