The CPN Seal of Prevention represents the highest standard for online prevention education, with a rigorous set of criteria to ensure colleges and universities are taking action to create a safer, more inclusive campus through comprehensive, evidence-based digital prevention education across critical areas, including sexual assault, alcohol misuse, mental health and discrimination. The CPN Seal of Prevention establishes guidelines for discerning quality online prevention education and implementation practices, and positions prevention as central to key institutional outcomes.

“O�ܰ� for incoming first-year and transfer undergraduate students are directly related to this award,” says Veronica Whalen Jones, director of Barnes Center at The Arch Health Promotion. To fulfill the University’s Community Wellness Requirements, incoming students are required to take three online training modules on alcohol education, sexual assault prevention and diversity, inclusion and belonging prior to arriving on campus for their first semester.

These required education modules help positively impact the campus community and help students thrive. “The programs that make up the Community Wellness Requirements are focused on equipping students with knowledge to create a safer, supportive and inclusive community for students to live and learn,” says Whalen Jones.

Expanding on education for returning sophomores, juniors and seniors, the Barnes Center Health Promotion team helped to implement the last summer. This is an annual sexual and relationship violence prevention training requirement that builds upon the Community Wellness Requirements.

To learn more or with questions, please visit the Barnes Center at The Arch , call Barnes Center at The Arch Health Promotion at 315.443.8000 or email communitywellness@syr.edu.

Here are ways campus community members can get involved and show support during DVAM.

‘Go Purple’ Office Decorating Contest

Offices and departments across campus are invited to decorate their spaces with information, facts and resources related to violence prevention. Purple decorations are encouraged. To participate, complete the by Friday, Oct. 14. Spaces will be judged beginning Oct. 24-27, with results announced on Friday, Oct. 28.

Clothesline Project

The is a visual display of T-shirts decorated with empowering messages and statistics by individuals impacted by interpersonal violence. The project will be on display in the atrium of the Schine Student Center from Oct. 17-21, serving as a visual exhibition to break the silence on dating and domestic violence and honor the strength of those impacted by interpersonal violence. Sigma Psi Zeta Sorority, Inc. is hosting a in Eggers 010 on Oct. 13 at 7 p.m. in support of the project, where Peer Educators Encouraging Healthy Relationships and Sexuality (PEEHRS) peer educators will be providing education on the Clothesline Project and DVAM.

Purple Thursday

Show support by wearing purple on Thursday, Oct. 20, for . Campus community members are encouraged to post photos wearing purple and sharing messages of support on Instagram with #SUGoesPurple.

Education Efforts and Workshops

Health Hubs, a signature program of the health promotion team in the Barnes Center, will pop up around campus to provide quick education and connection to resources regarding healthy relationships and interpersonal violence prevention. The Wellness Leadership Institute also has many opportunities to attend workshops about consent, relationships and other related topics. You can register through the

For more information about resources, education and reporting, visit the .

With questions about any of the events pertaining to Dating and Domestic Violence Awareness Month, please email Shannon Hefti.

Story by Tessa Hodinger G’23, Student Experience communications graduate assistant

Teal Tuesday is held in solidarity with individuals who have been impacted by sexual violence.

Barnes Center at The Arch Health Promotion��encourages members of the campus community to wear teal on Tuesday, April 5—Teal Tuesday—in solidarity with individuals who have been impacted by sexual violence. April is also Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

To show support, campus community members can help raise awareness in the following ways:

• Share that you are wearing teal with the hashtag #SUGoesTeal (and tag @BeWellSU on Instagram or Facebook).
• Take a picture in front of the Hall of Languages, Hendricks Chapel or the stadium. All will be lit in teal for the month of April.
• Visit the Clothesline Project set up in the Barnes Recreation lobby from��April 4-10. The Clothesline Project is a visual display of shirts created by individuals impacted by sexual violence, relationship violence, stalking or other forms of interpersonal violence—allowing them to share their experiences with others in our campus community.
• Sign up for the to receive email announcements and updates about sexual and relationship violence initiatives on campus.

For University information about support services, reporting options, educational opportunities and policies, visit the University’s .

The and the Barnes Center at The Arch invite the campus community to explore a number of ways to be involved to work towards ending interpersonal violence and cultivating a foundation of support.

Students participate in the 2021 Take Back the Night Rally

Planning Committee Chair Emily Graham Spring ’22 encourages others not only to participate in events but challenges them to reflect and think about what a healthy relationship means to them. “TBTN shows that the courage to speak up and speak out is truly impactful. It shows people that they are not alone when dealing with interpersonal violence,” she says.

Here’s how you can get involved in TBTN:

• : Through March 25. Using paper stars and posters, share how you will actively work towards a safer community. These will be collected and displayed at the TBTN rally.
• : As a visual representation of their support to end interpersonal violence, the campus community is invited to sign the pledge. Those who sign the pledge by Tuesday, March 29, will be included during the event.
• : Hosted in-person at Hendricks Chapel, on Wednesday, March 30, at 7 p.m., the night will include keynote speakers, a rally and march on campus. The event will be followed by a virtual message board where students can provide words of encouragement or messages of support.

For more information or to request accommodations, please , call the Barnes Center at The Arch at 315.443.8000 or email healthpromotion@syr.edu.

All students who receive the survey are encouraged to complete it to help the University gain a comprehensive understanding of the student experience. Survey results will inform services, programs and awareness efforts to help prevent and respond to sexual and relationship violence.

“It is really important for all students on campus who receive the survey to provide their own experiences on SU’s campus, whether you think the topic applies to you or not. Your contribution will help provide an accurate understanding of the data to provide a safer and more equitable campus community,” says Clare Peppler, a senior in Falk College and Barnes Center peer educator.

Students helped with refining and finalizing questions and format for this year’s survey. This included student representatives from Stand with Survivors SU and Peer Educators Encouraging Healthy Relationships (PEEHRS). In addition, students in Newhouse School Professor Rebecca Ortiz’s advertising classes spent their fall semester conducting research to develop recommendations on how to communicate the importance of survey completion to students.

“My students found that SU students are motivated to complete surveys when they know the information will be used to improve the student experience and address such an important issue as sexual and relationship violence. It just takes a few minutes to complete and will have a major positive impact,” says Ortiz, who is also a member of the Chancellor’s Task Force.

Results of the survey will be used across the campus community to strengthen student experiences, improve campus climate and enhance programs and services. The previous survey results led to the creation of a comprehensive, centralized and materials that help describe the reporting process in a variety of mediums.

For more information on the Sexual and Relationship Violence Survey, contact healthpromotion@syr.edu.

“As members of the Syracuse University and extended community, students, faculty, staff, alumni and more, can play a role in creating a safer environment by helping to remove these forms of violence in the community,” the 2021 Take Back the Night Planning Committee says. “From attending the event, purchasing a shirt, making a donation and more, there are a variety of ways to show support. Together, we can Take Back The Night.”

Prior to attending TBTN and throughout the year, there are a variety of additional ways to show support.

Take Back The Night Shirts and Donations
Spring 2021 shirts are available for purchase at the�� (virtually and in person) and the . Shirts are $10 each and proceeds from shirt sales will benefit resources for victims and survivors of sexual and relationship violence. In addition to shirt sales, donations may also be made directly to the .

The Survivors Speak-out Clothesline Project
The Clothesline Project is a visual display of shirts that are created by individuals that are impacted by sexual violence, relationship violence, stalking or other forms of interpersonal violence.

• Friday, March 26: Submission deadline for the .
• Monday, March 29-Sunday, April 4: .

Support Take Back The Night Virtually
Share your virtual TBTN experience by using #IWillTBTN and tagging .��Continuing the movement throughout the year, campus community members are encouraged to share how they will actively work toward a safer community. Additionally, the campus community is invited to use .

For more information or to request accommodations, visit the , email Barnes Center at The Arch Health Promotion or call 315.443.7273.

Story by Division of Enrollment and the Student Experience graduate assistant Alana Boyd G’21, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications

“We were thrilled to have seven departments from across campus participate in this year’s contest, helping Syracuse University go purple to show our support for victims of domestic and dating violence,” says Michelle Goode, a health promotion specialist focused on sexual and relationship violence prevention in the Barnes Center at The Arch. “In addition to the visual impact of ‘going purple,’ we encouraged the campus community to participate in National Wear Purple Day on Oct. 24 and held a candlelight vigil last week in memory of those lost to domestic violence. These efforts drive home the message that there is no place for domestic violence on Syracuse University’s campus, and ensures that the voices of victims do not go unheard.”

Also part of the monthlong awareness effort was The Clothesline Project, an annual T-shirt display co-sponsored by Student Centers and Programing Services, Syracuse University Libraries and the Barnes Center at The Arch.

Below, check out some of the photos of Syracuse University going purple and the SU Goes Purple contest winners. Thank you to all who participated!

The Clothesline Project is an annual visual display of T-shirts created by individuals that have been impacted by interpersonal violence.

Most Purple Space and Most Liked Page on Social Media: Syracuse Abroad.

Most Purple Space and Most Liked Page on Social Media: Syracuse Abroad.

Honorable Mention: Division of Enrollment and the Student Experience (ESE), Communications.

Grand Prize Winner for Best Decorated Administration Space: Dean of Students Office.

Grand Prize Winner for Best Decorated Administration Space: Dean of Students Office.

The Cultural Centers staff members, representing the Disability Cultural Center, LGBT Resource Center and Office of Multicultural Affairs, showed their support of Purple Thursday on Oct. 24.

Most Creatively Decorated Space: The Barnes Center at The Arch, Recreation.

Most Creatively Decorated Space: The Barnes Center at The Arch, Recreation.

Honorable Mention: Department of Citizenship and Civic Engagement.

The Peer Educators Encouraging Healthy Relationships and Sexuality (PEEHRS) team showed their support of Purple Thursday on Oct. 24.

Honorable Mention: Department of Geography.

Most Interactive Space: Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities.

A wall of purple ribbons and factoids about dating and domestic violence.

The ESE leadership team showed their support of Purple Thursday on Oct. 24. (Pictured left to right: Dolan Evanovich, senior vice president of enrollment and the student experience; Bev Everding, ESE director of administration; Shannon Feeney Andre, ESE director of communications; Ryan Williams, vice president of enrollment services)

Get involved by joining the SEPT listserv

The Sexual and Relationship Violence Student Education and Prevention Team (SEPT) recently launched a dedicated listserv to share information regarding programming, policy updates, collaboration opportunities and other relevant information pertaining to violence prevention. Faculty and staff who want to get more involved in these efforts can complete the to be added to the email list. With questions or for more information, contact Michelle Goode.

Photos by Evan Jenkins, Division of Marketing and Communications

The Hall of Languages illuminated by purple light in honor of Dating Violence Awareness Month.

October is nationally recognized as Dating Violence Awareness Month. Every year, Syracuse University hosts events to increase awareness and educate the campus community about the dangers and prevalence of dating and domestic violence. This year, the University is continuing that tradition with an array of events.

Julia Cutler, a junior and peer educator in the Barnes Center at The Arch says, “Dating Violence Awareness Month provides a safe space for survivors to know there is a community that cares about them and is actively working to combat domestic and dating violence. It also makes it clear that there is no place for perpetrators of domestic violence on campus. Through the various events held throughout the month of October, we aim to raise awareness for survivors and make sure that their voices do not go unheard.”

All University offices and departments are encouraged to decorate their spaces purple to help raise awareness for domestic and dating violence and show support for survivors. Residence halls are welcome to participate by encouraging residents to decorate their doors or host floor contests. by Monday, Oct. 14, and judging begins on Monday, Oct. 21. Students who would like to volunteer to be judges are asked to .

Show your Solidarity in the Movement to End Dating and Domestic Violence

Members of the campus community are encouraged to share on social media how they will create positive change in our culture to reduce domestic and other forms of interpersonal violence using #SUGoesPurple and #IWillTBTN. At different times throughout the month, the Hall of Languages will be lit in purple to raise awareness of domestic and dating violence in support of survivors and victims. On Thursday, Oct. 24, the University will participate in , a nationwide effort to show solidarity with those impacted by interpersonal violence. Those who wish to show solidarity are encouraged to wear a purple ribbon or purple attire and tag on social media while using the hashtags #SUGoesPurple and #IWillTBTN.

The Clothesline Project provides the campus with an opportunity to explore displays of t-shirts decorated by those impacted by interpersonal violence. The display will be on exhibit from Monday, Oct. 21, through Monday, Oct. 28, in Bird Library and in the from Monday, Oct. 21, through Thursday, Oct. 31. If you are interested in creating a shirt or hosting a space to create t-shirts, please contact Michelle Goode, sexual and relationship violence prevention specialist by email at mlgoode@syr.edu�� or by calling Barnes Center at The Arch Health Promotion at 315.443.8000.

Join the Barnes Center at The Arch peer educators on Thursday, Oct. 24, at 7 p.m. in Hendricks Chapel to honor the memories of individuals that have lost their lives due to domestic and dating violence. There will be a brief statement followed by a moment of silence.

In addition to events, there are multiple opportunities to show solidarity and support throughout the month on social media. Follow to see the various ways the campus community is uniting around the issue of domestic and interpersonal violence awareness.

For more information or to request accommodations, please contact Michelle Goode, sexual and relationship violence prevention specialist, at mlgoode@syr.edu or by calling 315.443.8000.

Story by Division of Enrollment and the Student Experience communications intern Abigail J. Covington ’19, G ’20.

To help share the message of support, University offices, departments and organizations participated in the month-long . Participants were asked to decorate their on-campus space with the color teal and educational information.

“Decorating campus spaces, in addition to providing programs and events, helps to start conversations surrounding the topic of sexual assault and relationship violence. It also serves as a visual representation of support,” says Michelle Goode, health promotion specialist for sexual and relationship violence prevention in the Office of Health Promotion. “We thank everyone who helped spread awareness and hope that the conversations continue past April.”

Participating spaces were evaluated in the following categories: decorations, creativity, incorporation of the color teal, level of interaction the space provided, and how eye-catching the space appeared. Digitally, participants gained higher scores for promoting their space and receiving the most “likes” on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Contest winners were selected by a panel of student judges.

The 2019 Go Teal Decorating Contest winners were:

Grand Prize
Office of Multicultural Affairs

First Runner-Up
Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs

Honorable Mention
Office of Student Living, South Campus

Most “Liked” Space on Social Media
Office of Multicultural Affairs

For more information, contact the at 315.443.7273.

Community members volunteered at the Dome to fundraise and raise awareness about interpersonal violence. Nearly 60 members of IFC chapters volunteered by handing out wristbands and collecting donations. They distributed over 3,500 bracelets and collected more than $1,700 to support Vera House education and awareness programs and services. Prior to the game and during half time, OHP and the Counseling Center joined Vera House in the backcourt to offer game attendees giveaways and various information about on- and off-campus programs and resources.

For the past five years, Syracuse University has held a pre-launch for the Vera House White Ribbon Campaign at a men’s basketball game. This partnership began through the leadership of Bridget Yule, director of Student Centers and Programming Services and member of the Vera House board of directors.

Community members volunteered at the Syracuse-Louisville men’s basketball game at the Dome to fundraise and raise awareness about interpersonal violence.

“When this idea came about five years ago, so many in our campus community came together to make this a reality. It has been a privilege to work with Vera House and our students, faculty and staff to launch the White Ribbon Campaign on campus in such an impactful way and demonstrate our community’s commitment to standing against domestic and relationship violence,” says Yule.

The Vera House White Ribbon Campaign is an initiative led by men and encourages all members of the community to unite to end sexual and relationship violence. Throughout the month of March, thousands of Central New York community members wear a white ribbon or white wristband to raise awareness about domestic and sexual violence. By wearing a white ribbon or wristband, community members demonstrate their support and commitment in ending violence.

To show support, students, faculty and staff can purchase wristbands, lapel pins or chocolate bars by contacting Yule at bmyule@syr.edu or Denise Dowdall at��ddowdall@syr.edu. Community members can also show their support by using #StandWithVeraHouse and #IWill on social media, adding their name to the ��and attending the White Ribbon Campaign Walk on Friday, March 29, at noon in Clinton Square. Additional details are available on the��.

Peer educators work with OHP to provide health education to their peers through interactive programs, tabling and outreach events. Signature programs that peer educators assist with are Health Hubs, awareness events and workshops.

“Becoming a peer educator has been one of the greatest experiences for me,” says Ariana Zapata ’20, a BeWise peer educator and student in the . “Not only have I been able to educate myself on topics like alcohol, mental health and sexual health, I’ve been able to share this with my peers and community to promote awareness. This position has also pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me with my leadership skills, something I am extremely grateful for.”

There are three different peer education teams with different focus areas: Be Wise Peer Educators, Peer Educators Encouraging Healthy Relationships and Sexuality (PEEHRS) and Students Advocating for Mental Health Empowerment (SAMHE).

Be Wise Peer Educators focus on educating and empowering students to make informed choices and decisions regarding the use of alcohol and other substances. This peer education team is committed to making a difference on campus through nonjudgmental dialogue and sharing information regarding alcohol and other substances.

PEEHRS focus on consent, healthy relationships, prosocial bystander intervention and sexual health. This peer education team is trained to create safer spaces on campus for dialogue regarding how to respond to abuse or harassment, how to intervene with peers who are perpetuating rape culture and how to support others.

SAMHEs focus on all things mental health related. This peer education team is trained to provide outreach and educational programming about mental wellness including stress reduction, sleep health, time management and resiliency.

For more information or questions visit the or email healthpromotion@syr.edu.

Take Back The Night 2018

This year’s Take Back the Night, an annual march, rally and speak-out event, is scheduled for Wednesday, March 27, at 7 p.m. in Hendricks Chapel.

Take Back the Night is observed throughout the world as an event that unites communities bringing awareness to sexual, relationship and all other forms of interpersonal violence. The University’s march, rally and speak-out event is a collaboration of campus and community members denouncing all forms of violence in hopes to raise awareness and spark meaningful conversation surrounding the actions and attitudes that perpetuate violence.

Take Back the Night is an event the campus community takes pride in, especially for the students on the Take Back the Night committee who plan the majority of the event.

“To me, Take Back the Night means having a safe space to speak out and support those who have been affected by sexual and domestic violence,” says Vanessa D. Ramlal ’19, Take Back the Night committee co-chair and senior in the David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics. “Take Back the Night is an event where those affected feel a sense of unity and empowerment and for others to be aware of ways they can be an advocate.”

The rally and march provide a forum for members of the community to unite and proclaim that violence must end. The speak-out that follows is a smaller, private gathering where individuals have the opportunity to talk in a safe space about how violence has impacted their lives and to talk with one another about what each of us can do to work to end violence.

Faculty, staff, students and student organizations can contribute to the cause and are encouraged to show support by doing the following:

1. Attending the event on Wednesday, March 27, at 7 p.m. in Hendricks Chapel.
2. Encouraging your organization, group or office/department to fill out the�� and officially endorse Take Back the Night by signing the poster and��emailing��a picture of the completed poster (with or without your group members in the picture) by Friday, March 8, at 4 p.m.
3. Purchasing a Take Back the Night 2019 T-shirt. The T-shirts can be pre-ordered at the Schine Box Office until March 8 for $10. All proceeds benefit resources for victims and survivors and education and prevention programs.
4. Participating in the #IWillTBTN campaign by sharing how you will support Take Back the Night on star cutouts and posting on social media.
5. Distributing pledge cards to your group, organization or department members and encourage them to attend.

For more information, questions or volunteering opportunities, visit the Office of Health Promotion website, or email healthpromotion@syr.edu.

is a one-day retreat for first-year and transfer students. It is a day of contemplation, inspiration and connection for students to experience a deeper understanding of their authentic selves and a rekindled sense of belonging. Participants will also gain tools for practicing mindfulness. With several dates during the semester—Feb. 23 and 24, March 2 and 23, April 5—there are plenty of opportunities for first-year and transfer students to experience Soul programming. Every SoulSearch retreat is free with meals and transportation provided. Locations include Drumlins, the Inn Complete and Greek Peak Mountain Resort. is required.

is a series of student-led conversations covering such topics as purpose, self-expression and connection. Formerly known as Soulful Sit-downs, SoulTalk is a weekly program held on Mondays in Tolley Hall, Room 204. No registration is required, and light refreshments are provided. All students regardless of class year and major are welcome.

, being held on Feb. 9-10, is a two-day retreat for students to connect with their peers, have deep conversation and find a stronger sense of belonging. Held in Blue Mountain Lake, New York, at the picturesque Minnowbrook Conference Center, SoulScape focuses on personal discovery and themes surrounding purpose, gratitude and vulnerability. It is a free event, including round-trip transportation, meals and lodging.

is a partnership between the Office of Health Promotion and where the campus community share a meal and discuss the SoulTalk topic of the week. Held on select Sundays throughout the semester, conversations cover topics surrounding purpose, vulnerability, gratitude and more. Soulful Eats dates and times have yet to be determined.

For more information and directions to apply, visit the .

Frisky February starts today with the Sexual Health Resource Fair hosted by the Student Association in the Schine Student Center atrium 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. On- and off-campus sexual health resources will be at the fair handing out information and sexual health supplies, and offer chances to win prizes.

Emily Nagoski speaks at TED2018 – The Age of Amazement, April 10 – 14, 2018, Vancouver, BC, Canada. Photo: Ryan Lash / TED

This year, Frisky February brings exciting new programs, in addition to popular favorites. New this year, Emily Nagoski, Ph.D., gives her keynote lecture, “5 (Dirty, Little) Secrets from the Science of Sex,” on Wednesday, Feb. 6, at 7:30 p.m. in Maxwell Auditorium. Nagoski is the award-winning author of New York Time bestseller “Come As You Are” and has spent her career as a sex educator.

Continuing from previous years, Consent and Cookies Dialogue Series begins Feb. 8, an Aphrodisiac Cooking Demonstration is Feb. 27, and a student-production of “The Vagina Monologues” is happening Feb. 15 and 16. For each Frisky February event students attend, they will receive a raffle ticket for the chance to win a Frisky February themed prize from OHP. Full details are available on the .

“We are excited to be hosting Frisky February for the third year in a row,” says Michelle Goode, health promotion specialist in OHP focused on sexuality and relationship violence prevention. “Throughout the month we hope to highlight the importance of healthy relationships, consent, exploring pleasure and every person’s right to their own body. Sexuality is a healthy and normal part of our lives, and it is important to empower people to learn more about healthy sexuality and discover what that means for them.”

In addition to the events and activities, OHP, Health Services and Student Association are partnering with —a national campaign to encourage young people to get tested for sexually transmitted infections (STI)—to offer two days of free and confidential STI screenings to students. STI screening days are Feb. 14 and 15 and offered on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 9 a.m. in OHP, 804 University Ave., Suite 114.

Other on-campus Frisky February partners include the . The Slutzker Center’s dialogue series, , will focus on relationships and sexual health for the month of February. Mix It Up brings together University community members for open discussion over dinner to further inclusion and intercultural understanding on campus.

Additionally, , a resource for students to order free sexual health supplies has several Frisky February promotions. For example, every Safer Sex Express order using the promo code CUPID will receive a special Valentine’s Day themed prize. Students who live on-campus can have their Safer Sex Express order confidentially delivered for free. Students living off campus will have their order discretely packaged and available to pick up privately at OHP.

For a complete list of programs and events, or to view more information, visit the .

HL Hall of Languages Lit with Purple Color Domestic Violence Awareness Exterior

In honor of October being Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), the Office of Health Promotion and the Peer Educators Encouraging Healthy Relationships and Sexuality (PEEHRS) are hosting events to raise awareness about domestic or dating violence and resources available for those impacted in the Syracuse University community.

As done annually in honor of this month, and as part of continued efforts to raise visibility and awareness, the Hall of Languages and Hendricks Chapel will be illuminated purple, the designated color for Domestic Violence Awareness Month, each evening as part of the “Shine the Light on Domestic Violence” statewide campaign.

The annual Clothesline Project art display in Panasci Lounge will run from Monday, Oct. 8, to Sunday, Oct. 14. The Clothesline Project is a visual display of T-shirts decorated by individuals impacted by interpersonal violence.

Offices on campus are invited to participate in the Go Purple Office Decorating Contest. As part of the contest, offices on campus are invited to decorate their spaces purple for the month to raise awareness. Student volunteers will judge the spaces from Monday, Oct. 22, to Friday, Oct. 26, and award certificates to winning offices. by Monday, Oct. 15, at 11:59 p.m.

Another way to show support is by wearing purple on Thursday, Oct. 18. Post your photos of your offices, the Hall of Languages or yourself in purple using #SUGoesPurple.

The PEEHRS will post using @BeWellSU on��,�������Ի�����to share educational and engaging content during Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

“SoulSearch is a free all-inclusive one day retreat where we can take time to reflect, connect, and explore meaningful topics like mindfulness, authenticity and belonging.�� I am excited to join you in this journey of the soul,” says Gwyn Esty-Kendall, mental health graduate intern in the Office of Health Promotion.

Registration is required for the SoulSearch retreats and is filling up fast. First-year and transfer students can for the following dates: Oct. 20, Nov. 2, Nov. 3, Nov. 10 or Nov. 11. Round-trip transportation, meals and programming is all free to students.

The new SoulSearch retreat is modeled after the successful and popular weekend retreat. This weekend retreat that supports returning students in finding meaning and purpose, is accepting applications until Sunday, Sept. 30, at 11:59 p.m. SoulScape welcomes returning undergraduate students from across the University to come together for a weekend of contemplation, inspiration and fellowship.

The fall 2018 retreat will take place Oct. 13 and 14 at the Minnowbrook Conference Center in Blue Mountain Lake. Round-trip transportation, meals and accommodations are all included in the weekend. There is no cost to students. Students can apply using this .

During the SoulScape fall 2018 retreat, students will engage in conversations intended to help participants seek a higher expression of themselves and develop a deeper understanding of their life’s purpose. This year’s retreat will feature in-depth conversations around themes such as passion, gratitude and vulnerability. Also learn basics of meditation and yoga.

are due by Sunday, Sept. 30, at 11:59 p.m. Applicants will be notified by Friday, Oct. 5, if they are selected for the SoulScape fall 2018 retreat. Until applicants are notified, they should tentatively save Oct. 13 to Oct. 14 for the retreat. For more information or questions, contact the Office of Health Promotion at healthpromotion@syr.edu.

Additional mindfulness programming has been made possible by contributions through the to enhance the student experience.

Students staff the Health Hub

Presenting: .

The Health Hub is an interactive outreach program designed to promote wellness and encourage a healthy campus community. Throughout the academic year, the Health Hub “pops up” to bring the campus community information about different health topics through an interactive activity. Adding to the fun, there are different giveaways at each appearance. The hub is staffed with the Office of Health Promotion peer educators, as well as other health and wellness teams around campus, including the Health Services interns and Recreation Services student supervisors.

Inspired by similar initiatives at other universities, the Health Hub came to fruition through the help of Cecelia Dain ’18 in who interned in OHP as part of her public health studies. As part of her internship, Dain made the OHP’s dream of a mobile health and wellness hub a reality, working alongside the staff to spearhead the launch of the Health Hub.

“Working on the Health Hub has been an amazing learning experience. The Health Hub is special because it takes health information out of the office and brings it directly��to students in a fun, interactive way. Plus, we always have free swag to give away!��Nothing else is like this on campus, which makes it very unique,” says Dain.

After a successful launch, the . The hub appeared a few times a week in different spots across campus, including the Life Sciences Complex, Women’s Building, Newhouse and Bird Library. Topics of each day and location are different, but cover an array of health and wellness areas that can range from mindfulness to physical health to healthy snacking to relationship health.

The appearances of the Health Hub are a surprise, but students can get hints and updates on the Health Hub by following the Division of Enrollment and the Student Experience’s health and wellness social media account, @BeWellSU on , and Instagram.

Crystal Hendriks, a senior in Falk College, has been a peer educator for two years. The experience has shaped her student experience, both professionally and personally. “Being a peer educator for mental wellness has not only taught me strategies and skills to engage a campus community on mental health topics, but has given me a space to practice mental wellness for myself,” says Hendriks.

Health and wellness peer educators at work in the Schine Student Center atrium.

Students interested in becoming peer educators can apply for either of the following peer educator teams:

Peer Educators Encouraging Healthy Relationships and Sexuality (PEEHRS)

The PEEHRS educate students on a range of topics related to sexual health and interpersonal violence prevention. Current programs relate to consent, sexual health, healthy relationships, bystander intervention, and sexual and relationship violence prevention.

Students Advocating for Mental Health Empowerment (SAMHE)

SAMHE educates students on a range of topics related to mental health and wellness. Current programs relate to sleep, stress reduction, time management and mindfulness. SAMHE is currently looking to expand programming and is seeking additional topic ideas.

“I joined the mental wellness team because I wanted to break down the stigma around mental illness and getting support,” Hendriks says. “It definitely turned into appreciating holistic well being and being surrounded by kind and hardworking people.”

The and the are both available online and are accepted on an ongoing basis. Once students submit their application, they will be asked to interview. Interviews begin this week.

Peer educators have a minimum time commitment of three-to-five hours a week. Throughout the week, peer educators are expected to attend a weekly meeting, participate in and give trainings, hold office hours in the Office of Health Promotion, and provide programming to the campus community.

For more information or questions, visit the or email healthpromotion@syr.edu.

Though the origins of this international event are unknown, its message of combatting sexual, relationship and interpersonal violence is clear. Take Back the Night not only allows the campus community to come together and support the victims and survivors of sexual and relationship violence, but also demonstrate the community’s commitment to combating interpersonal violence.

“I am excited to be a part of��the TBTN planning because I think it is one of��the��most empowering events on campus for those who have been impacted by interpersonal violence. Not only does��the��event bring community members together to start a conversation about ending interpersonal violence on��the��Syracuse campus, but it is a reminder that��there is support and understanding within��the��community,” says Rachel Saunders, co-chair of the TBTN Planning Committee and a senior in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Michelle Goode, sexual and relationship violence prevention coordinator and co-chair of the Take Back the Night Planning Committee, shares Saunders’ viewpoint, “I think this event is really helpful for survivors and people impacted by interpersonal violence to see that there are folks in our community that believe and support them and are actively working to make our campus a safer place.”

Faculty, staff and students can contribute meaningfully to the cause and show support by the following:

1. Attending the event on Wednesday, March 28, at 7 p.m. in Hendricks Chapel.
2. Encouraging your organization, group or department to fill out the and officially endorse Take Back the Night by signing the poster and emailing a picture of the completed poster (with or without your group members in the picture) by Friday, March 9, at 4 p.m.
3. Purchasing a Take Back the Night 2018 T-shirt. The T-shirts can be pre-ordered at the Schine Box Office until March 9 for $10 (quantities of 30 or more can be purchased for $8 per shirt). All proceeds benefit resources for victims and survivors and education and prevention programs.
4. Participating in the #IWillTBTN campaign by sharing how you will support Take Back the Night on star cutouts.
5. Distributing pledge cards to your group, organization or department members and encourage them to attend the TBTN.

For more information, questions or volunteering opportunities, visit the or email healthpromotion@syr.edu.

Leading off the month of activities is a movie screening on Feb. 6 and a new dialogue series, Cookies and Consent, beginning Feb. 8. The Cookies and Consent series is held each Thursday in February beginning at 7 p.m. in Tolley 204. Additional events throughout the month include a , cooking class, production of “The Vagina Monologues,” the SU Rising candlelight vigil, a sexual health supply packing party and Pride Union’s 16th Annual Drag Show. Complete details are available on the .

“Through the activities and programs during sexual health awareness month, we aim to normalize sex and sexuality by talking about it in an open and honest way and providing students with accurate information so that we can increase the sexual health and overall well-being of our community,” says Michelle Goode, OHP health promotion specialist for sexual and relationship violence prevention. “We have wonderful student organizations doing great work around this issue all year long. For this month especially, it is so inspiring to see everyone come together to spotlight this issue and host different events and activities.”

One of those student-led events is the Sexual Health Fair hosted by the Student Association on Friday, Feb. 9, from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Schine Student Center atrium. At the fair, on- and off-campus sexual health resources will have interactive tables with games, music and more. Students will also be able to win sexual health prizes.

“Talking about sexual health is so important on a college campus. It’s not necessarily something people are fully exposed to in high school, so we need to create a space where conversation can flow freely around sex and sexual health, which is exactly what Frisky February does,” says Janine Bogris ’18, a student in the����and member of Student Association.

In addition to the events and activities, for the entire month of Frisky February, OHP and Health Services are partnering on a Get Yourself Tested for STIs initiative at Health Services. Students that are tested will receive a Frisky February prize pack. , a free resource for SU students to order sexual health supplies, is also offering a special Valentine’s surprise when using the promo code CUPID.

For a complete list of Frisky February events, visit the . Accommodation requests or questions can be emailed to healthpromotion@syr.edu.

Monday-Thursday:

3-5 p.m. First Floor, near Tutoring space—Pop-up help with citations and sources,����snacks, therapy dogs, chair massage and other de-stressing activities

5:30-7 p.m.��Jeopardy-style review for selected classes (Monday-ECN203, Tuesday-AST101, Wedensday-MAT221, Thursday-CHE106) Monday and Wednesday in 004 Bird, Tuesday and Thursday in 114 Bird (Peter Graham Scholarly Commons)

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Throughout the week, the campus community is invited to engage in discussions and activities about mental health. This year, the organizers wanted to create opportunities and spaces to talk about mental health at SU while raising awareness and providing connections to campus resources on campus.

“Mental health advocacy is about supporting each other, acknowledging struggles, celebrating resiliency and continuing to work toward positive mental health as a community,” says Angie Pati, vice president of Student Association. “We all may have different mental health stories, but there is one unifying factor: we are never alone. Mental health advocacy is about making sure we truly feel that sentiment.”

The schedule for the week is as follows:

• Monday, Oct. 2—The Mental Health Awareness Week kick-off hosted by Student Association will be on the Quad from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Students are invited to stop by and enjoy the inflatables, games and free T-shirts. The event will also address inequity and mental health alongside Shack-a-thon.
• Tuesday, Oct. 3—Intersectionality Matters, hosted by NAMI and Active Minds, will be a roundtable discussion about mental health and identity at 6:30 p.m. in 214 Hall of Languages.
• Wednesday, Oct. 4—Send Silence Packing, hosted by Active Minds, is an exhibition on the Quad to represent the number of college students lost to suicide each year.
• Thursday, Oct. 5—Therapy Dog Thursday, hosted by the Office of Health Promotion in partnership with Pet Partners, brings therapy dogs to the Quad from 2-6 p.m. Also, Sunset Yoga, hosted by Student Association, welcomes Dean Konkol of Hendricks Chapel to speak on the Quad at 6 p.m. with yoga to follow at 6:30 p.m.

Throughout the week, the campus community will also be invited to tie green ribbons in the Orange Grove for mental health awareness.

“This week gives us opportunities to think about how we play a vital role in creating a community of caring that helps us find connection and belonging at Syracuse, practice compassion toward others and ourselves, and start what can sometimes be difficult conversations about mental health,” says Kristelle Aisaka, health promotion specialist for mental health in the Office of Health Promotion. “Mental Health Awareness Week is not only about the week itself, but also about how we can continue to build awareness and support for mental health more broadly throughout the rest of the year and beyond.”

Following the awareness week, the Office of Health Promotion Mental Wellness Peer Educators will continue advocacy and education work. For them, Mental Health Awareness Week provides an avenue to begin these discussions.

“I hope that with the events, more students will stop and think about mental health and well-being empowerment,” says Crystal Hendriks, a senior in and mental wellness peer educator. “Every event that involves getting feedback and raising discussion about mental health from students will help us as peer educators be able to see the needs that we can address.”

are available throughout the academic year to give presentations and workshops to classes, offices, floors or student organizations about mental wellness. Current programs relate to sleep, stress reduction, time management and mindfulness. .

More information about Mental Health Awareness Week or access to join the volunteer listserv is available on the . For questions, contact Aisaka at kkaisaka@syr.edu.

The BE-BQ is free and open to all students. There will be barbecue food, lawn activities, open volleyball and music.

“Every year the Office of Health Promotion looks forward to the BE-BQ where students flood the Quad for an engaging and informative event,” says Katelyn Cowen, director of the Office of Health Promotion. “The BE-BQ is a fun, laid-back way to engage in and introduce an important topic that students benefit from learning about.”

At the BE-BQ, students will have the opportunity to learn about the BE Wise campaign’s three central pillars: BE Real and know your limits; BE There and make the call when someone is in need of help; and BE Aware by knowing the signs of alcohol poisoning. The campaign uses the acronym C.U.P.S. to remind students of the signs of alcohol poisoning: cold skin, unresponsiveness, puking and slow breathing.

“The event would not be possible without the hard work of our BE Wise peer educators, who have spent countless hours planning this event and preparing for the year ahead,” says Cowen.

BE Wise peer educators provide educational trainings and outreach about alcohol use and alcohol poisoning. The group of students is��trained by the Counseling Center and the Office of Health Promotion and works with the offices throughout the year to plan and hold outreach events. Undergraduate and graduate students can apply to be a peer educator on the . Applicants must be available Friday afternoons.

For more information on the BE Wise campaign, visit the .

Mirabelle Jones

On Monday, April 24, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. in the Gifford Auditorium, the Office of Health Promotion will host a lecture featuring keynote speaker Mirabelle Jones of Art Against Assault. The event is part of a monthlong series of programs recognizing Sexual Assault Awareness Month on campus.�� Coinciding with the keynote is the fifth annual SU Rising Candlelight Vigil.

Mirabelle Jones is a CA-certified sexual assault crisis counselor and founder of Art Against Assault, a grassroots arts organization raising awareness about sexual assault through the production of survivor-led art projects. Jones will speak to students, staff and faculty about how art can be used as a tool for survivor advocacy and trauma therapy.

The lecture will also feature an exhibition of the books of JARRING III, a set of award-winning artists’ books that share survivor narratives through a combination of letterpress fine printing, visual art and paper sculpture.

Immediately following Jones’ keynote, the campus community is invited to the SU Rising Candlelight Vigil on the steps of Hendricks Chapel. SU Rising serves as a call-to-action to end violence against women across the globe, and on our campus. Tiffany Brec of Vera House will lead the vigil.

For more information or to request accommodations for the keynote speaker, contact Michelle Goode in the Office of Health Promotion.�� For more information or questions pertaining to SU Rising, contact Tula Goenka, associate professor in the Newhouse School and SU Rising co-organizer.

Story by Justin J. Kim

Throughout the entire month, the Hall of Languages and Hendricks Chapel will be lit in teal, the month’s official color, and students, faculty and staff are encouraged to wear teal ribbons, available for free at the Office of Health Promotion (111 Waverly, Suite 006), to demonstrate their support.

“It is important to support survivors and those impacted by sexual violence, and other forms of violence.�� The more people that are supportive and actively engaged in learning and open discussions, the more we will be able to create culture change,” says Michelle Goode, sexual and relationship violence prevention health promotion specialist.

The month’s activities begin with the spring It’s On Us Week of Action from April 2 through April 8.�� The It’s On Us Week of Action is part of the It’s On Us national campaign to encourage all community members to take part in ending sexual assault. Check the for a full list of events.

The month continues with speakers, discussions and workshops, including an evening with keynote speaker Mirabelle Jones of Art Against Assault, a grassroots arts organization raising awareness about sexual assault through the production of survivor-led art projects. Her talk will focus on art as a tool for survivor advocacy and trauma therapy. Jones will speak on Monday, April 24, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. in Gifford Auditorium.

In addition to the keynote speaker, the month will feature a Tie Dye for Sexual Empowerment event on the Einhorn Family Walk (April 11); an open question-and-answer session with the Office of Equal Opportunity and Resolution Services (April 13); trauma-informed workshops aimed at helping to heal (April 13, 21, and 25); Culture of Consent discussions on a variety of themed topics (April 13, 20, and 27); the Survivor Love Letters project (April 20); and the It’s On Us Visual Display on the Quad (April 24 through 27).

For details on each of the events, visit the .

Sexual Assault Awareness Month is a Universitywide collaboration made possible by the Office of Health Promotion, Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs, Office of Multicultural Affairs, Office of Equal Opportunity and Resolution Services, Army ROTC, Veterans Resource Center, Slutzker Center for International Services, Contemplative Collaborative, Syracuse VA Medical Center, LGBT Resource Center, Hillel, Healthy Month Syracuse, Syracuse University Wellness Initiative, Disability Cultural Center, Art Against Assault, Peer Educators Encouraging Healthy Relationships and Sexuality (PEEHRS), Falk College, and National Women’s Law Student Association.

The annual Take Back the Night rally, march and speak-out are scheduled for Wednesday, March 29, at Hendricks Chapel beginning at 7 p.m.

Take Back the Night aims to raise awareness about sexual and relationship violence and empower our community to take a stance against interpersonal violence. It is an opportunity for our campus community to come together to demonstrate our commitment to ending sexual and relationship violence and supporting victims and survivors.

There are four ways to get involved in this year’s event and show support:

• Attend Take Back the Night on Wednesday, March 29, at 7 p.m. in Hendricks Chapel.
• Organizations, groups and departments can officially endorse Take Back the Night 2017 by 1.) completing the pledge poster request form on the , and 2.) submitting a photo of their signed pledge poster to healthpromotion@syr.edu. Those who send their photo by March 10, will be recognized on the Take Back the Night t-shirts, in a Daily Orange ad and in the event program.
• Organizations, groups and departments can create a Hands Against Violence banner, pledging not to use their hands to harm others. You can request supplies for the banner on the pledge poster request form on the .�� Completed banners will be hung at Take Back the Night.
• Purchase a Take Back the Night 2017 t-shirt. These shirts can be pre-ordered at the Schine Box Office until March 10.�� Shirts are $10 each, or $8 each if purchased in quantities of 30 or more.�� Profits from these sales will be donated to Vera House Inc., a local organization that works toward ending domestic and sexual violence.

For questions, contact the Office of Health Promotion at healthpromotion@syr.edu.

For Michelle Goode, OHP’s health promotion specialist focused on sexual and relationship violence prevention, the decision to focus on sexual health is one that “Everyone wants to learn more about but has historically been taboo. Sex and sexuality are normal and natural parts of everyone’s life and there are so many ways that someone can have healthy expressions of sexual health.” Frisky February is all about getting “sex-positive messaging out, since sexual health is a topic that is not talked about much,” says Goode.

One of the events that will help get sex-positive messaging out is Sex in the Dark on Tuesday, Feb. 21, at 7:30 p.m. in Grant Auditorium. Sex in the Dark is a glow in the dark-themed sexual health panel discussion with “sexperts” from the Syracuse University community. Students can get ready to glow in neon swag during this event as well!

“We are really excited to host this event and hope that students will feel more comfortable with the lights out to learn more about any sex questions they have not been able to ask before,” says Goode.

On why now is the right time to engage the campus community with Frisky February, Kristelle Aisaka, the OHP’s health promotion specialist focused on mental health says, “Frisky February helps us to bridge a gap and talk about sex, sexuality and sexual health in a fun and positive way, while making sure that students have access to the accurate and important health knowledge they need to have safe, healthy and enjoyable sexual experiences, when or if they choose to.”

Although OHP is one of the major organizers of Frisky February, it’s a community effort. The student organizations, community partners and offices that are partnering to hold different events, including ACR Health, Alpha Chi Omega, Alpha Tau Omega, Bedsider, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Femme Noire, Health Services, Onondaga County Health Department, Orange After Dark, SASSE, Sex S.Y.M.B.A.L.S. and SUNY Upstate Medical University, are all contributing to bridge the knowledge gap.

For Aisaka, Frisky February is just the beginning. “This is a first step in building longer-lasting collaborative relationships with organizations, offices and departments across campus so that we can have more ongoing education and outreach related to sexual health,” she says.

For a full listing of all the events, check out the .

��

Peer educators promote healthy, respectful relationships free from all violence.

The Office of Health Promotion, within the Division of Student Affairs, is currently accepting applications for their peer education program. Peer educators meet once a week to talk about relationships and sexuality issues, learn about the resources on campus and develop skills to facilitate discussions with other students on campus.

Students interested in becoming peer educators with the Office of Health Promotion are asked to complete a . The form is due Sunday, Oct. 11. Students selected to become peer educators are required to attend a fall peer educator training on Friday, Oct. 16, from 4:30 – 9 p.m., and Saturday, Oct. 17, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“I became a peer educator to better the lives of those around me and to bring awareness around issues no one ever seems to talk about,” says Matt Fox, a peer educator with the Office of Health Promotion and a junior in the . “Becoming a peer educator will not only make you a better person, but will make you want to help others become one as well.”

Peer educators will spend the year promoting healthy, respectful relationships free from all violence. For more information about the peer education program, visit the .

“Catharsis Productions provides such an informative, yet creative presentation around these very important cultural issues,” says Jill Sneider, sexual and relationship violence prevention coordinator in the Office of Health Promotion. “Their message will engage the audience in a way that they haven’t experienced before and challenge them to think about what they can do to change the culture of blaming victims for all forms of interpersonal violence.”

The mission of Catharsis Productions is to reduce interpersonal violence by providing artistically innovative and researched-supported programming that challenges oppressive attitudes, transforms behavior and inspires communities to create a world without violence. The “Beat the Blame Game” presentation is designed to be the reality check that interrupts the desensitization of rape supportive culture. Part of what sustains this desensitization is adherence to victim-blaming beliefs. This performance will engage the audience in a candid dialogue and support the work of cultural change.

“Beat the Blame Game” is sponsored by the Office of Health Promotion, Student Association, Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities, the Sexual and Relationship Violence Response Team and the Office of Student Assistance.

“Student Association is committed to working toward changing rape culture on our campus, and is proud to lend our voice and resources to this critical consent campaign for our community,” says Brittany Moore, student engagement chair of Student Association and an organizer for the event.�� “We’re glad to partner with offices committed to this cause and encourage more collaborations to unite our campus on this important issue.”

For more information, contact Sneider at jasneide@syr.edu or 315.443.7126.