Public Health

The Public Health Club is an academic and professional student organization for students interested in health sciences and public health. The club aims to encourage academic excellence, build field experience, and connet peers through community programs and events. To join, please visit RamConnect Public Health Club.

Faculty Advisor: Dr. Rebecca Rich

 MPH Student Advisory Board (SAB)

The purpose of the MPH Student Advisory Board MPH SAB) is: (1) to identify MPH program strengths and areas for improvement to then be funneled to the MPH Faculty for discussion/action, (2) to nominate/elect a MPH student representative to attend monthly MPH Faculty Meetings, and (3) to address any other needs of the MPH student body (i.e., social, community involvement, career development, etc.). Student leadership is annually elected. Meeting announcements are placed on the WCU MPH Instagram which is maintained by MPH SAB leadership. All MPH students are encouraged to join. For more information, contact current MPH SAB leadership by clicking MPH SAB contacts on Instagram or go to the new SAB website.

• MPH SAB Faculty Advisor:
  Harry Holt, PhD, JD, MBA

MPH Community Advisory Board

The MPH CAB committee consists of key leaders and representatives from health organizations and educational institutions in Chester County, Pennsylvania, and the greater Delaware Valley region. Members include alumni, health and human service providers, and community group representatives. The committee is charged to review the overall MPH Program in terms of community needs and future directions in public health. Committee members review the MPH curriculum and MPH accreditation documents related to the program. The members of the committee provide recommendations for program revisions and changes along with support for practicum and career advisement. Members also provide opportunities in public health related to internships, careers in public health, and opportunities for MPH students and faculty to engage in public health-related research, service activities, and continuing education activities. Members will support in increasing capacity for workforce development through awareness of regional opportunities for networking and continuing education.

Responsibilities:

• Review and provide feedback of MPH curriculum and accreditation documents for quality improvement purposes
• Two virtual 1-hour meetings per year
• Support of workforce development strategies and/or initiatives

To be considered for membership, email your interest and resume/CV to Dr. Stacie Metz, MPH Program Director.

• MPH CAB Co-Chairs:
  Chrissie Dziembowski, MPH, CHES
  Instructor and WCU MPH Alumni
  Department of Health | West Chester University
  Email: Cdziembowski@wcupa.edu | Phone: 610.436.2101
• MPH CAB Co-Chairs:
  Stacie M. Metz, PhD, MPH, MSW, MA
  Professor | MPH Program Director | Graduate Coordinator
  Department of Health | West Chester University
  Email: smetz@wcupa.edu | Phone: 610.436.2101

The Environmental Health Club promotes the environmental health science major, organizes community service projects, and builds professional networking connections. To join the club or view updates, please visit RamConnect Environmental Health Club

• Faculty Advisor: Dr. Melanie Vile

 

Delta Omega Public Health Honorary Society is the honorary society for graduate studies in public health. The purpose of Delta Omega is to recognize academic merit and sincere commitment to public health work inside and outside of the classroom. For more information about Delta Omega, visit the Delta Omega National Chapter’s website. Membership in Delta Omega is by election only. Therefore, students may nominate themselves for an opportunity to be inducted into the society by completing an electronic application.

Eligibility: Our Chapter (Beta Xi) annually can only induct a select number of graduating students. Only students in the top 20 percent of the graduating class are eligible for membership according to Delta Omega by-laws. Hence, all applicants must have completed a minimum of 35 credits by the end of the semester they are applying and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.75 at the time of application. We encourage applications from students from all tracks who meet the guidelines. Due to the maximum number of students we can induct into our chapter per year, this process is competitive.

Review Cycle: Calls for application occur in March via MPH Student Announcement emails. Our Chapter’s Selection Committee reviews all applications to determine which graduating students demonstrate current and/or potential qualities of outstanding leadership in the field of public health. Students selected will be invited to participate in an induction ceremony as part of our end-of-semester Spring MPH Poster Session event.

Application Content: The electronic application in REDCap includes: (1) basic student information, (2) open-ended short answer questions, (3) resume upload, and (4) unofficial WCU transcript upload.

Questions? Contact Beta Xi Chapter Faculty Advisor Dr. Chiwoneso Tinago

American Public Health Association (APHA) - The American Public Health Association is the oldest and most diverse organization of public health professionals in the world and has been working to improve public health since 1872. The Association aims to protect all Americans, their families and their communities from preventable, serious health threats and strives to assure community-based health promotion and disease prevention activities and preventive health services are universally accessible in the United States. APHA represents a broad array of health professionals and others who care about their own health and the health of their communities.

Go to the website to join: $60 annual fee (student), $195 annually (regular membership)

Pennsylvania Public Health Association - PPHA is a membership organization working to promote the health of Pennsylvania residents through the advancement of sound public health policies and practice. PPHA members from across the state have interest, experience, and expertise over a wide range of health-related issues, including those related to policy, education, private and public sector health services and healthcare delivery, legislation, and health-related research. The PPHA is a state affiliate of the American Public Health Association (APHA).

Go to the website to join: $10 annual student membership fee

Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE) - The Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE) is an independent, international professional association made up of a diverse membership of health education professionals and students. The organization promotes healthy behaviors, healthy communities, and healthy environments through its membership, its network of local chapters, and its numerous partnerships with other organizations. With its primary focus on public health education, SOPHE provides leadership through a code of ethics, standard for professional preparation, research, and practice; professional development; and public outreach.

Go to the website to join: $75 annual student membership fee