Pat’s

if it isn’t consensual, it’s rape In the last five years, SEVEN rapes have been reported on campus. MSU DEFINES rape as: “Rape is the penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus, with any body part or object, or oral penetration by a sex organ of another person, without the consent of the victim. This offense includes the rape of both males and females.”

the way to penetration. It’s how the students talk and grind. It’s a problem when that sort of culture is created. I felt like conversations about sexual assault needed a change.”

She also talked about what the word “consent” actually means.

“Yes means yes, no means no, and maybe needs clarification,” Walden Cole said.

Among the estimated 100 students that attended Walden Cole’s talk was Mica Schneider, business freshman.

“Everything Mrs. Cole said spoke to me on every level. I didn’t even know there was a Sexual Assault Awareness Month until now,” Schneider said. “I can’t speak for everyone, but I know that most of us had not been talked about what sexual assault really is until today. I hope that everyone took it seriously and understands it better.”

Dean of Students Matt Park said anytime is good time to raise awareness and inform students about sexual assault.

“Awareness and prevention take multiple forms,” Park said. “It has to start somewhere. Even if one person now has the knowledge to make a different decision or approach a potentially dangerous situation differently will make a difference.”

Even though MSU only participated in the month-long awareness movement for two days, Midgett said it was a good start as a campus climate survey was sent three weeks ago to students via e-mail.

“We were hoping students would give us some feedback on how safe they feel on campus or how unsafe they feel, along with what they think the university would do to respond to sexual assault and their beliefs on obtaining consent,” Midgett said.

Although every student had the opportunity to take the survey, only 15 percent actually completed it.

“I got the notification about the survey, but I just didn’t have the time to fill it all out,” psychology freshman Liliana Cruz said. “I don’t think a survey sent to every student with an e-mail will actually get everyone to take it.”

According to Midgett, the survey has been sent out more than once, and it will continue to be sent for the next two years. We want to measure the changes from year to year, and if people have a suggestion on how we can measure this information, then we’d be happy to look at that too,” Midgett said.

Schneider believes more than two days have to be dedicated to sexual assault awareness.

“This is obviously an issue all over the country. I don’t think that a couple of days are enough for students to realize it can happen to anyone,” Schneider said. “ Yes means yes, no means no, and maybe needs clarification.” SUZETTE WALDEN COLE GUEST SPEAKER

Pam Midgett, counseling center director, introduced sexual assault awareness speaker Suzette Walden Cole to an audience of about 100 students.

Students close their eyes when Suzette Walden Cole, guest speaker for Sexual Assault Awareness Month, asks the audience to think of the five most important people in their lives. Some students cover their faces with their shirts as she spoke during her interactive lecture in Comanche Suites on April 11. Athletes were required to attend.