The University of West Georgia has been granted a $30,000 NCAA CHOICES Grant for 2007-2010. The misuse of alcohol by college students is of great concern to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). In an effort to educate students about the risks involved with the misuse of alcohol, the NCAA has, through the support of the NCAA Foundation and Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc., developed CHOICES, a grant program for alcohol education.
Through CHOICES, the NCAA provides funding for NCAA member institutions and conferences to integrate athletics into campus-wide efforts to reduce alcohol abuse. CHOICES projects partner athletics with other campus partners in the development and implementation of effective alcohol-education projects.
The NCAA chose the theme "CHOICES" because college students are confronted with a variety of choices on a daily basis, some of which have lasting effects on their lives. The NCAA believes that programs implemented through this grant program will help create an environment that supports and encourages personal CHOICES that are legal, healthy, appropriate and safe.
The University of West Georgia initiated the grant process by sending a “team” to the NCAA Apple Conference in January of 2006 under the leadership of Dr. Leslie Cottrell, MD, Director of Health Services. Along with Dr. Cottrell, MD, the team was composed of Debra Dugan, Health Educator, Jill Hendricks, Patient Advocate, Dr. Frank Butts and Liz Butts, Physical Education and Recreation Dept. and Cross Country coaches, Jeff King, athletics compliance/academic coordinator and Golf coach, and student/athlete, Josh Carter. The grant proposal as well as CHOICES programming provides evidence of successful collaboration between university departments and divisions. Dr. Frank Butts, Sport Management professor and head Cross Country coach, is serving as the grant director.
Initial program goals have been met with successful kick-off events for UWG athletes. An outstanding group of student athlete representatives serving both as members of the NCAA Student Athlete Advisory Council as well as Choices Peer Mentors, helped to plan and deliver the three events. Over 250 student athletes were welcomed with a Booster Club barbeque dinner that started off with Peer Mentor teams comprised of different sport members competing in a UWG Sport Trivia contest. The second Choices event was directed for all new student athletes with a special orientation session lead by Dr. Scot Lingrell, Student Services VP for Enrollment Management. Additionally, Peer Mentors and Academic Coordinator, Jeff King, presented an informative skit presentation addressing common academic “choices” and concerns. All new Wolves were given a “We Reflect Our Choices” t-shirt. The final kick-off event was an all athlete pizza and watermelon party with over 175 athletes receiving athletic performance alcohol related information from Tim Singleton, new Sport Medicine Trainer, and Dr. Frank Butts regarding Facebook implications for athletes and athletic programs. Debra Dugan, Health Educator, and a group of the Peer Mentors led the group in some alcohol awareness activities to cap off the event.
Sponsorship of alcohol-free events is a goal of the CHOICES grant. As a grant funded collaborative effort with the Student Activities Council and Residence Life, a UWG tailgate party for the first home football game was a huge success. Students enjoyed free pizza, soft drinks, popcorn, and popsicles. Wolf spirited give-a-ways added to the festive spirit while students enjoyed DJ music and a chance to visit on a beautiful football afternoon. Entering the game spectators were given free “We Reflect Our Choices” seat cushions with information about alcohol poisoning and where to seek help from the Health Services Health Education program. Additional alcohol-free Choices events will include an on-campus Super Bowl Party and a March Madness Celebration.
Further grant programs involve the addition of an athlete wellness link on the UWG athletic website providing students with extensive resources and referral information. The training and availability of the Prime for Life program to assist with substance abuse referrals for the entire student body has been made possible through grant funding. Evaluation of the Core Alcohol and Drug Survey will help provide information for a positive social norming poster campaign. Continued collaboration between divisions and departments will be a goal in bringing alcohol related programs to student groups. The primary goal of “We Reflect Our Choices” is to create an awareness of the impact one’s choices make and to help create an environment at the University of West Georgia for promoting positive personal choices.
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