Student Affairs Organization Honors UW Partnership

January 10, 2011

Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education (NASPA) presented one of its highest awards to a UW Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program.

The organization presented its Silver Excellence Award to UW for "AWARE Program and Residence Life: A Sustained Model Partnership for Alcohol Abuse Prevention at the University of Wyoming," a program that has garnered national recognition for its success in alcohol abuse prevention among college students.

Led by AWARE Program Coordinator Lena Newlin and Tony Earls, associate director of Residence Life and Dining Services, the partnership has resulted in more than four years of data demonstrating excellence and the following outcomes among UW students: Reduction in frequency and quantity of alcohol use; reduction in problems associated with alcohol use; reduction in risk factors associated with alcohol use; and increased protective factors.

Through the partnership, UW has received other prestigious awards. In 2009, the program received an award from Wyoming Gov. Dave Freudenthal for the Prevention and Education of Impaired Driving. In 2008, the U.S. Department of Education recognized it as a Model Program.

"These honors have allowed us to continue with our comprehensive approach toward alcohol abuse prevention as well as secure funding to refine and enhance our efforts," Newlin says.

NASPA selected UW based on criteria including positive impact on student learning, relevance to the institutional mission and demonstrated success in addressing student needs and/or critical campus issues.

With more than 11,000 members at 1,400 campuses, and representing 29 countries, NASPA is the foremost professional association for student affairs administrators, faculty, and graduate and undergraduate students.

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