Collegiate Recovery at University of Rhode Island
The University of Rhode Island Health Services’ Collegiate Recovery Program—also known as Rams Together for Recovery and Wellness—offers a supportive community and professional guidance for students who are identifying, seeking, or exploring recovery from substance use. The program prioritizes destigmatization, fosters education around recovery, and creates an environment where students can thrive.
CRP is built on a peer-support model, where students navigating recovery empower one another throughout their journeys. This support is guided by Peer Recovery Specialists Andrew Meyer and Sydney Dubois, who bring lived experience, advocacy, and empathy to their roles. Oversight is provided by Graduate Research Assistant Leetal Young and Arielle Sherman, Alcohol and Other Drug Specialist LISW.
Students are invited to participate in weekly programs, including:
- Recovery Group – A confidential space exclusively for students in recovery.
- Wanna Cut Back? – A group for students exploring or reconsidering their substance use.
- Move to Heal – An accessible exercise session combining physical activity with open discussion, open to all URI students to promote mental health and wellness.
The Wellness Lounge
The CRP’s home is the Wellness Lounge, located in the off-campus Memorial Union. The lounge provides a calm, welcoming, and substance-free space for all students, while serving as the central hub for recovery-focused groups and events.
Supported by faculty, staff, and local community partners, the Wellness Lounge has become a space that feels warm and familiar, not corporate. Students are encouraged to take advantage of complimentary amenities such as coffee, tea, snacks, and other supplies. Beyond weekly meetings, the lounge hosts a variety of events throughout the year, creating a safe and comfortable environment where students can feel truly at home on campus.
Student Voices
"Could not have spent the night with better people! It was an absolute pleasure to share such a special space. So grateful to URI CRP for allowing me to grow." – CRP Volunteer
"Comforting and non-judgmental environment for a group workout session. Leetal was motivating and kind as she led us through the workout and discussion." – Move to Heal Attendee
"What a beautiful event. It was inspiring to see such amazing art in the community. Andrew created an environment where artists felt free to showcase their vulnerable artwork." – CRP Art Gallery Attendee
"This is the best space, and these are the best people ever." – Regular CRP Lounge Visitor
"Everyone in the lounge is so kind and comforting; I immediately felt welcome in this space." – Student
"I look forward to going to campus now knowing I have a space where I can feel at home." – Student