This program seeks dynamic and innovative undergraduate students to serve as Physical Activity Mentors. Physical Activity Mentors will help students, faculty, and staff develop, implement, and maintain positive physical activity behaviors.
Position Requirements:
- Background or area of study in Kinesiology, Public Health, Health Communication, or a related field
- Current CPR certification (by start date)
- Completion of one or more of the following: 1) Previous professional experience (i.e., internships, employment, volunteer work related to fitness assessment, exercise prescription, and/or physical activity programming), or 2) completion of Physiological Bases Phys Act (KIN 310) or completion or current enrollment in Michigan State University’s Lab Experiences in Exercise Physiology Course (KIN 411) or Physiology Laboratory (PSL 311L), or 3) enrollment in an equivalent course is preferred
- Working knowledge of exercise principles
o Preferred if applicant has experience/knowledge in exercise programming, exercise prescription, and/or fitness assessments - Effective communication skills
o Applicants should have strong verbal and written communication skills - Applicants should be able to work both independently and as part of a group, and be reliable, dependable, and professional
Primary Learning Outcomes:
- Develop skills related to supporting and coaching participants on developing, implementing, and maintaining positive physical activity behaviors
- Gain experience in understanding the health promotion needs of a population or community
- Gain a deeper understanding of health promotion programs and priorities
- Optional opportunity to engage in our Personal Trainer Prep Course to become prepared to sit for the ACSM Certified Personal Trainer Exam.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Mentor ACTIVE Spartans Program participants through the development, implementation, and maintenance of positive physical activity behaviors
- Provide diverse and inclusive physical activity offerings thru the Move for Your Mood Program
- Communicate and collaborate with on-campus partners to become aware of programming and resources that supports and furthers the development of positive physical activity behaviors
- Incorporate theory and research on best practices in health promotion, and lifestyle behavior development (i.e., Self-Determination Theory, Transtheoretical Model, Theory of Planned Behavior, etc.)
- Time requirements = 10-12 hours per week
o 8 hours coaching participants and/or providing programming
o 2 hours research and planning preparation
o 1-2 hour weekly group with internship coordinators and other interns - Training will take place early in the semester and is required for the position.
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. Questions? Email Kristin Traskie (traskiek@msu.edu)