This year, NC State debuted a new 16 minute video about sexual assault and violence that was presented at summer orientations for incoming students.
As part of the video, students heard from Chancellor Randy Woodson and past students about what sexual assault and violence looks like. Orientation leaders performed several skits in hopes of demonstrating to students what consent means.
In the past, NC State has always made sexual assault part of its orientation agenda. However, the new 16 minute video is one change geared towards raising awareness and prompting students to have conversations about sexual assault.
Justine Hollingshead, assistant to the Vice Chancellor and the Dean and member of the Division of Academic and Student Affairs, said though Congress is likely to pass legislation requiring institutions of higher education to address sexual assault during orientation, NC State has already been giving presentations on this subject for many years.
“It’s a tough topic,” Hollingshead said. “I think that if there’s anything that I could drive home, it’s that it’s the responsibility of all of us to take care of one another. Whether you know someone or don’t, respect the Pack.”
Allyson Kohl, an undeclared freshmen, said the video helped her gain more awareness about the way sexual assault looks on college campuses.
“It made me aware that it happens,” Kohl said. “People do get sexually assaulted and it can happen to anybody. People should not be bystanders and they should actually do something.”
Along with the video, NC State created other opportunities for victims of sexual assault to acquire access to help and information. Sigma Nu, an NC State’s fraternity, will sponsor an event in September called “Response Ability.” Speakers at the event will address sexual assault and what students can do to prevent it from happening.
This program will stress the dangers in remaining a bystander and the importance of speaking out against situations that put others at risk. Response Ability aims to help students to understand that speaking out about sexual assault and violence should not come with shame or guilt.
The NC State Guides App is a tool students can download to stay knowledgeable about campus resources regarding sexual assault, Hollingshead said. On the app, there is information regarding sexual offenses and what measures students should take if they ever witness or fall victim to sexual assault.
Providing fast response to these situations has become a priority at NC State, and providing more training for Resident Advisors is one way in which the university aims to do that. Hollingshead said these training sessions are led by the Office for Institutional Equity & Diversity and Office General Council.
They inform RAs of Title Nine and other policies regarding sexual assault and violence. At these trainings, RAs are instructed on how to respond to sexual assault incidents and how to report them to NC State Campus Police, where names can be published or remain anonymous.
NC State’s Women’s Center is also creating opportunities to promote conversations and outreach to those who have been involved in sexual assault and relationship violence. During April, Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the center will host an event called “Take Back the Night,” where survivors will speak out about healing and empowerment.
One out of five female students will be sexually assaulted during their time in college, according to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. These numbers have not only sparked a reaction from college campuses, but a national response as well.
Congress may put in place legislation that will require all college campuses to speak about sexual assault during orientation, but this is something NC State has already implemented.
“When this piece of legislation passes, we can’t just do this one time and check it off our list,” Hollingshead said. “It needs to be ongoing and that is what we are focusing on at NC State.”
To view the new orientation presentation, visit go.ncsu. edu/respectthepackvideo
