Programs and Services

A few of our outreach events are listed below. Would you like us to table at your event? Contact Valerie Ipatzi at (818) 677-6665 or email valerie.ipatzi@csun.edu

Klotz Health Promotion can tailor presentations to meet the needs of your classroom or club/organization meeting, both virtually and in-person. If you would like to request a presentation for your class or organization, please complete the Matadors4Wellness Peer Health Education Presentation Request Form.  
For any questions pertaining to your request please contact Valerie Ipatzi at valerie.ipatzi@csun.edu

Happiness: Making Happiness Happen
Have you ever noticed how elevated your mood becomes after you do something nice for someone else? Studies have shown that when we do something like hold the door for a stranger, donate to a charity, or bring a meal to a friend, our brain triggers feelings of reward. Happiness is a natural stress reliever. Learn new ways to cultivate happiness by building resilience, prioritizing self-care, and embracing gratitude.

Let’s Talk About Sex- A guide to sexual and reproductive health basics.
Sexual and reproductive health is an important, but often not discussed, part of our wellness journey. This workshop discusses the basics around sex positivity, consent, sexually transmitted disease prevention and contraception. Learn about campus resources available to you this semester.

StressLESS Matadors: Managing Stress for Academic Success
Did you know there is both good stress and bad stress? It’s a normal part of the college life, but that doesn’t mean we can’t do things to manage it to ensure a successful virtual academic year. Learn techniques to help combat the stressors of college life with added tips and tricks to provide support for working in a virtual world. Campus resources will be highlighted.

Sleep Smart: An EaZZZy Guide to Sleep Hygiene
Believe it or not, the number of hours you sleep per night can actually influence your GPA! Sleep plays an important role in our ability to manage stress, recall necessary information and avoid getting sick. Learn tips and techniques to promote good quality sleep needed to thrive in college. Campus resources will be highlighted.

Health at CSUN
Using data from the National College Health Assessment we take a look at how our students here at CSUN are reporting on areas such as stress, sleep, nutrition, alcohol and cannabis use, sexual and reproductive health and more. We explore these important health topics and provide resources linked directly to each area to provide the necessary support for our students to ensure a fruitful academic year.

Healthy Eating: What’s on the Menu?
Basic overview of healthy eating to help us thrive in the classroom and beyond. Workshops focuses on healthy choices while eating out and eating healthy on a budget. Campus resources will be highlighted.

Beyond the Buzz: Science, Myths, and Realities
In this workshop we explore some myths on alcohol, cannabis, and other drugs. You’ll learn about the importance of measuring your drinks, how cannabis use may affect you as a CSUN student, information on opioid overdose prevention and other important topics to make the safest decisions for yourself.

Make Your Time Count: A Guide to Time Management and Organization
Did you know that one of the biggest reasons we feel stressed is because we haven’t done a good job at managing our time? Living in a virtual world means we’ve all had to adapt to a new kind of structure. This workshop will cover tips and techniques for developing new habits in your life to get organized, stay productive and making every minute of your day count to enjoy a stress free semester.

Presentations on Klotz Student Health Center information and services are available by request for the University 100 courses for the summer, fall and spring semesters. Presentations are available both in-classroom and Zoom formats.

To request a Klotz Student Health Center presentation for your U100 class, please complete this Presentation Request Form

If you have questions, please contact Serbin Cruzada, Serbin.Cruzada@csun.edu or (818) 677-6328.

Wellness Coaching sessions are currently unavailable.

Wellness Coaching is a free, one-on-one session with a Klotz Health Educator who is also a Certified Wellness and Health Coach to help you in your quest for holistic health and wellbeing. Together with your Wellness Coach, you will set realistic and attainable wellness goals, develop a personal wellness plan, discuss ways to overcome barriers, and discover your inner strengths and motivations to help you achieve optimal wellbeing and a renewed focus on academics. Topics include:

• Stress management
• Sleep improvement
• Mindfulness
• Time management
• Test anxiety reduction
• Healthy eating
• Physical activity
• Adjustment to college

Note: Wellness coaching is not a substitute for professional counseling and recommendations by a licensed health care or mental health provider, registered dietitian, personal trainer, or other health care professional. 

Matadors4Wellness Peer Health Education at the Klotz Student Health Center provides valuable opportunities for personal and professional growth.  Peer health educators provide presentations for classes, clubs and organization meetings, and across campus. Peer health educators develop expertise about health needs of CSUN students such as reproductive health and substance use issues. They also learn skills in public speaking, program development, evaluation, and more.

The Matadors4Wellness Peer Health Educators are CSUN students who are committed to the health and wellness of the campus community. The program strives to promote experiences characterized by education that enhances understanding of risk-reduction, behavior change and well-being. Peer Educators are trained and charged to effectively engage and educate the CSUN campus community through workshops, presentations, and campus outreach.

Topics include:

• Stress Management
• Sleep Hygiene
• Time Management
• Sexual & Reproductive Health
• Alcohol, Tobacco & Other Drugs
• Happiness
• Healthy Eating
• Cold & Flu Prevention

Join Us

Applications for the 2024-2025 are closed. Applications for the 2025-2026 school year will open in Spring 2025.

Training

Matadors4Wellness peer health educators participate in a mandatory, 40-hour summer training to equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills to lead workshops and participate in outreach events. In addition to college health topics, peer educators also receive certifications in the following areas:

Certified Peer Educator Training (CPE)

Matadors4Wellness Peer Educators are Certified Peer Educators (CPE) through the NASPA BACCHUS Initiative https://www.naspa.org/constituent-groups/groups/bacchus-initiatives/research-grants The CPE training program is a 12-hour curriculum culminating in a certifying examination requiring an 80% score for certification. CPE training ensures that students develop the necessary knowledge and skills needed to be an effective peer educator.

Testimonials

What do former peer educators have to say about the program?

"It has given me the chance to mentor people my age which I feel can be a little harder than talking to those younger than you and that translates into my personal life and talking to my friends about their health decisions" ~2018-2019 Matadors4Wellness Peer Health Educator

"There is a lack of awareness that students have about the resources available to them, it was great experience educating students about the resources available to them and actually seeing them take advantage of the opportunities the Klotz Student Health Center offers." ~2018-2019 Matadors4Wellness Peer Health Educator

"It has given me the chance to be enlightened and enlighten others in the csun community. One of the most easiest and priceless ways of giving back. I’m so grateful for being a health advocate and this is exactly what this programs helps me achieve." ~2018-2019 Matadors4Wellness Peer Health Educator

Contact Us

Interested in learning more about the Matadors4Wellness Peer Education Program?

Contact Valerie Ipatzi at (818) 677-6665 or email valerie.ipatzi@csun.edu

Follow us on social media!
Instagram: CSUNStudentHealth
Twitter: CSUNstdnthealth

Valerie Ipatzi (818) 677-6665, Valerie.Ipatzi@csun.edu

Klotz Health Promotion offers undergraduate and graduate level Public Health internships designed to help students gain hands-on experience in the field. Internship projects focus on college health topics identified in the National College Health Assessment, as well individual student interests, and programming within the Klotz Student Health Center’s scope of practice.

Responsibilities may include:

• Conducting virtual health & wellness workshops for the CSUN community. Topics include stress and sleep management; alcohol, tobacco and other drugs; and other college health and wellness topics.
• Create health education materials (e.g. flyers, presentations)
• Planning and implementing campus outreach activities
• Developing health education content for social media (e.g. posts, short videos)
• Assisting with evaluation and data analysis (e.g. SPSS, Excel)
• Providing input and support on various projects at the health center, and completing other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and requirements:

• Currently enrolled in the Public Health program and related internship class
• Ability to commit to a full semester(undergraduate) or one full academic year (graduate)
• Availability to work a regular weekday schedule with occasional evenings and weekends
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing

Testimonials

"My internship experience at the Klotz Student Health Center was positive and rewarding. I am thankful for the opportunity, support and the welcoming nature of everyone in Health Promotion Department. The presentation techniques I have learned from the instructors and peers has increased my self-efficacy and confidence in delivering presentations and discussions about sensitive topics with students. I enjoyed the wellness tabling events and discussions on health and wellness issues with college students. The skills I have learned and my professional experience has given me the confidence to pursue my Master's Degree."
(Public Health Undergraduate Intern)

"I felt that through Klotz, I was able to improve my public speaking skills. Also, by doing outreach programs, I felt a better sense of connection to the campus since I was able to interact with so a variety of student populations. In addition, I felt that Klotz has prepared me as a candidate for graduate school by providing me with both a chance to practice professional workforce skills and allow me the opportunity to set forth a program and implement it into practice."
(Public Health Undergraduate Intern)

"This internship gave me opportunities such as working on a grant and participating in a nationwide research project. This particular experience has made me a better candidate for a doctorate program. On a personal level, I was challenged and was given tasks that put my skills to the test. I received great constructive feedback when necessary and was given resources to improve where needed.  Working with the college population during the internship made me aware that I enjoy working with the college population and wish to further continue working in this type of environment. Overall, I could not have asked for a better opportunity and experience working with the staff at the Klotz Student Health Center."
(Public Health Graduate Intern)

How to Apply

Applications are currently closed for the Fall 2023 semester.

If you would like more information about Public Health Internship positions at the Klotz Student Health Center, contact Gabriella Nguyen, Gabriella.Nguyen@csun.edu or (818) 677-3685. 

The Klotz Student Health Center may be able to assist you with your class project, including providing educational materials. Please note that film and photo projects are restricted to protect patient privacy. For more information, please contact Marianne Link at marianne.link@csun.edu or (818) 677-3690. 

The National College Health Assessment (NCHA) is a survey developed by the American College Health Association (ACHA) to collect data about the health of college students and provides insight into how Klotz Student Health Center and other CSUN departments can best serve the student population. Data from the NCHA has also helped support new campus initiatives such as the Oasis Wellness Center and CSUN’s smoke-free campus policy. Typically, California State University, Northridge administers the NCHA via email every other year to CSUN students, 18 years of age and older.

NCHA topics include:

• General Health of College Students
• Disease and Injury Prevention
• Academic Impacts
• Violence, Abusive Relationships and Personal Safety
• Tobacco, Alcohol, and Marijuana Use
• Sexual Behavior
• Nutrition and Exercise
• Mental Health
• Sleep

CSUN’s 2015, 2016, 2018, and 2021 National College Health Assessment Executive Summaries are available here.

Steve Silver, Psychologist, and Alcohol and Other Drugs Counselor (University Counseling Services)

Dr. Silver is available to speak to students confidentially about alcohol or substance use.  Dr. Silver assists students seeking inpatient and outpatient treatment and provides support to those students returning to campus following treatment.

Dr. Silver is also available for trainings, workshops, and presentations.

Contact University Counseling Services (818) 677-2366 https://www.csun.edu/counseling

Aware Awake Alive

Aware Awake Alive is a program founded by the parents of Carson Starkey who passed away from alcohol poisoning in 2008.  Aware Awake Alive is designed to educate college students on the signs of alcohol overdose and encourage responsibility for one another in situations where alcohol is consumed.  

Watch CARSON’S STORY: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7NL-iVJjxU

Consider giving a presentation on Aware Awake Alive.  Come to Klotz Health Promotion for wallet cards and/or door hangers. Contact Gabbi Nguyen, Health Educator gabriella.nguyen@csun.edu. Click here for more information on Aware Awake Alive: https://www.withus.org/about

Learn the signs of alcohol poisoning and know what to do if the signs are present.  You could save a life! 

eCHECKUP To Go Alcohol & Cannabis

Alcohol eCHECKUP To Go

The Alcohol eCHECKUP To Go is a confidential, interactive online program that allows students to enter information about their drinking patterns and receive personalized feedback, including:

• An individual drinking profile
• Blood alcohol content levels
• Your average money spent on alcohol
• Comparisons with national and CSUN students
• Alcohol's effects on health, career and life goals, fitness and relationships
• Referral information and resources
• Steps to making changes

The program takes about 20 to 25 minutes to complete, is self-guided, and requires no face-to-face contact time with a counselor or administrator. Information is confidential and not identifiable to you. Electronic Check-Up To Go is an evidence-based intervention developed by San Diego State University.

When you access Alcohol eCHECKUP, you will enter information about yourself, your drinking habits, and family history. You will then complete the World Health Organization's AUDIT. The information you enter is validated and processed and then your personalized feedback is displayed in an easy-to-read format.

Take the Alcohol eCHECKUP online assessment now.

Cannabis eCHECKUP To Go

The eCHECKUP To Go is a confidential, interactive online program that allows students to enter information about their drinking patterns and receive personalized feedback, including:

• Cannabis use profile
• Your average money spent on cannabis
• Comparisons with national and CSUN students
• Marijuana's effects on health, career and life goals, fitness and relationships
• Referral information and resources
• Steps to making changes

The program takes about 20 to 25 minutes to complete, is self-guided, and requires no face-to-face contact time with a counselor or administrator. Information is confidential and not identifiable to you. Electronic Check-Up To Go is an evidence-based intervention developed by San Diego State University.

When you access Cannabis eCHECKUP To Go, you will enter information about yourself. In addition to demographic information, you will enter information about your use of marijuana, spending patterns and lifestyle. The information you enter is validated and processed and then your personalized feedback is displayed in an easy-to-read format.

Take the Cannabis eCHECKUP To Go online assessment now.

Contact Marianne Link, MPH at marianne.link@csun.edu for more information.

Rockers Against Drunk Drivers (RADD) Designated Driver Program

In 2012, CSUN was awarded a mini-grant from University of California, Irvine to implement the RADD DUI awareness program.  RADD Rewards Partners provide incentives such as free soft drinks, free/reduced cost food items, to CSUN students who identify themselves as designated drivers.

RADD cards list participating Rewards Partners.  Come to Klotz Health Promotion to pick up your RADD card today.  Contact Gabbi Nguyen, Health Educator gabriella.nguyen@csun.edu for more information or visit RADD: http://collegeisradd.org/

Klotz Health Promotion staff and Matadors4Wellness Peer Health Educators are available to assist faculty with projects and presentations. Please contact Marianne Link, Assistant Director of Health Promotion and Administration, at marianne.link@csun.edu or call (818) 677-3960.