The Brock University campus

With thousands of students set to arrive on campus this weekend, Brock University is again rolling out initiatives to ensure students understand the Institution’s tough stance on sexual assault and harassment.

In a year when the Ontario government launched a publicity campaign, including edgy TV ads, to raise public awareness about sexual violence, Brock continues to be proactive on the issue.

Brock was among the first group of universities in Canada to have a Sexual Assault Response Protocol put into place to assist victims of sexual assault, and the Code of Conduct addresses the academic ramifications of engaging in harassing or violent behaviour.

“Brock prides itself on being a safe campus to study, research, work and live,” said President Jack Lightstone. “This issue is a high priority for the University and one that we take very seriously.”

The Brock University Students’ Union President Kyle Rose agreed.

“BUSU and it’s members consider ourselves grateful for the opportunity to learn from, work and live with people from all walks of life including genders, races and sexual orientations. Such opportunity comes with the responsibility to ensure that everyone considers campus a safe space and recognize that the onus is on us to create such an environment,” said Rose.

Starting with Orientation Week and running throughout the month of September, numerous activities are aimed at educating incoming and returning students about the policies Brock has in place.

Guest speaker River Huston will be back to deliver her humorous and inspirational message on sexuality, body image, addiction, alcohol and safe sex during three sessions next week, including one at an athlete orientation event Sept. 8.

BUSU is meeting with numerous student groups and organizations in order to educate them on both Brock’s and the student union’s serious efforts to address sexual violence.

Student staff from Student Life, Residence Life, Student Justice Centre and Student Health Services are being trained using Upstander Programming, which aims to develop a culture of looking out for one another on and around campus.

There are also ‘Sex Talks’ for incoming residence students and information sessions that cover topics such as Brock’s commitment to addressing sexual violence and instructions on how to get help in residence.