NACURH Programming on the Go CD Submission Cover Sheet ***Please save this document as: Region_School Name_Program Title Title of Program: Sex: The Last Frontier of Residence Hall Programming Presenter s Name: Robert Ralston School Name: Winthrop University Contact info: Ralstonr2@winthrop.edu 1. What kind of program is this? Please HIGHLIGHT one of the following NACURH U: President NCC NRHH First Time Delegate THEME: Diversity & Multicultural Awareness Current Issues Personal Growth Team Building & Transitioning Start to Finish Programming Passive Programming 2. Please provide a brief description of the program. How to incorporate sexual wellness into programming. 3. Who was the program for? Name your target audience. People who program in residence halls: RAs, Hall Councils, etc. 4. How much did the program cost? Who funded it? Please provide a brief budget breakdown. $0 5. How many people were involved in planning the program AND how long did it take to plan? 1 myself 6. Why was the program started on your campus? How does it benefit the university and/or community population? This is an informational progam, but it was started when I became the Healthy U RA. 7. What were some pros/cons of the program? How could the program be improved? N/A 8. How could this program be adapted for other universities? Sexual Wellness is a topic that can be incorporated across the college/university divide. 9. Additional questions, comments, notes, or concerns:
Sex: The Last Frontier in Residence Life Programming BY: Robert Ralston Winthrop University
About Me RA at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC Richardson Hall: All Freshman Guys. Political Science Major I m from Glasgow, Scotland
I am a virgin. at presenting at conference
Some Ground Rules Listen actively -- respect others when they are talking. Do not be afraid to respectfully challenge one another by asking questions, but refrain from personal attacks -- focus on ideas. The goal is not to agree -- it is to gain a deeper understanding. That s what she said jokes are welcome. RESPECT is the Number One Rule.
Please Keep in Mind: Sex is a touchy topic. We all have various belief systems and different experiences involving sex. However, this discussion is built around residence halls, and how we can implement programming that meets residents needs and educates them about safe-sex practices.
Now, onto the fun stuff SEX. We all know what it is.. But do we know how to program about it?
Goal for Today We will look at creative ways to program and inspire residents to engage in safe sexual lifestyles.
Why is this important? According to the National Center for Victims of Crime, 32% of college students report dating violence by a previous partner; 21% report violence by a current partner; and 51% of college males admit perpetrating one or more sexual assault incidents during college. More than 31 percent of college students report that they ve been pregnant or have gotten someone pregnant. According to the CDC, there are 15 million new STD cases in the US each year.
Why is sexual wellness programming important?
Sexual Wellness Topics Safe Sex HIV/AIDS Other STIs Sexual Violence Awareness Month (April) Sociological investigations into sex and society GLBT Issues Sexual Taboos: The diversity of sex The prevention of unwanted pregnancy
Things to Consider When Planning Religious values Age group Diversity of beliefs Audience Educational vs. inappropriate There is a line Resources: We are not all experts!
Active Programs Active programs have some great potential: They can be Funny Fun Informative Interactive Community builders Community service opportunities Any typical programming model can be fitted to work with sexual awareness programming.
RAs: I believe it is your responsibility to educate and empower your residents Hall Councils, Student Governments, etc.: I believe it is your responsibility to ALSO educate and empower residents
Good Examples of Active Programs THE CONDOM CONVENTION: Local HIV/Aids Charity visits residence hall and puts on an educational program about correct condom usage and safe sex practices. This program attracted around 80% of my residents. Advertising was very vague in order to attract attention Notice the catchy/edgy name of the program BUT the program ended up being a great educational (and fun) experience
Good Examples of Active Programs Porn and Pizza Despite the provocative title, this program is educational and a lot of fun. Geared more towards males Sociology professor (or another academic/professional speaker) comes in and talks about porn. The social consequences The stigmas Industry itself
I am no expert on sex. But I do have experience on how to program about it. If you feel uncomfortable talking about sex in a group setting, faculty partners, community leaders, etc. are great resources. Use them.
Any other suggestions?
Different Topics, but not mutually Alcohol and Sex exclusive topics: Alcohol and Dating Violence Depression, Relationship Issues, Self-Esteem issues Diversity! Healthcare Hygiene Regular Checkups
Community Service Admittedly, I do not have a personal anecdote for this category. The programs that you put on are a service to the students, but how can we branch out and help the community as well?
Active Programming: GLBT An important part of sex is sexual orientation. Things like offering GLBT meetings on your floor, guest speakers, diversity training, hate crime training, and myth-buster training are great ways to show support and understanding on your floor.
RAs Take part in leadership development and training in dealing with Relationship issues Self-esteem issues Conflict mediation This applies for residents of ALL backgrounds Green, blue, red, big, small, nerdy, athletic
Hall Councils, Student Leaders Help your fellow students! Become an Ally Also participate in workshops Try and push for more programming like the stuff we are talking about
Bulletin Boards/Displays Bulletin boards are a great opportunity to hit some key issues involving sexuality. They also remove the awkwardness and potential problems that active programs may have. Reminding residents about GLBT and Dating violence issues on a day-to-day basis is great They can also incorporate some humor
Bulletin boards are great opportunities to be creative, educational, and have a laugh. However, I would caution over-the-top bulletin boards, and check with supervisors before putting up potentially problem-causing displays.
Other ideas?
Resources Faculty/Staff at your institution They are great resources, particularly for such a sensitive topic. The w.w.w. Be careful here Porn sites are not necessarily the best sources. Need condoms and other fun stuff? Your school s health clinic should have resources Outside charities should have resources also
The Novice vs. The Expert