Eating Disorder Peer Advisors serve as a campus resource to those students with concerns about themselves or friends regarding eating disorders, disordered eating/exercise, or nutrition. EDPA’s have been trained to provide advice, information, referrals and support to their fellow students with eating disorders or disordered eating. EDPA is a peer advising group sponsored by Dartmouth College's Health Resources Department (in Dick's House).
The philosophy of the EDPA program is based upon the following Shared Beliefs and Values:
EDPA training consists of students participating in a comprehensive training covering varied topics ranging from the physical and psychological impacts to the roles media and socialization play regarding eating disorders. Emphasis is placed on listening and advising skills so that students will be adequately prepared to serve as a resource and referral point for their peers. (See a copy of the job description.)
If you are interested in applying for EDPA training in teh Winter (2010) Term, download the EDPA Application (43KB MS Word Document), complete both pages and submit it to Kari Jo Grant via email by 4pm on Wednesday, December 2, 2009. Winter training will take place during the 10A class period, beginning Tuesday, January 12th and ending Thursday, March 4th. The next EDPA training will take place during the Summer Term 2010. The same schedule will follow for 2011-2012 (Winter & Summer training.) If you are interested in participating in a future training, please blitz “EDPA” and we will place your name on an interest list.
Trained EDPA's who wish to serve as an active peer resource post biographical and contact information on the EDPA Blitz Bulletin. All interactions with EDPA's are considered private and are intended to help students help themselves. EDPA's are required to report contacts with students who seek their guidance using the EDPA Contact Report form (MS Word document, 39 KB). The form should be filled out completely and sent to the EDPA email account. For more information, contact EDPA@dartmouth.edu.
We've created a few resources for the questions that students most frequently ask us. Check them out!
Additional resources will be added soon!
EDPAs are involved in planning a number of programming events to raise awareness on campus about eating disorders or disordered eating/exercising.
We also plan events to promote healthy eating, exercise, and body image acceptance. A few examples of programs that EDPAs are involved with are: Love Your Body Day, Eating Disorders Screening Day, National Eating Disorder Awareness Week,Difficult Discussions: How to Approach a Friend with Eating/Exercise Concerns and No Diet Day.
To find out who current EDPAs are, go to the EDPA Blitz Bulletin which includes a short biography about each active EDPA and their contact information. Please feel free to call, Blitz, or visit whichever EDPA you feel most comfortable speaking with or Blitz EDPA with any inquiry. We are happy to talk with you!
