While the cliché Cancun spring break trip can be a wild and fun time for some students, CU is encouraging students to consider their safety and health over break this year.
Many students stopped by the second annual “Get Your Break On” event held Tuesday on campus to check out opportunities for a safe and rewarding spring break.
Local companies and services set up booths at the event in hopes of persuading students to be productive over break.
Sean Connell, a 21-year-old junior English major and student coordinator with Community Health, said it’s important to advocate a safe spring break.
“We wanted to give people ideas for community involvement over break,” Connell said. “We really wanted to make it health-oriented as well, and promote students to consider their health whether they stay in town or travel.”
CU volunteer services attended the event, providing local volunteer opportunities over the break for those who are staying in town.
CU’s Environmental Center set up a booth with suggestions on how to stay “green” while traveling. One suggestion included carpooling with Zimride for students heading to the airport or mountains.
Counseling and Psychological Services provided free alcohol screening for students as well as one-on-one professional consultations.
Matthew Tomatz, the substance abuse program coordinator at Counseling and Psychological Services, said the program wants students to have fun, but still make smart decisions, over spring break.
“We wanted to provide opportunities for students so they can have a spring break that is both fun and rewarding,” Tomatz said. “We also wanted to offer resources to help students think about health, wellness and living a vital life.”
Victim’s Assistance along with Planned Parenthood also attended the event and informed students how to get help if it is needed.
Connell said this year’s event was much bigger than last year’s.
“Last year we just handed out condoms and had a smaller event,” Connell said. “This year we have really expanded and made it an event about getting students aware about all aspects of spring break.”
Some students said they were excited to check out the event and make plans for their spring break.
Francesca Tenney, a 22-year-old dance major, said she wanted to check out the event to find entertaining things to do around town.
“I came to see what there is to do around the Boulder area,” Tenney said. “I saw a flyer for the event and thought ‘hey why not stop by and find something fun to do over break.’”
CU’s spring break this year is March 21-25. Visit this government website for more information about student spring break trips.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Courtney Thienes at Courtney.thienes@colorado.edu.
The original version of this article incorrectly stated that Sean Connell, a junior English major and student coordinator with Community Health, is 22 years old. Connell is 21 years old. Updated 3/10/11 at 2:57 p.m.
