University of Hartford

Program Description

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT), is funding the University of Delaware $374,529.32 per year for 3 years to implement Project OASIS (Outreach and Action for Student Improvement Services). This program is a collaboration between the University of Hartford and Connecticut Renaissance, Inc. to provide substance abuse intervention to students, ages 18 to 22, the majority of whom are referred by the University's Judicial Office.

Campus Description

The University of Hartford is a private post-secondary institution with a student enrollment of approximately 7,500 students. A study conducted by the Core Institute between 1996 and 1999 reported that approximately 88 percent of University students consumed alcohol in the year before the survey, 77 percent consumed alcohol in the previous 30 days, 49 percent reported binge drinking in the previous two weeks, and 28 percent use marijuana on a regular basis.

Program Model

Screening

Prospective clients are identified through referral from the University's Judicial Office for violations of its alcohol and substance abuse policy, referral from other operating units of the University, and self-referral.

Project staff conduct the intake and assessment processes using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST).

Assessment results determine whether students are referred to brief intervention or offered suggestions for other levels of care.

Brief Intervention

Connecticut Renaissance therapists conduct brief intervention using the Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET) protocol.

MET protocol includes two individual sessions aimed at enhancing the client's motivation to address their substance use, misuse, or abuse while preparing them for making necessary behavioral changes.

Referrals are facilitated by Connecticut Renaissance's extensive linkages with the full range of family welfare, health, and other providers in the greater Hartford community.

Service Features

The Integrated Service System Program (ISSP) is a software package that enables staff completing the assessments to gather and analyze a broad range of critical information, such as family history, living arrangements, social relationships, legal history, medical history, and financial support status.

Follow-up includes a written plan; regular telephone, e-mail, and/or mail contact; and the formation of an Alumni Group to provide ongoing peer support to new participants.

Collaborators

• Connecticut Renaissance, Inc.
• University Connections Wellness Center
• University Judicial Office
• University Resident Assistants
• University Office of Student Affairs
• University Athletic Director

Contact Information

Patricia McKenna-Grant, Project Director
University of Hartford
200 Bloomfield Avenue
West Hartford, CT 06117
(860) 768-5433
mckenna@hartford.edu