Health center to advocate safe decisions

For the third Welcome Week in a row, the IU Health Center is sponsoring the “Sex, Drugs & Rock ’n’ Roll” program to teach incoming freshmen and other students about making responsible choices when drinking, partying and engaging in relationships.

“IU is a big place,” said Ann Skirvin, a counselor for the Sexual Assault Crisis Service. “We want to do some education as soon as they get here.”

The event, which is scheduled from noon to 3 p.m. Friday at the Showalter Fountain, will feature live music, games, food and prizes. Other organizations, such as IU Police Department, IU Student Association, the Monroe Country Prosecutor’s Office and representatives from the greek community will have information booths as well.

Last year, Skirvin said approximately 200 students attended the event, but organizers expect more this year because of better advertising and a more central location.

While all incoming students had to take AlcoholEdu, an online class about drinking, as well as attend events during orientation about alcohol and consent, Skirvin said she thinks the more they hear about these issues, the more receptive they will be.

“We really want to get some of these issues on their radar and let students know what we expect as appropriate behavior,” Skirvin said. “We want them to have fun, but we also want them to treat each other
with respect.”

— Hallie Robbins