The NCAA CHOICES program annually awards 10 grants to member institutions, which provide the necessary resources to initiate new programs and support or enhance existing programs. Additional information about the CHOICES program can be found on NCAA Online at www.ncaa.org/sports_sciences/education. Following is a report from one of the 30 active NCAA CHOICES program.

There were obstacles along the way. A supportive athletics director left for another institution just as the project was beginning, leaving the university without a replacement for nearly two years. Buy-in from coaches took longer than expected as a result.

In addition, various faculty and staff members doubted that these issues were urgent since our campus had not been directly affected.

But there have been achievements, as well.

Early marketing efforts provided Cardinal CHOICES with high visibility and positive campus and community media attention. State and national recognition of our Peer Education Program lead to increased administrative support. Major changes in campus policy and procedure relative to alcohol and drug use has raised awareness and prevented increased violations.

Also, integration of alcohol- and drug-prevention programs into academic and athletics orientations has increased the number of "informed" students. Improved quality and increased frequency of prevention and education programs has been notable. In addition, on-site visits to the Betty Ford Clinic and participation in the Apple Conference spurred change in policy and procedure.

The implications of the CHOICES grant for NCAA institutions are many, including:

Tony Thomson is the director of the student counseling center at Saginaw Valley State University.