Student Experience

More Information • Student demographics

Public Health Nutrition students are active in the public health community through field experiences and employment at local, state, and national public and private organizations.  The field experience gives students the opportunity to establish themselves as professionals through mentorship, and to apply the knowledge and skills attained in the classroom in hands-on work experience.

Students are involved with faculty and Division matters through graduate assistantships.  Student representatives attend monthly Division Training Committee meetings, and at least once every semester are invited to meet with the major chair to discuss their view of the program.  Student input is valued very deeply within the Division. 

Public Health Nutrition students are active in the Philip’s Neighborhood Clinic (PNC).  PNC is an interdisciplinary clinic run by students from the U's Academic Health Center, providing healthcare for those with limited financial resources. The clinic is currently is open from 6-9 PM every Monday night.  A large proportion of the PNC population is affected by nutrition-related conditions such as obesity, hypertension and diabetes. Nutrition counseling is a new service at PNC beginning in Fall 2006. Additionally, Public Health Nutrition students could volunteer in other roles at the PNC, such as patient advocacy, interpreting, waiting room education, and outreach. Participating in the PNC is a great opportunity to make a difference in your community, to increase your knowledge of the Twin Cities’ cultural diversity, to learn and practice important professional skills, and to network with other health professionals.

Students are highly encouraged to be involved in the Center for Health Interprofessional Programs (CHIP) student center to build alliances between different members of the Academic Health Center programs. The CHIP organization provides a student lounge in the Academic Health Center as well as opportunities for socializing and community service.

Students are also encouraged to become involved in student government through the School of Public Health Student Senate.  The SPH Student Senate is an active group that coordinates many social and community events through the year including Relay for Life teams, food drives, and many other community activities.