Furman uses a variety of programs, events and awareness campaigns to share information with students and employees in multiple formats, recognizing that individuals learn and engage differently. Because the first year of college can be a higher risk time for experiencing sexual assault, Furman focuses many of its efforts on new students and integrates information about consent, boundary setting, reporting and resources into the new student experience..
Online Education Before Students Come to Campus
Before they arrive on campus, all new students complete New@FU, an online orientation program. New@FU introduces students to consent required in sexual interactions and to Title IX reporting options and campus resources. Additionally, all new students complete a consent-based program by 3rd Millenium. This online program educates students on sexual and relationship violence prevention.
Orientation Sessions for New Students
During a session called “Life at Furman,” Orientation Leaders present short skits that demonstrate approaches to navigating challenging situations, including situations related to Title IX. Following the session, students are introduced to the Title IX Coordinator and representatives from other campus resources. They review the importance of responsible decision-making and highlight available support services. All new students also participate in “I Said, You Said,” an interactive orientation program delivered by Campus Outreach Services on sexual consent and incapacitation. Through a guided discussion of a real-life scenario, students share their interpretations of what occurred, consider whether misconduct was involved, and learn how the matter was addressed in real life, as well as how it would be addressed under Furman’s Sexual Misconduct Policy. Facilitated by trained professionals, the program explores how alcohol use and incapacitation affect consent and encourages students to help build a campus culture grounded in consent and respect, beyond basic policy compliance.
Pathways Session
As part of the Pathways program, first-year students complete a module on establishing healthy personal boundaries and safely intervening in concerning situations, supporting a safe and respectful campus community.
Take Back The Night
Take Back the Night is a national event to raise awareness about violence against women and to demonstrate solidarity with survivors. As part of this event, personal testimonials by survivors of sexual violence and/or domestic violence are read either by the survivors themselves or by someone else so that the survivors may remain anonymous.
Consent Defined
This one-hour presentation by the Title IX Coordinator uses Furman’s policies to educate students on the Student Conduct Code and definition of effective consent. Presentation is effective for classroom presentations and student organization workshops/seminars.
Bystander Intervention
Annually, all members of Greek organizations receive Bystander Intervention Leadership Training that teaches participants about determinants of prosocial behavior and makes students more aware of why they sometimes do not intervene in social situations. This bystander intervention training empowers students with tools to confidently intervene when they see troubling behavior. The training reinforces and expands on the concepts introduced to first-year students in the Pathways program, and it covers topics surrounding sexual assault, consent, healthy relationships, and other situations through role-plays and scenarios.
Training for Special Student Populations
Student leaders, including RAs and other housing employees, Pathways Peer Mentors, Orientation Leaders, Title IX Peer Liaisons, and student athletes, receive additional prevention education and training.
Available Training Opportunities
The Title IX Office, in partnership with Student Life, offers a number of training opportunities and educational sessions for students, faculty, staff and other members of the Furman community. Please use the button below to request training on any of the following topics:
- Sexual Misconduct Policy Overview
- Consent and Incapacitation
- Bystander Intervention
- Healthy Relationships
- How to Help a Friend—Resources and Options for Someone Who Has Been Sexually Assaulted
- Preventing Sexual Harassment
You also can request customized training on a particular issue, such as Preventing and Responding to Sexual Misconduct on Study Away Programs.
Passive Programming
Furman also uses a variety of passive programming methods, including distributing a Title IX brochure and informational magnet to all students, tabling at various campus events and poster campaigns and social media posts about consent, boundary setting, healthy relationships, bystander intervention, reporting options and resources to educate students and build awareness.
