Peers Help Counsel Sexually Active Students

What continues to amaze Jennifer Glasser are the misconceptions college students have regarding human sexuality. "Many students are confused when it comes to identifying sexually transmitted diseases as well as understanding the various forms of birth control methods available," says Glasser, a college senior and student director of the Peer Counselors in Sexuality at UC Davis. Through the program more than 40 students volunteer their time educating sexually active students. The counselors provide information to nearly 8,000 students annually, according to Glasser, which necessitates having a large staff to handle the number of inquiries. Any UC Davis student wishing to obtain prescription birth control must first receive educational training by the peer counselors. "An upcoming program supported by the group is National Condom Week, beginning Valentine's Day on Monday, Feb. 14. Activities on the Davis campus will include a "pin-the-condom-on-the-man" contest, condom demonstrations that test the strength and flexibility of different brands, and the distribution of love coupons.