Serious problems have haunted Willard Hall at the University of Colorado at Boulder. One student was arrested in May for allegedly possessing and dispensing painkillers and other illegal drugs. Another student was found dead there in April, with a toxicology report still in process to determine whether alcohol and other drugs played a role.

Yet the CU Parents Association isn't turning the other cheek, hoping things will get better. Instead, they've offered $25,000 in start-up funds for CU Boulder's new Center for Students in Recovery. This on-campus recovery program will be housed in Willard Hall to help students with addictions stay in school and succeed.

Academic assistance, 12-step meetings, community service projects, education and more will play a part in CU's recovery program. It's modeled after a successful program at Texas Tech University that has been in existence for 20 years. Jack Lavino, coordinator of CU's new center, told The Rocky Mountain News, "There are a number of students who leave CU because of alcohol and drug problems-they can't cut it academically or they get into problems and are suspended under judicial affairs." The new recovery center-which is getting its start through parent generosity-hopes to help those students stay in school and make a fresh start.

Source: Rocky Mountain News, May 11, 2006

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