University of San Francisco Athletics

Through a partnership with Health Promotion Services and the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, the University of San Francisco has been selected as one of nine Division I institutions that will receive a three-year, $30,000 CHOICES Grant from the NCAA to assist a campus-wide effort in alcohol education programming.

The NCAA awards $30,000 distributed over three years to fund proposals that help create an environment that supports and encourages personal CHOICES about alcohol that are legal, healthy, appropriate and safe. Dons: Do Something About It is a comprehensive education program that advocates a bystander intervention approach to reduce problem drinking and it relates to maladaptive behaviors, such as sexual assault.
 
"We are thrilled that USF was one of the nine institutions nationally to receive a NCAA Choices grant," said USF Director of Athletics Scott Sidwell. "Our entire student body will greatly benefit from the program that will continue to position USF as a leader in creating a campus environment that encourages education around alcohol use and behavior."
 
Said USF President Rev. Paul Fitzgerald, S.J., "Our participation in the CHOICES project will build on our efforts in alcohol education, especially Think About It, our pioneering on-line student-education program now in use on over 500 campuses. I am particularly delighted that this program brings together our athletics and student-life teams to reach out to the entire USF student body."
 
As part of the program, peer educators have been trained to conduct one-on-one sessions and workshops to educate students on problem drinking and the resulting negative social consequences. Programs will also promote bystander intervention and will provide resource skills and strategies on the issue. The program also recommends review and support of all campus policies which support responsible behavior with respect to alcohol. Education tabling addressing the topic will also be present at home athletic events over the next three years.

University of San Francisco Athletics
The University of San Francisco is committed to excellence in athletics as part of a larger commitment to educating students in the Jesuit Catholic tradition. USF Athletics is built upon Four Pillars of Success that aim to develop young men and women in this tradition: Excel in the Classroom; Win at the Highest Level of Competition; Engage in the Community; and Become Leaders in the World. USF Athletics strives to develop programs of national distinction while providing its student-athletes with a world-class educational experience at one of the nation's leading Jesuit institutions. Educational opportunities, programs that compete at the highest levels of competition and student-athletes who become leaders in their chosen professions and communities are the cornerstones of USF Athletics. A charter member of the West Coast Conference, USF sponsors 15 NCAA Division I programs comprised of over 250 student-athletes. USF teams have won 10 national championships and two individual titles.