Posts tagged Matthew Tomatz
CU’S Live Free Weekend (of alcohol and drugs) coming up
0September 26, 2012
As part of the fourth annual Live Free Weekend, the University of Colorado Boulder community is being encouraged to take a pledge to forego all alcohol use for 96 hours from Oct. 4-8.
Presented by the CU-Boulder student group Oasis and Counseling and Psychological Services, the pledge also includes no recreational drugs for all participants. Numerous free activities including a film screening, ultimate Frisbee tournament, intramural sports, rock climbing and yoga sessions will be offered throughout the weekend to highlight substance-abuse-free lifestyles.
“One of our goals is is to give people who binge drink and use drugs a chance to take a step back and look at what they are doing,” said Matthew Tomatz, substance abuse coordinator at CU-Boulder Counseling and Psychological Services.
The CU Intercollegiate Athletics department will help kick off the event with the Live-Free Kickoff Lunch on Thursday, Oct. 4, beginning at noon on the south side of the Balch Field House. The free lunch, available to those who take the pledge, also gives participants a chance to meet others who are taking the challenge.
“We are excited and proud to be able to get involved with Live Free Weekend,” said Chris Schaefbauer, CUSG director of health and safety. “It’s important to have events like this on campus, where we question the things we do and the choices we make. Live Free Weekend gives the student body a great way to engage in dialogue within our community about alcohol and other substance abuse, because the truth is, it’s a problem among our students and college students in general.”
Live Free Weekend is sponsored by CU-Boulder Housing and Dining Services, CU Parents Association, CU Intercollegiate Athletics department, CU Volunteer Resource Center, Residence Hall Association, Community Health, GLBTQ Resource Center and Veteran Services.
To sign the pledge and see a complete list of events visit www.colorado.edu/livefreeweekend.
Related posts:
CU to students: Don’t let spring break turn into nightmare
0February 28, 2012
CU-Boulder urges spring break safety
for students traveling or staying put
With visions of ski resorts and warm beaches on the minds of many students, the University of Colorado Boulder is urging students to exercise caution whether they remain in Colorado, travel elsewhere in the country or go abroad for spring break.
CU-Boulder’s spring break is March 26-30.
Students planning to travel abroad need to be aware of travel warnings issued by the U.S. Department of State, including recent warnings for those planning to visit Mexico. For information on security conditions in specific regions of Mexico visit http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_5665.html. Those planning to go to Mexico also can view general travel tips at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/tips_1232.html.
“The advice I give to students traveling internationally is similar to what I would tell students locally,” said Larry Bell, director of international education at CU-Boulder. “Stay aware of your surroundings and exercise caution in places with which you are not familiar. When abroad be alert to the differences of customs, traditions and social situations as those differences may result in significant consequences — sometimes negative.”
In general, students are reminded to practice the same safety protocols they follow in Boulder, which includes traveling in groups, looking out for friends, keeping hydrated, knowing their limits and complying with the law.
“We want our students to have a great break, but also want to remind them to be safe and look out for one another wherever they are during spring break,” said Karen Raforth, interim dean of students and associate vice chancellor for student affairs.
Students who are of age and choose to drink alcohol should do so safely and keep an eye on their friends before, during and after parties.
“I always encourage students to step back and think through their use of alcohol to avoid related problems,” said Matthew Tomatz, counselor and substance abuse coordinator with CU-Boulder’s Counseling and Psychological Services office. “Since drinking can be risky and lead to poor decision-making, it is wise to establish sensible limits before drinking and strategize ways to maintain these boundaries.”
Students planning to drive to an out-of-town destination should drive in shifts and get plenty of sleep before driving. Those planning to travel to the high country should check road conditions and take winter survival kits in their cars. Winter driving tips are available at http://www.coloradodot.info/travel/winter-driving.
This winter, the high country has experienced more avalanches than normal, so students who plan to ski, snowboard or snowshoe need to be extremely careful. Students should check the site they are going to visit for advisories before they go. Information about avalanches, including special advisories, is available at http://avalanche.state.co.us/index.php.
Students also need to remember that the Student Code of Conduct follows them wherever they go. For more information on the Student Code of Conduct visithttp://www.colorado.edu/studentaffairs/studentconduct/code.html.
Before leaving for break, students planning to travel internationally should visit the U.S. Department of State’s travel information page, which includes international safety resources and warnings and alerts, at http://travel.state.gov/travel/. General international travel tips are posted athttp://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/tips_1232.html.
-CU-
