University of Arkansas Adds to Its Ongoing Commitment Against Sexual Assault

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas continues to be strongly committed to providing programs that prevent sexual violence. This fall, all students will be offered an online education program called "Haven: Understanding Sexual Assault.”

Haven addresses sensitive, critical issues in a direct, yet engaging manner. The course, which takes approximately one hour to complete, provides definitions and statistics relating to sexual assault and relationship violence. Students can expect to learn confidence-building strategies and bystander intervention skills built around real-life scenarios. The course also helps students recognize signs of abuse and addresses situations that can be challenging or unclear regarding consent.

“We are so very pleased to introduce this educational program to our campus community,” said Daniel Pugh, vice provost for student affairs. The addition of Haven is one more step in the university’s commitment against sexual violence and relationship violence. With the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act, as well as the passing of the Campus SaVE Act, Haven helps further fulfill key legislative requirements that prevention and awareness programs be provided to all incoming students.”

The University of Arkansas maintains strong policies against sexual violence and harassment with its sexual assault policy, sexual harassment policy, Title IX compliance policy, and code of student life. The university’s Office of Equal Opportunity and Compliance houses the Title IX coordinator and provides outreach education regarding sexual harassment and Title IX compliance. Title IX was adopted by Congress in 1974 as part of the Civil Rights Act, and it maintains that no person shall be excluded from participation in any education programs or activities on the basis of their sex.

Haven will be overseen by the Title IX coordinator in order to ensure compliance with federal regulations and mandates regarding Title IX. The university has designated the university compliance officer, Shannon Haupt, as its Title IX coordinator, with overall responsibility for oversight of the university’s compliance obligations to investigate and respond to allegations of sexual assault.

“Being able to offer all new students at the University of Arkansas the most current information regarding sexual assault and relationship violence is a great enhancement to our award-winning STAR Central advocacy program ,” said Pugh.

STAR Central is part of the Wellness and Health Promotion Department of the Pat Walker Health Center. STAR Central provides prevention education programs throughout the year by way of academic one-hour courses, interactive presentations, outreach, awareness events, professional consultation and programs, and media campaigns with emphasis on social-norming strategies to change rape culture with an emphasis on bystander intervention across the spectrum of sexual violence. While addressing myths and presenting facts, the program critically exams rape culture and develops attitudes, beliefs and behaviors that support prevention of sexual violence through cultural change and bystander intervention.

RESPECT, which stands for Rape Education Services by Peers Encouraging Conscious Thought, is a multi-award winning peer education program and provides much of the outreach educational programming available under STAR Central. RESPECT peer educators complete a one-year internship with comprehensive training about sexual violence and national peer education certification, which empowers them to address sexual violence prevention from a peer perspective.

Confidential advocacy services are available through the STAR Central Office for those who are victims of sexual violence and relationship violence. Students can confidentially meet with a victim advocate to talk about available resources and options. An arrangement has been made with Northwest Health System’s Willow Creek Women’s Hospital for the provision of rape kits.

A peer-based support group, known as the Survivors’ Chat Group, for those who have experienced sexual assault or relationship violence is facilitated by STAR Central professional staff and available throughout the fall and spring semesters. In addition, several counseling programs are available, such as the Counseling and Psychological Services of the Pat Walker Health Center, the Psychological Clinic in Memorial Hall, and the Counselors-in Residence program of University Housing.

Throughout the year, it is hoped that students, staff, and faculty will participate in some of the many educational programs across campus that emphasize sexual assault prevention. Awareness and outreach events will be publicly announced as they occur. At anytime, students, staff and faculty may contact STAR Central or the Title IX Coordinator  to learn more about ongoing efforts.