March 9, 2007

CHOICES Purpose Statement

The misuse of alcohol by college students is of great concern to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

In an effort to educate students about the risks involved with the misuse of alcohol, the NCAA has, through the support of the NCAA Foundation and Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc., developed CHOICES, a grant program for alcohol education.

Through CHOICES, the NCAA provides funding for NCAA member institutions and conferences to integrate athletics into campus-wide efforts to reduce alcohol abuse. CHOICES projects partner athletics with other campus partners in the development and implementation of effective alcohol-education projects.

Theme

The NCAA chose the theme "CHOICES" because college students are confronted with a variety of choices on a daily basis, some of which have lasting effects on their lives. The NCAA believes that programs implemented through this grant program will help create an environment that supports and encourages personal CHOICES that are legal, healthy, appropriate and safe.

Alcohol and Athletics

The NCAA recognizes that illegal use and abuse of alcohol may occur in conjunction with athletics events. Further, the NCAA recognizes that athletics can be a medium through which alcohol education can be delivered. All alcohol-education programs that have been developed through CHOICES have utilized athletics, athletes or related events to deliver the educational program to the entire campus. Many of these programs targeted the student body rather than providing programs solely for student-athletes. Collaboration between the athletics department and other campus organizations involved in alcohol education is a vital element of a CHOICES project.