Institution-wide Approach to Sexual Climate
The discussion at Colgate University explores an all-campus strategy for addressing the social and sexual climate to enhance student safety and navigate issues like sexual assault and harassment. Topics covered include legal frameworks, advisory committees, positive sexuality initiatives, and stakeholder involvement. The session aims to foster a culture of sexual respect through proactive measures on college campuses.
Download Presentation

Please find below an Image/Link to download the presentation.
The content on the website is provided AS IS for your information and personal use only. It may not be sold, licensed, or shared on other websites without obtaining consent from the author. Download presentation by click this link. If you encounter any issues during the download, it is possible that the publisher has removed the file from their server.
E N D
Presentation Transcript
Whos Responsible for the Sexual Climate? An Institution-wide Approach Scott C. Brown, Ph.D., Associate Vice President/Dean of Students Dawn LaFrance, Psy.D., Associate Director, Counseling Center Thad Mantaro, MS., Director, Shaw Wellness Institute Colgate University ACPA 2014: Indianapolis, IN 1
Context The social and sexual climate is a central issue for college students. Students desire to navigate their sexuality in a safe and constructive environment. Students report sexual assaults and harassment. Institutions are expected to be proactive. How can we create a climate of sexual respect? 2
Learning Objectives Increased knowledge of an all-campus approach to improve sexual climate. List 3-5 programs and initiatives that support a positive sexuality model. Identify at least 3 initiatives to consider on your campus. Wise people learn from their mistakes 3
Agenda Legal and Political Landscape Sexual Climate Advisory Committee (SCAC) Plan Do Study Act Approach Positive Sexuality Initiatives Translating Strategies to other Campuses Questions/Closing/Evaluation 4
Legal and Political Landscape Know Your IX University of Montana Blueprint Campus SAVE Act Dear Colleague Letter 2011 5
Legal and Political Landscape Obama White House Action (2014) Video goes here http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2014/01/24/weekly-address-taking-action- end-sexual-assault 6
Sexual Climate Advisory Committee (SCAC) Setting the Stage Colgate University Size, Location, Campus Culture Your Stakeholders Interest & Motivation Consider Current Data Points Set Realistic Goals 7
Sexual Climate Advisory Committee (SCAC) Charge Faculty, staff and students are charged with developing, coordinating, and evaluating initiatives that improve the sexual climate. All that rises must converge. 8
Sexual Climate Advisory Committee S.M.A.R.T. Goal Using a PDSA approach, improve the sexual climate as evidenced by reduction in students taken advantage of sexually, experienced attempted/successful penetration, and sexual harassment; and increase in percentage of students who can define consent and perceive themselves empowered to make own sexual choices. 9
Sexual Climate Advisory Committee Inclusive, comprehensive, dynamic and nimble Faculty, students, staff (representative) Approach/Sub-Committees Individual (Health/Education) o Environment (Programming/Events) o System (Policy) o 12
Sexual Climate Advisory Committee MonthlyAgenda Template Update on PDSAs in progress/data review (attendance/demos, pre-post, focus groups, quick polls, etc.) Proposed new area-related initiatives/PDSAs Suggestions for monthly surveys Possible topics for full SCAC discussion
Sexual Climate Advisory Committee Individual Yes Means Yes YMY 2.0 Video goes here 14
Sexual Climate Advisory Committee Individual Womentoring program (discontinued) Train Deans-on-Call to interface with all stakeholders on victim s behalf Random Conversations About Sex (RUCAS) 15
Sexual Climate Advisory Committee Environment Lectures Performances This is Not a Play about Sex Laci Green Best Sex Ever Naomi Wolf Vagina Monologues Jackson Katz Wires and FUSE Dance Queerfest 16
Sexual Climate Advisory Committee Environment Trainings Communication Peer Health Educators Pos. Sexuality Website Workshop Series (e.g., Greek, Student Government) Pos. Sexuality Calendar Educational Campaigns 17
Sexual Climate Advisory Committee Environment Groups Summit Feminist Council of Elders Sexual Climate Summit Positive Sexuality House Bystander Intervention Focus Groups (e.g., Taxonomy of Sexual Situations, Non- Majority Population) 18
Sexual Climate Advisory Committee System Training Policy and Procedures First-year orientation First responders (RAs, Campus Safety, Deans) Student of concern forms Equity Grievance Panel (EGP)/appellate officers Brown bags/brochures Audit EGP Process & Sexual Climate Teaching sexual violence issues 19
Sexual Climate Advisory Committee System Communication Nine for IX Assessing Incapacity SCAC Awareness Consent 20
Sexual Climate Advisory Committee System - Communication 21
Sexual Climate Advisory Committee Results We saw in increase of 41.7% in the number of students who could correctly identify consent after the campaign. 100% 85% 80% 60% 60% Pre-campaign Post-campaign 40% 20% 0% Correctly Identified Consent
Sexual Climate Advisory Committee Results (continued) # of Events Participants Total Programming: 37 2875 EGP Policy/Training: 7 963 Total: 45 3908
Translation to Other Campuses Make the case: Legal, educational, aspirational Stakeholder: Who cares and/or can get things done? Communicate, Coordinate, Cultivate Three things you might do? Comments? 24
Thank You! Contact Scott Brown: sbrown@colgate.edu Dawn LaFrance: dlafrance@colgate.edu Thad Mantaro: tmantaro@colgate.edu
References Baxter Magolda, M., & King, P. (2004). Learning Partnerships: Theory and models of practice to educate for self-authorship. Sterling VA: Stylus. Bogle, K. A. (2008). Hooking up: Sex, dating, and relationships on campus. New York University Press: New York. Breitenbecher, K. H. (2000). Sexual assault on college campuses: Is an ounce of prevention enough? Applied and Preventive Psychology, 9, 23-52. DeFur, K. M. (2012). Don't Forget the Good Stuff! Incorporating Positive Messages of Sexual Pleasure into Sexuality. American Journal of Sexuality Education, 7(2), 160-169. DeKeseredy, W. S., & Kelly, K. (1993). The incidence and prevalence of woman abuse in Canadian university and college dating relationships. Canadian Journal of Sociology, 18, 137-159. 26
References Foubert, J. D., & Newberry, J. T. (2006). Effects of two versions of an empathy-based rape prevention program on fraternity men's survivor empathy, attitudes, and behavioral intent to commit rape or sexual assault. Journal of College Student Development, 47, 133-148. Friedman, J. and Valenti, J. (2008). Yes Means Yes! Visions of Female Sexual Power and a World Without Rape. Seal Press: Berkeley, CA. Katz, J. (1994). Mentors in Violence Prevention (MVP) trainer s guide. Northeastern University s Center for the Study of Sport in Society. Boston, MA. LaFrance, D. F., Loe, M., & Brown, S. C. (2012). Yes Means Yes : A new approach to sexual assault prevention. American Journal of Sexuality Education, 7, 445-460. Oswalt, S.B. (2010). Beyond risk: Examining college students' sexual decision-making. American Journal of Sexuality Education, 5(3), 217-239. Owen, J. J., Rhoades, G. K., Stanley, S. M., & Fincham, F. D. (2008). Hooking up among college students: Demographic and psychological correlates. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 39, 653-663. 27