Research to Service
Research to Service Projects
In order to provide the highest quality services to our students, the University Counseling Center strives to be a national leader in implementing best practices in the prevention and intervention field. To this end, we have played a major role in developing, implementing, and evaluating the effectiveness of programs and services for students in the areas of alcohol and other drug abuse prevention, suicide prevention, and the prevention of sexual assault and violence against women. The science-based interventions in the projects listed below have been developed, rigorously researched, and designated as model strategies. For each project, a primary goal involves sustaining these effective program components in our work with our students and sharing information concerning the effective components of each project to Institutions of Higher Education at a local, state, and national level.
Since 2000, the University Counseling Center has been awarded the following major federal and state grants totaling more than $5 million to address high-risk drinking and related risk behaviors in several sub-populations of University at Albany students.
[+]
Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Prevention
[-]
Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Prevention
[+] Mentored Patient-Oriented Career Development Award (K23): Evaluating the Efficacy of Alcohol Screening & Brief Intervention at a University
[-] Mentored Patient-Oriented Career Development Award (K23): Evaluating the Efficacy of Alcohol Screening & Brief Intervention at a University
| Funding Source: | National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism |
| Principal Investigators: | M. Dolores Cimini, Ph.D. |
| Award Amount: | $785,099 |
| Project Dates: | 10/1/10-9/30/15 |
Description: The broad, long-term objective of the current research is to reduce alcohol use and related negative health, social, and legal consequences in a high-risk population of college students seeking health care at a university-based medical and mental health setting, through implementation and evaluation of effective, low-cost individual Screening and Brief Intervention (SBI) strategies.
[+] The STEPS Comprehensive Alcohol Screening and Brief Intervention Program (Model Program)
[-] The STEPS Comprehensive Alcohol Screening and Brief Intervention Program (Model Program)
| Funding Source: | U.S. Department of Education |
| Principal Investigators: | M. Dolores Cimini, Ph.D. |
| Award Amount: | $220,235 |
| Project Dates: | 7/1/09-6/31/10 |
Description: The purpose of this study is to enhance and further evaluate a comprehensive Screening and Brief Intervention program, based on the NIAAA Tier I Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students (BASICS) model, to meet the unique needs of fraternity and sorority members enrolled at the University at Albany. Through this grant, the STEPS Program was recognized as a national Model Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Prevention Program.
[+] The “iKnow” Public Service Announcement Campaign Addressing Underage Drinking at the University at Albany
[-] The “iKnow” Public Service Announcement Campaign Addressing Underage Drinking at the University at Albany
| Funding Source: | New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (NYSOASAS) |
| Principal Investigators: | M. Dolores Cimini, Ph.D.
Brian M. Freidenberg, Ph.D. |
| Award Amount: | $25,000 |
| Project Dates: | 9/1/06-3/31/07 |
Description: The aim of this project was to develop a public service media campaign addressing underage drinking at the University at Albany. A University at Albany PSA was developed for television, radio, print media, computer and iPod, and the World Wide Web. In December 2006, the University at Albany television PSA was placed into a statewide competition and earned first prize; the University at Albany’s winning PSA was developed into a statewide PSA and was adopted as part of a New York State public service campaign addressing underage drinking by college students.
[+] The Committee on University and Community Relations: A Model Campus-Community Partnership at a State University Campus (Model Program)
[-] The Committee on University and Community Relations: A Model Campus-Community Partnership at a State University Campus (Model Program)
| Funding Source: | U.S. Department of Education |
| Principal Investigators: | Thomas L. Gebhardt, University Police Department
Brian M. Freidenberg, Ph.D. |
| Award Amount: | $174,923 |
| Project Dates: | 6/1/06-9/30/07 |
Description: Under the umbrella of the nationally recognized Committee on University and Community Relations, this project aimed to reduce high-risk drinking rates and associated high-risk behaviors and increase protective behaviors in our on-campus and off-campus students, correct misperceptions of the alcohol use rates of University at Albany students held by members of our campus and in the local community, and identify and describe the effective ingredients of a successful campus-community coalition.
[+] Project Winning STEPS: Integrating and Implementing Screening and Brief Intervention (SBI) strategies with Student Athletes
[-] Project Winning STEPS: Integrating and Implementing Screening and Brief Intervention (SBI) strategies with Student Athletes
| Funding Source: | U.S. Department of Education |
| Principal Investigators: | M. Dolores Cimini, Ph.D.
Estela M. Rivero, Ph.D.
Joyce Y. Dewitt-Parker, Ph.D.
Lee A. McElroy Ed.D., Vice President for Athletic Administration and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics |
| Award Amount: | $298,266 |
| Project Dates: | 6/8/06-6/7/08 |
Description: The long-term goal of this project was to address alcohol abuse and related harms in student-athletes. Student-athletes were offered early screening and brief intervention integrated with athletic performance enhancement strategies delivered by University Counseling Center Psychologists.
[+] Targeted Capacity Expansion Project for Campus-Based Alcohol Screening and Brief Intervention
[-] Targeted Capacity Expansion Project for Campus-Based Alcohol Screening and Brief Intervention
| Funding Source: | Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (SAMHSA-CSAT) |
| Principal Investigators: | M. Dolores Cimini, Ph.D. |
| Award Amount: | $1,419,463 |
| Project Dates: | 7/01/05-6/30/08 |
Description: This project aimed to reduce alcohol abuse and related harms in UAlbany students presenting to the University Health Center for medical care and the University Counseling Center for mental health services by offering early screening and brief intervention delivered by University Counseling Center psychologists and University Health Center primary care providers.
[+] Project First STEPS: Integrating and Implementing Screening and Brief Intervention (SBI) strategies with First-Year Students
[-] Project First STEPS: Integrating and Implementing Screening and Brief Intervention (SBI) strategies with First-Year Students
| Funding Source: | U.S. Department of Education |
| Principal Investigators: | M. Dolores Cimini, Ph.D.
Estela M. Rivero, Ph.D.
Angelina X. Diaz-Myers, Ph.D.
Christine A. Bouchard, M.S., Vice President for Student Success |
| Award Amount: | $294,601 |
| Project Dates: | 6/13/05-6/12/07 |
Description: This project aimed to reduce alcohol abuse and related harms in UAlbany first-year students by providing early online alcohol screening and brief intervention by psychologists at the University Counseling Center.
[+] Evaluating the Effectiveness of Peer-Facilitated Alcohol Interventions with Judicially Referred Students
[-] Evaluating the Effectiveness of Peer-Facilitated Alcohol Interventions with Judicially Referred Students
| Funding Source: | National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) |
| Principal Investigators: | M. Dolores Cimini, Ph.D.
Matthew P. Martens, Ph.D., University of Missouri-Columbia |
| Award Amount: | $890,000 |
| Project Dates: | 9/17/04-9/16/07 |
Description: The long-term objective of this project was to address alcohol abuse by UAlbany students referred to the University’s judicial system for alcohol policy violations by reducing high-risk drinking rates and associated high-risk behaviors and increasing protective behaviors, evaluating the effectiveness of two peer-based model interventions for these high-risk drinkers, and identifying variables that mediate or moderate intervention effectiveness.
[+] The Middle Earth Peer Assistance Program (Model Program)
[-] The Middle Earth Peer Assistance Program (Model Program)
| Funding Source: | U.S. Department of Education |
| Principal Investigators: | M. Dolores Cimini, Ph.D. |
| Award Amount: | $75,000 |
| Project Dates: | 8/1/00-7/31/02 |
Description: This project aimed to assess the effectiveness of peer-facilitated alcohol interventions in reducing alcohol use and related negative consequences in a population of first-year students at the University at Albany. Through this grant, the Middle Earth Peer Assistance Program was also recognized as a national Model Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Prevention Program.
[+]
Mental Health & Suicide Prevention
[-]
Mental Health & Suicide Prevention
[+] The STEPS Program: Expanding and Enhancing a Coordinated Response to Student Suicide on a Large Public University Campus (Part 2)
[-] The STEPS Program: Expanding and Enhancing a Coordinated Response to Student Suicide on a Large Public University Campus (Part 2)
| Funding Source: | Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (SAMHSA-CMHS) |
| Principal Investigators: | Estela M. Rivero, Ph.D.
Joseph E. Bernier, Ph.D.
M. Dolores Cimini, Ph.D.
Judith A. Stanley, Ph.D. |
| Award Amount: | $304,000 |
| Project Dates: | 10/1/08-9/30/11 |
Description: This project aims to enhance a Comprehensive Suicide Prevention Program at the University at Albany. Focus areas include the training and education of the campus community in general and gatekeeper staff in particular on the factors that predispose students to suicide risk. Training and education will stress early identification and referral of students at risk for suicide.
[+] The STEPS Program: Expanding and Enhancing a Coordinated Response to Student Suicide on a Large Public University Campus (Part 1)
[-] The STEPS Program: Expanding and Enhancing a Coordinated Response to Student Suicide on a Large Public University Campus (Part 1)
| Funding Source: | Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (SAMHSA-CMHS) |
| Principal Investigators: | Estela M. Rivero, Ph.D.
Joseph E. Bernier, Ph.D.
M. Dolores Cimini, Ph.D.
Judith A. Stanley, Ph.D. |
| Award Amount: | $224,533 |
| Project Dates: | 10/1/06-9/30/08 |
Description: This project aims to enhance a Comprehensive Suicide Prevention Program at the University at Albany. Focus areas included the training and education of the campus community in general and gatekeeper staff in particular on the factors that predispose students to suicide risk. Training and education stressed early identification and referral of students at risk for suicide.
[+]
Sexual Assault and Violence Prevention
[-]
Sexual Assault and Violence Prevention
[+] Project REACH: Expanding and Enhancing a Coordinated Response to Student Sexual Assault on a Large Public University Campus
[-] Project REACH: Expanding and Enhancing a Coordinated Response to Student Sexual Assault on a Large Public University Campus
| Funding Source: | Office on Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice (OVW) |
| Principal Investigators: | Estela M. Rivero, Ph.D.
M. Dolores Cimini, Ph.D.
Joyce Dewitt-Parker, Ph.D. |
| Award Amount: | $299,875 |
| Project Dates: | 10/1/08-9/30/11 |
Description: This project aims to enhance a Comprehensive Sexual Assault Prevention Program at the University at Albany. Focus areas include the training and education of the campus community in general and University police and judicial affairs staff in particular on understanding and responding to sexual assault.
Awards
The University Counseling Center is pleased to announce that it has earned the following awards for its research-to-service initiatives.
[+] 2010 Innovation in Behavioral Health Care Services Award, State Associations of Addiction Services (SAAS) and NIATx
[-] 2010 Innovation in Behavioral Health Care Services Award, State Associations of Addiction Services (SAAS) and NIATx
Sponsored by the State Associations of Addiction Services (SAAS) and NIATx, based at the University of Wisconsin, the 2010 Innovation Awards in Substance Abuse Services highlights innovations in process improvement practices that position an organization to meet the challenges of future service delivery. This award was presented at the SAAS and NIATx Annual Conference in Cincinnati, Ohio on July 12, 2010.
[+] 2009 Science and Service Award, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) ?
[-] 2009 Science and Service Award, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
These awards recognize exemplary implementation of evidence-based interventions that have been shown to prevent and/or treat mental illnesses and substance abuse. Awardees were chosen in each of five categories: substance abuse prevention, treatment of substance abuse and recovery support services, mental health promotion, treatment of mental illness and recovery support services, and co-occurring disorders. To be eligible for these nonmonetary awards, an organization had to demonstrate successful implementation of a recognized evidence-based intervention, including interventions that have been published in the scientific literature and/or appear on a federal or state registry.
[+] 2009 “Pioneer in Prevention” Exemplary Award, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Center for Substance Abuse Prevention and National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors (NASADAD)
[-] 2009 “Pioneer in Prevention” Exemplary Award, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Center for Substance Abuse Prevention and National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors (NASADAD)
We have received a national first-ever “Pioneer in Prevention” Exemplary Award from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors. This award was given in recognition of our moving forward the national discussion on science and best practices in prevention. Along with the award, we received a $1500 minigrant, and our congressional delegation was formally notified of the award. We will also be eligible to apply for a $30,000 subcontract with SAMHSA to further evaluate our award-winning program. We were presented with the award at a Thursday morning, September 17th plenary session at the National Prevention Network Conference in Anaheim, California.
[+] 2009 Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention Model Program, U.S. Department of Education
[-] 2009 Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention Model Program, U.S. Department of Education
The goal of the Models of Exemplary, Effective, and Promising Alcohol or Other Drug Abuse Prevention Programs on College Campuses Grant Program is to identify and disseminate information about exemplary and effective alcohol or other drug abuse prevention programs implemented on college campuses. The U.S. Department of Education also will recognize colleges and universities whose programs, while not yet exemplary or effective, show evidence that they are promising. The grantees will enhance and further evaluate their exemplary, effective, or promising programs. During FY 2009, five campuses from across the United States, including UAlbany, have been awarded these grants, and awardees were recognized at a ceremony in August 2009. This recognition also included a grant award in the amount of $220,000 to help enhance and disseminate information about UAlbany’s successful STEPS Comprehensive Alcohol Screening and Brief Intervention Program to IHEs on a national scale.
[+] 2009 Best Practices in College Health Award, American College Health Association (ACHA)
[-] 2009 Best Practices in College Health Award, American College Health Association (ACHA)
The ACHA is the national organization to which college health centers affiliate, and the organization to which these college centers look for guidance on best practices. ACHA members include physicians and allied health professionals, such as service providers, health center administrators, and prevention and health promotion professionals (see www.acha.org). This award recognizes exemplary, innovative, and inspirational practices in one of four major areas of college health: (1) clinical services, (2) counseling services, (3) administrative and consumer services, and (4) health education and promotion services. Each year at the ACHA Annual Meeting, up to four awards may be presented to the college health center(s) at an ACHA member institution that demonstrates program and/or service excellence. This award encourages the creation of programs and student patient services that are designed to advance the health of college students. Our STEPS SBI Program is the only Best Practices Award winner for this year. We were presented with the award on Thursday, May 28th at the ACHA Annual Conference in San Francisco, CA.
[+] 2009 Grand Gold Medal for Excellence, National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA)
AND
2009 Gold Award for Excellence in Health and Counseling Services, National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA)
[-] 2009 Grand Gold Medal for Excellence, National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA)
AND
2009 Gold Award for Excellence in Health and Counseling Services, National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA)
Applicant programs for this award were required to demonstrate outcomes for their submitted projects. Our program was among 200 applicants, and we won the top prize at two levels - for Outstanding Service in the Health and Counseling area, and a "Grand Gold Medal" as the top candidate across all program areas in student affairs (of which there are seven). We were presented with our award at the NASPA annual conference in Seattle, Washington, on March 10, 2009 and were invited to present a poster on our program at the conference, which typically brings in over 10,000 attendees from higher education institutions.
Publications
Cimini, M. D., Martens, M. P., Larimer, M. E., Kilmer, J. R., Neighbors, C., & Monserrat, J. M. (2009). Assessing the effectiveness of peer-facilitated interventions addressing high-risk drinking among judicially mandated college students. Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs. 16, 57-66.
Martens, M. P., Rocha, T. L., Cimini, M. D., Díaz-Myers, A., Rivero, E., & Wulfert, E. (2009). The Co-Occurrence of Alcohol Use and Gambling Activities in First-Year College Students. Journal of American College Health, 57(6), 597-602.
Martens, M.P., Cimini, M.D., Barr, A.R., Rivero, E.M., Vellis, P.A., Desemone, G.A. & Horner, K.J. (2007). Implementing a Screening and Brief Intervention for High-Risk Drinking in University-Based Health and Mental Health Care Settings: Reductions in Alcohol Use and Correlates of Success. Addictive Behaviors, 32, 2563-2572.
