George Washington University

About the Program

GW STUDENTS FOR RECOVERY

The Collegiate Recovery Program at The George Washington University began as a student organization called GW Students for Recovery (GW SFR). The first official meeting was in February 2012 and was attended by students, staff, and community members. The student organization and the beginnings of the official program both reside in the Division of Student Affairs. For recovery space, students are able to apply for access to the Serenity Shack, one level of a university townhouse. First-year students can elect to live in a Sober Living community, while affinity housing for sophomores and juniors will be available through an application process in a new residence hall opening in Fall 2016. The student organization has a full-time staff advisor, and the overall program initiative is overseen by the Senior Associate Dean of Students and one graduate fellow. The program is mid-size, with approximately 20-30 students engaged with the recovery program. Aside from weekly meetings, there are social events, trainings, Recovery Month and Recovery Day activities, and partnering with on and off-campus organizations. The only current requirements are pertaining to access to the Serenity Shack.  Those include six (plus) months of seeking recovery, participating in recovery programming on campus, and regular meetings with a professional counselor.