UNBC Rolls Out Consent Campaign

PRINCE GEORGE- The Ministry of Advanced Education says two-thirds of sexual assault on campus happen in the first 8 weeks back to class. “I think there are a lot of people that haven’t really had the freedom to make those choices themselves, for a lot of them it’s the first time away from parents and the community they know, and they’re meeting new people, and they’re navigating all kinds of new situations,” said Student Affairs interim manager, Amelia Kaiser. That’s why UNBC concentrates its consent campaign during the first few months of school. It teaches students what to do in uncomfortable situations and what resources are available on campus. Posters can be found around the school and various programs are held througout the year. It is also rolling out a newly developed program this year that will help bystanders report incidents. “It helps us teach students how to be good bystanders in situations so if they see a situation where consent isn’t happening, they’re able to step in and be an active, positive bystander,” added Kaiser. Some student-athletes and residence advisors have been trained in the bystander program already. Kaiser says students can get more information from residence leaders, the Student Life office, or the Wellness Office.