In fall 2001, the State University College at Oneonta received an NCAA CHOICES grant for $30,000. Oneonta State is located in central New York, has approximately 5,500 undergraduates and is a member of the State University of New York Athletic Conference.

In our first grant year, we were able to build and expand upon existing comprehensive, active alcohol prevention programs. Our project has focused on a broad-based environmental approach using the student-athlete leadership and athletics events to empower non-users and low-risk legal users of alcohol to provide a social influence on our campus.

With a strong social marketing campaign challenging the misperceptions students and student-athletes have regarding peer norms for use of alcohol, this healthy segment of the campus population may help turn the tide of high use, high-risk behavior related to alcohol. We have comprised a Social Marketing Campaign Team of students and student-athletes working together to promote awareness and dispel misperceptions through positive social alternatives, colorful posters and leadership empowerment.

After extrapolating Oneonta State student outcomes from CORE survey data, results were introduced into game programs and campus calendars to enhance the message. "Up All Night" programming has assisted students in creating a common bond through exciting alcohol-free activities in our athletics facilities, and our Peer Mentorship Model is further empowering student-athletes to become assertive in their positive lifestyle choices.

The Student-Athlete Advisory Council has been at the heart of our campaign, working to promote school spirit, expanding athletics traditions and setting a good example in academic success, time management and sportsmanship.

We have created a campus atmosphere of teamwork and intradepartmental partnerships, as well as student-to-student-athlete relationships that will withstand the test of time. The CHOICES grant also has allowed our college to create new programs that have encouraged faculty to look at the student-athlete as a valuable member of the campus community and has created relationships that have opened doors for students and student-athletes to understand and better appreciate each other.

The NCAA has given us an opportunity to build a bridge through collaboration, and as the second year of our grant begins, we look forward to it with great anticipation and expectation that we can indeed influence positive social change on our campus.

Tracey Ranieri is an associate athletics director at the State University College at Oneonta.