The faculty and staff at JSC are aware of the national trends on college campuses related to alcohol and drug use. That's where Valerie Welter, MA, LADC, comes in. As coordinator of Alcohol and Drug Services in the JSC Counseling Center, Valerie works to promote health and well-being among our students by promoting awareness of substance abuse issues and working with at-risk students.

As coordinator, Valerie manages campus-wide alcohol and drug prevention initiatives and education programming, as well as counsels students who violate the JSC alcohol and drug policy.  Self-referred students who are experiencing difficulties surrounding alcohol and/or drug use are also provided with education, treatment, and referrals to off-campus treatment providers where appropriate. 

Freshman Orientation at JSC involves comprehensive alcohol and drug outreach programming. In October, JSC participates in a campus-wide Alcohol Awareness Week involving the Student Association, Athletics Department, Residential Life, and the JSC Counseling Center staff, acting in collaboration to provide increased awareness of the psychosocial and health risks associated with alcohol and drug use. Residence Hall programming includes initiatives throughout the academic year in an ongoing effort to raise continued awareness about the risks associated with alcohol and/or drug abuse.