Prevention is Possible Seminar: Taking Action Against Campus Sexual Violence
About the Class
Required For
First year Student Athletes
Sorority New Members (Panhellenic Association Only)
Fraternity New Members (Interfraternity Council Only)
Course Description
College students experience elevated rates of sexual violence, and they have also played a pivotal role in making positive changes to campus sexual violence policies, support resources, and social norms. This course will equip students with the knowledge and tools to prevent sexual violence by creating a culture of consent, both at KU and in their future communities.
Over the eight-week interactive seminar, students will learn to identify different forms of sexual violence; become familiar with campus and community support resources for survivors; and gain an understanding of research-based strategies for effective campus sexual violence prevention. Through group discussion and analysis of news articles and visual media, students will engage with topics including strategies for consent communication; the impact of misinformation and rape culture on sexual violence prevention and response; current and historical examples of student-led campus violence prevention efforts; the relationship between social identity, equity, and sexual violence; and the impact of how alcohol and other drugs impact capacity for sexual consent. By the end of the course, students will plan their own prevention strategy to address sexual violence on campus or in the community.
Course Format
The Prevention is Possible Seminar (SW 301) is a short format course. It meets twice a week for 50 minutes over an eight-week session. The course is worth 1 hour of academic credit and is open to all undergraduate students.
Frequently Asked Questions
I’m required to take this course, but I’m worried the content will be emotionally difficult for me due to a personal history of trauma. What are my options?
If you feel this class will create an emotional hardship due to a personal history of trauma, please reach out to the confidential CARE Services office (care@ku.edu). Alternative options to this class which also meet IFC, PHA, and Athletics requirements are available.
I’m a member of KU IFC, PHA, or Kansas Athletics. Why am I required to take this course?
Because your organization is taking an active role in preventing sexual violence on campus, they have opted to require this course for all new members. This requirement is not because you or your organization did anything wrong. The course will equip you with knowledge and skills to help keep your community safer both while you’re a student at KU and in the future.
"This course made an immeasurable impact on my educational journey at KU and I can say without hesitation that it is one of the most important courses offered on this campus. The best way to illustrate what I've learned is to actually do something with the knowledge and that is exactly what I plan to do."