More and more often, we are hearing disturbing reports from our alumni attending various colleges that one of the most discussed topics on campuses today is the increase in the number of sexual assault incidents. Students tell us that there are programs at orientation, signs around campus, and training on how to find help when feeling threatened; in addition, both young men and women are being taught the meaning of “consent.” According to a New York Times article, “55 Colleges Named in Federal Inquiry Into Handling of Sexual Assault Cases,” ‘Nearly 20 percent of female college students have been assaulted, but that only 12 percent of cases are reported.’ ” I recently met with two alumnae who shared with me how omnipresent this subject is on their campus; these young women, and other alumni, have advised and pleaded with me that we do more to help our students understand how real of a problem sexual assault is.
As a college preparatory school, we want to make sure that our alumni are ready to do well academically at college; based on what we hear from our former students, they are very well prepared. We also aspire for them to participate in extracurricular activities and be active in student organizations on their college campuses; here again, we are told that they jump in feet first and are eager to play a role. In addition, we hope to prepare them socially so they can be aware in new environments and learn how to interpret the messages they are receiving from media, friends, and the pressures they will encounter on college campuses.
To that end, last year we invited the Rape Crisis Center to Bosque to make presentations to our seniors on how to fend for themselves, how to spot what could be a potentially dangerous situation, and how to not be a bystander but to help their friends avoid harm. Based on what we have heard from alumni and the most recent research in the field, we have decided this year to begin these presentations earlier in high school, to offer them each semester, to focus on understanding what “consent” means, and helping students be aware of their situation and surroundings. In fact, just yesterday representatives of the Rape Crisis Center spoke to 10th graders during advisory and x-block. 11th and 12th graders will have this same opportunity very soon. The curriculum, which contains six sessions and is spread over three years, covers a variety of topics which are geared to be developmentally appropriate and as a result are different for sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
As you can see in the Department of Education statement from last year, linked here, the 55 colleges that are being investigated, since May 1, 2014, for the way in which they handled accusations of sexual assault include some very prestigious colleges that Bosque alumni attend. As many of our alumni have said, helping students learn how to navigate the social milieu at college and protect themselves is part of a college preparatory education.
I share all of this not to frighten you, but to let you know what we are doing to prepare Bosque young women and men for college, so their experience at the next level of their education can be challenging, invigorating, and safe.
As a college preparatory school, we want to make sure that our alumni are ready to do well academically at college; based on what we hear from our former students, they are very well prepared. We also aspire for them to participate in extracurricular activities and be active in student organizations on their college campuses; here again, we are told that they jump in feet first and are eager to play a role. In addition, we hope to prepare them socially so they can be aware in new environments and learn how to interpret the messages they are receiving from media, friends, and the pressures they will encounter on college campuses.
To that end, last year we invited the Rape Crisis Center to Bosque to make presentations to our seniors on how to fend for themselves, how to spot what could be a potentially dangerous situation, and how to not be a bystander but to help their friends avoid harm. Based on what we have heard from alumni and the most recent research in the field, we have decided this year to begin these presentations earlier in high school, to offer them each semester, to focus on understanding what “consent” means, and helping students be aware of their situation and surroundings. In fact, just yesterday representatives of the Rape Crisis Center spoke to 10th graders during advisory and x-block. 11th and 12th graders will have this same opportunity very soon. The curriculum, which contains six sessions and is spread over three years, covers a variety of topics which are geared to be developmentally appropriate and as a result are different for sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
As you can see in the Department of Education statement from last year, linked here, the 55 colleges that are being investigated, since May 1, 2014, for the way in which they handled accusations of sexual assault include some very prestigious colleges that Bosque alumni attend. As many of our alumni have said, helping students learn how to navigate the social milieu at college and protect themselves is part of a college preparatory education.
I share all of this not to frighten you, but to let you know what we are doing to prepare Bosque young women and men for college, so their experience at the next level of their education can be challenging, invigorating, and safe.
