Opportunities

The Center for Students in Recovery (CSR) at The University of Texas at Austin is a supportive community and bridge to academic and recovery-related resources for students in recovery or in hope of recovery from addiction. Students at any stage of their recovery journey are welcome, and there are no barriers to entry. You can help support students in recovery on their academic journey by supporting scholarships, student programming, and becoming an ally.

How CSR Works:

CSR's activities are founded on the principle of peer-to-peer recovery support. Peer support relies on several key components, which include working a program of recovery, social engagement and service.

Working a program:

  • CSR provides a dedicated space for meetings and sponsorship, access to a library of recovery literature and knowledgeable staff to support student progress.
  • CSR maintains an up-to-date network of recovery-support resources both on and off campus so that students can find the professional and peer support they need.

 

Social Engagement:

  • Students socialize before and after support group meetings and while utilizing CSR as a drop-in spot for studying or hanging out.
  • Social engagement events planned by CSR staff include, but are not limited to, hiking and camping trips, sober SXSW outings, sober tailgates, game nights, obstacle course and Glow Bowl. Activities are always evolving, and are responsive to the needs of the student community.

 

Service Opportunities:

  • Service opportunities organized by CSR staff include: mentoring high school students in recovery; speaking to high school, college, and professional groups on and off campus; and speaking to and visiting with individuals at in- and out-patient treatment centers throughout the greater Austin area.
  • Student-led Recovery Ally Trainings (link to the Recovery Ally Training page) raise awareness of recovery, reduce stigma, and foster a campus culture that understands and values recovery.

 

CSR combines this trifold approach to recovery support with academic support.

CSR also provides educational and enrichment opportunities in the form of invited speakers and professional development opportunities for students, including Peer Recovery Support Specialist training, internships, and attendance at national recovery-related conferences and events. These opportunities encourage our students to become vital, engaged members of the community, and to show that a genuine college experience free from alcohol and other drugs is possible.

CSR's open-door policy and commitment to meeting students wherever they are in their recovery journeys has been an attracting force for prospective students in recovery, and has helped to encourage student retention and progress toward degree completion.