Two weeks ago Saint Louis University students, faculty and staff members were emailed a link to a sexual assault education module that goes hand in hand with the newly renovated sexual assault policy and federal guidelines.
The module, “Sexual Assault: Recognize It, Understand It, Report It,” was designed to make students aware of the new sexual assault policy and changes that were made, and to increase awareness concerning sexual assault on campus, according to Director of Diversity and Affirmative Action Jennifer Scheessele.
All students are required to complete the module by the time they register for the Spring 2011 semester. If the module goes uncompleted, student enrollment and registration will be withheld.
The education module is divided into three parts: The definition of assault and consent, statistics and behavior regarding sexual assault and actions that should be taken in the event of a sexual assault. Junior Niel Peterson said he thinks that the module does not command the attention of the students.
“I think students didn’t really get the point and were just trying to get through it.
When they make it required and give you a [student account] hold, it just makes people want to get it through it,” Peterson said.
In light of the statistics surrounding sexual assault, Scheessele said that the goal of the module is to advocate options for those involved in a sexual assault case and create a safer environment for SLU students.
“I think part of the problem is that people do not know what to do or where to go, and we are trying to educate on the variety of resources that are available to the sexual assault victims,” Scheessele said.
According to Vice President of Student Development Kent Porterfield, who edited the module, the administration does not rely on the module as the only means for sexual assault education, but that it is an effective tool for disseminating information to the campus.
“There are a small amount of options because people are so busy. The module allows them to be educated on their own time,” Porterfield said.
Scheessele said that the module will be launched for all incoming students, and that faculty and staff will have a module geared toward reporting and taking action on a sexual assault case, if a student comes to them for help after an incident.
“The module represents what we expect from our University,” Scheessele said. “We care about everyone’s well being.”
The module also addresses alcohol awareness in an attempt to explain how to be an effective bystander in the case of an intoxicated sexual assault. Fects are focused on preventing sexual assaults and lowering statistics, not only nationally, but also in the SLU community.
“This is the first step of many in a long process. We’re looking at how to build a campus that responds and prevents sexual assault on campus,” Scheessele said.
Third year SLU law student Simon Taft said that the module is a step towards raising awareness, and that it shifts the community mentality toward sexual assault.
“It’s good that we’re moving from a ‘no means no’ perspective to a ‘yes means yes’ one,” Taft said. “It shifts from a victim-blaming mentality, to holding the community as a whole to a higher standard.”
ccording to Porterfield, the response rate has been satisfactory and SLU students have impressed staff members by responding quickly and positively. He said that he is encouraged by the student reactions.
“I really appreciate the cooperation by the students right now,” Porterfield said. “It’s very important. It may not be something that they want to do, but I think they recognize its importance.”
