CSM Earns Gold-Level Recognition from Nebraska Collegiate Prevention Alliance

The Nebraska Collegiate Prevention Alliance (NECPA) recently recognized College of Saint Mary (CSM) through its Exemplary Member Recognition Program.

The program acknowledges the important work done by prevention professionals across the state. It recognizes members who go above and beyond to prevent and reduce high-risk drinking and substance abuse among Nebraska college students.

CSM achieved gold level by participating in at least two NECPA-sponsored activities. Those activities included incorporating the Power of Parenting information into first-year orientation and hosting a Brief Motivational Interview training for resident advisors. The training helped the residence advisors (RA) encourage students working on a change to identify the problem and a solution on their own.

“It was a good takeaway for me and for our RAs to say that if someone comes to them with that kind of problem, to change the way they react and accept information,” said Residence Life Area Coordinator Lori Boyle, who, along with Residence Life Director Larissa Buster and Assistant Dean of Student Support Services Barb Treadway, worked on the preventative programming.

The three CSM staff members were pleased with the recognition.

“It showcases that we are dedicated to continual safety education for behaviors surrounding alcohol, drugs and driving,” Buster said.

NECPA has 26 member institutions. Sixteen, including CSM, qualified for the gold-level recognition, four received silver and two qualified for bronze.