Sexual Health Education Program

SHEP interns group photo

The Sexual Health Education Program's (SHEP) mission is to empower students to feel comfortable with their bodies and make informed decisions about their sex and sexuality, including whether or not to be sexually active.

Services provided are inclusive of all races/ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, and levels of sexual knowledge and experience.

Interested in joining the UC Berkeley Sexual Health Education Program? SHEP annually recruits student "Sexperts" or trained peer health educators dedicated to promoting sex positivity and harm reduction at UC Berkeley.

As a sexpert, UC Berkeley students:

  • Participate in campus-wide events and workshops
  • Lead PH 182 weekly discussion sections
  • Support the sexual health education clinic and rapid HIV testing
  • Receive credits: 2 P/NP units are available
  • Become part of a sex-positive community at UC Berkeley!

Applicants will only be considered if they can: 

  • commit to the fall semester training (August),
  • weekly seminar,
  • 6 - 8 hours per week of SHEP-related work, and
  • attend the spring semester retreat.

2024-25 Applications open in March and are due on April 5, 2024. Apply here >

If you have any questions contact Robin Mills, SHEP Staff Coordinator, at robinmills@berkeley.edu

3 in 30 Sexual Health Series | March 2024

30-minute sexual health education presentations highlighting 3 tangible ideas to address each topic presented.

The Sexual Health Education Program's (SHEP) annual 3 in 30 Sex Series. This series features 30-minute sexual health education presentations designed and delivered by college students for college students. Participants will leave with 3 tangible ideas to address each topic presented. You are welcome to join us in person at the Tang Center, Section Club, or Live on Instagram @ucbshep.

  • March 5, 4:15-4:45 pm: Sneaky Link: Communication in Casual Sexual Relations and Experiences. Description: Communication is a vital element in all forms of relationships, romantic and sexual alike. However, it tends to be lacking in casual sexual relations and experiences among college students which may lead to negative sexual and reproductive health outcomes. We are kicking off the 3 in 30 Sex Series with communication tips for casual hook-ups. 
  • March 12, 4:15-4:45 pm - Post-Nut Practices: Aftercare as Practice of Healthy Trauma-informed Sexuality. Description: Sexual aftercare practices are under-researched and under-utilized outside the BDSM sphere. We will address this discrepancy and offer ways to integrate the practice into a model of holistic, healthy, trauma-informed sexuality. Our project posits aftercare as a practice that can benefit university student populations by increasing emotional and sexual safety.
  • March 19, 4:15-4:45 pm - Vulvo-Vaginal Health and Wellness: A Healthy Vagina is a Happy Vagina. Description: Basic care including (but is not limited to) health and wellness exams and recommended timelines, cleaning the vulvovaginal area in an everyday setting, and proper care of the vulvovaginal area following sexual experience and associated fluids.

SHEP Programs

Sexpert Education Clinic & Rapid HIV Testing

Students can meet one-on-one (and/or with their partner) with a trained Sexpert (peer sexual health educator) on Fridays from 12-3 pm in Health Promotion (2nd floor of UHS) to:

  • Discuss sexual decision-making, sexual communication, safer sex, and contraceptive options.
  • Get an HIV antibody test.

To meet with a Sexpert and have your questions answered, schedule your Sexpert Education Clinic Appointment via the eTang portal today. Rapid HIV Testing Appointments are available but not required - use this Google calendar to register.

Safer Sex Supplies

Students in SHEP provide FREE safer sex supply samples at all workshops and tabling events we staff. If you would like to provide safer sex supplies at your campus event complete the Sexpress (bulk safer sex supply order form). Requests are approved on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.

Need supplies for personal use? SHEP stocks FREE external condoms and lubrication samples at UHS. Check the display case located on the 2nd floor, Bancroft side. A limited number of supplies are placed here each month. Once supplies are gone they will not be replaced until the following month. For additional locations where you can purchase condoms feel free to check out the SHEP Safer Sex Supply Map. We've mapped locations within a 1-mile radius of campus offering safer sex supplies.

Annual Events

  • Fall Semester
    • SHAW - Sexual Health Awareness Month (September) - Sexual health is an important part of our overall well-being. Knowing and understanding sexual health means understanding what safer sex looks like. During this week, SHEP covers a variety of sexual health topics while tabling on Sproul Plaza.
  • Spring Semester
    • National Condom Week (February) - Condom Week happens every year from February 14-21. During this week, SHEP takes the opportunity to provide the campus with free condoms, as well as provide education about using condoms and other barrier methods for safer sex. Find our Sexperts tabling on Sproul Plaza.

Student Outreach on the UC Berkeley Campus

Outreach activities are highly interactive and provide free samples of condoms, dental dams, and lube, when possible:

  • Annual awareness events including Sexual Health Awareness Week (SHAW) and National Condom Week (NCW)
  • Educational presentations for your class, organization, or living center; see current workshop topics
  • Advice and materials for students who wish to put on their own sexual health workshop
  • Random distribution of safer sex supplies to Berkeley students

To request an outreach service, complete the SHEP Resource Request Form with at least 1-week advance notice.

PB HLTH 182: Sexual Health and Sexuality

This course takes examples from biology, sociology, anatomy, anthropology, art, physiology, contemporary politics, and history to explore the richness of human sexual behavior and is designed to enable students to engage in critical thinking, problem-solving, and other means of inquiry in relation to their sexual selves. The course encourages students to make informed sexual decisions and to be aware of the bio-medical, cultural, sociological, psychological, and public health education aspects of their sexuality. Responsible sexual decision making is based not only on accurate information but also on carefully evaluating information and considering one's own values. 

Other Resources

  • SHEP Talk: SHEP blog about current sexual health topics, including anonymous Q&A
  • Sexual Health Care: UHS resources related to sexual health and sexuality
  • UHS Pharmacy: low-cost safer sex supplies and contraceptives
  • Become a Sexpert with the Sexual Health Education Program

Stay Connected with SHEP

Find SHEP on Instagram and Facebook