|
WILLIAM PATERSON UNIVERSITY TO OFFER HOUSING FOR STUDENTS IN RECOVERY BEGINNING IN FALL 2009
--University is one of handful across the nation to offer such housing
William Paterson University in Wayne will expand its efforts to support students in recovery from alcohol or drug abuse by giving them the option of choosing to live in special recovery housing in a substance-free residence hall on campus beginning in fall 2009.
The University is only the second in New Jersey, and one of a handful across the country, to offer special housing for students in recovery. The program is supported by a three-year, $650,000 grant from the Division of Addiction Services of the New Jersey Department of Human Services.
Twelve beds in the substance-free residence hall will be designated for students in recovery; all students who choose to live in the residence hall will be required to sign a written agreement committing them to living a healthy, substance-free lifestyle. The floor will be supervised by a coordinator of resident recovery who will provide special support and programming assistance for the resident students, as well as specialized recovery services to students in recovery.
“A primary goal is to provide resources and support to students in recovery or those contemplating lifestyle changes that exclude alcohol or other drug use,” says Glen Sherman, associate vice president and dean of student development. “Students who choose to live there will be making a serious commitment to a substance-free lifestyle.”
In addition, the grant provides funding for alcohol-free social and recreational programming to occur late at night and on weekends. “These events will take place generally between 9:00 p.m. and 1 a.m. and will augment other scheduled events and activities planned by student clubs and organizations,” Sherman explains. “Our intent is to offer a variety of creative and fun activities during the hours students typically drink.”
William Paterson has received national recognition as a leader in alcohol awareness and prevention by organizations such as NASPA—Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education, which have invited Sherman and other William Paterson staff to make presentations on its alcohol prevention program.
# # # #
February 13 , 2009
www.wpunj.edu
|
|
