Issue date: 9/28/07 Section: Opinion

Last April, the Stute brought campus readers a series on sexual assault. The second article in the series (published 4/27/07) brought light to a student expressed need for further campus resources and improved student knowledge of existing resources.
After the article, Dean Kenneth Nilsen, Assoc. Dean Nathalie Waite, and Vice President Maureen Weatherall hosted a discussion group for concerned students on May 2 to hear student concerns and develop solutions. Several goals established include staff advocacy training, sexual assault education beginning with Orientation and cooperation between students and administrators to improve education and prevention.
Over the summer, the campus Blue Light System was updated. These strategically placed call boxes are directly connected to the campus police, and distinguished with a blue light. If anyone feels unsafe on campus, the blue lights can be used to contact campus police for assistance, including an escort around campus.
Safety information was included in the freshman packet. It is important for students to know that Stevens has various resources in the Student Health Center and the Student Counseling Center.
In addition, members of the campus community have begun Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) Training. The first module was taught by Lieutenant Honey Spirito, of the Hudson County Prosecutors Office, Special Victims Unit, on Tuesday, September 18. Key areas of campus were represented in the training, including the Campus Police, the Office of Residence Life, the Office of Student Life, Athletics, the Student Counseling Center, the Student Health Center and the Stevens Technical Enrichment Program (STEP).
Nathalie Waite, Associate Director of the Office of Student life stated, "The training gave us a better understanding of the legal aspects of sexual assault as well as the victim's experience, including physical examination and the process if she decides to press charges. If she doesn't decide to move forward with charges, it is important that the victim at least obtains medical attention."
Two more training modules are scheduled, focusing on the Stevens reporting process and sensitivity training. "I am very excited that this is happening. As more educational and training opportunities become available, the information will be shared with campus community," said Nathalie Waite.
Students are also actively involved in increasing campus education. The Women's Resource Center at Lore-El is developing the fall calendar with events that discuss healthy relationships and voluntary student training. All students are welcome to take part.

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