The College of New Jersey is a place for Recovery. Graciously provided through grant funding from the State of New Jersey, TCNJ’s program includes Recovery Housing (Lion’s House), counseling, extensive substance-free late-night programing (RECreate Your Night), and an inspiring and supportive group of students who make up the Collegiate Recovery Community.
Recovery Housing: Lion’s House
HOME is such an important concept in life. It is a place that feels safe, a place that is comfortable and a place that has supportive people who share similar values and are working towards similar goals. Lion’s House is a substance free, on campus housing option for students who identify with recovery. There is no addition cost to live in Lion’s House, however, there is an application process. More information can be found on the Lion’s House Page.
If you’d like to donate to our Lion’s House Scholarship, you can donate here: https://give.tcnj.edu/recovery/
Collegiate Recovery Community (CRC)
Recovery, like all of life, is best done in a community. TCNJ’s recovery community is a place for students in recovery and allies of recovery. It is a place where those who have been impacted by addiction and other mental health issues can find belonging, purpose, authentic relationships, and support. We meet weekly to discuss recovery issues, plan and engage in advocacy to make TCNJ “recovery friendly”, and have fun through social and community activities. By bringing together the strength of students in recovery and allies of recovery; Recovery Happens at TCNJ!
The CRC meets every Wednesday in the Recovery Lounge (Rec Renter Rm 235) at 4 pm. They also host All-Recovery meetings Mondays @ 8pm and Fridays @ 5:30pm in the same location.
To get involved or for more information contact call (609) 771-2134 or email Eric Van Eck (vaneck3@tcnj.edu).
Counseling Services
Counseling is an important pathway of personal healing and personal growth. Student’s involved in the Recovery Program are strongly encouraged to work with the campus Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor to gain the tools necessary to thrive in college and go on to live joyful and purpose driven lives.
RECreate Your Night
RECreate Your Night allows additional options for substance free activities on campus by aiming to provide a safe, inclusive, and fun environment for all students. Programing focuses on positive well-being, creativity, movement, and social engagement. From sports, to crafts, wellness nights, and more, come join other students for weekly nights of fun. You are welcomed here!
Social Media @tcnjcrc
Follow us on social media for events and other CRC-related information.
FAQs
Am I a good candidate for TCNJ’s Collegiate Recovery Program?
It is not uncommon for people in recovery to question if they are “college material.” After years of witnessing recovering students thrive, we want to say, WE BELIEVE IN YOU! If you have a desire to continue your education we encourage you to take the steps necessary to do so because, after all, the only way to find out if something is for you is to give it a try!!
TCNJ has a reputation of being a competitive institution because it is, and students in recovery don’t get special admissions treatment. Unfortunately, some students grades do not reflect their capability. We suggest in order to support your application for admission that students take additional courses at a community college (getting good grades of course!), engage in community service/extra-curricular, and to write a strong personal statement. Some students choose to write about their experience in recovery and how the courage, strength and perseverance required to maintain their recovery makes them an excellent candidate for TCNJ. Ultimately, we encourage you to discuss your application with an admissions counselor that can provide guidance on submitting a strong application.
Can you tell me more about TCNJ’s CRC?
TCNJ’s Collegiate Recovery Community (CRC) supports students in their recovery from substance use and other mental health concerns. The CRC is a safe place for individuals AND ALLIES (people who identify through family and friends) to heal and grow with one another.
The CRC has weekly general community meetings, they facilitate weekly on-campus “All-Recovery” support meetings, they host countless fun activities each semester (to build lasting and meaningful friendships), and also organize a bunch of advocacy events on campus (to help spread awareness and reduce stigma).
The CRC has its own space in the Rec-Center (The Recovery Lounge) which is like a home away from home for the students involved! Most of of their events are held there and it’s a great place to unwind, relax, and connect.
Who can join the CRC?
The CRC is for students in or seeking recovery and for students that consider themselves allies of recovery. Many of these students want to be around people that understand and support their journey. An ally of recovery is someone who has been impacted by a family member or friend with an addiction or mental health concern. We invite all individuals who identify with the recovery process to come see what we are all about!
If I am an alumni how can I be involved?
Join the Recovery Alumni Chapter!! Email vaneck3@tcnj.edu to find out more!
What are some of the past events?
We value community bonding and outreach. Some past activities have included, the ARHE Skiathon, recovery comedy shows, guest speakers, The Anonymous People documentary and panel discussion, and the end of year “Restaurant Crawl”. These are just a few of our activities, we are just getting started!
That CRC logo is pretty cool. Is there any symbolism there?
Our logo was created by one of our very talented CRC students and represents some of what we believe and who we are as TCNJ’s CRC. The compass symbolizes the journey towards recovery and academic achievement.