Given the recent reports of sexual assault near campus that marked the start of the academic year, Grand Valley State University students have already been confronted with the harsh reality that GVSU is not immune from college sexual assault, a systemic problem across the U.S. What some students may not know, however, is what to do with this information once they’ve learned it.

To address this issue and many others, GVSU’s chapter of the national “It’s on Us” campaign provides plenty of opportunities and events for students to learn more about sexual assault and gain the skills necessary to identify and intervene in situations where sexual assault could occur.

Students will have the opportunity to sign the “It’s on Us” pledge Tuesday, Sept. 20, making a personal commitment to promote peer education and to be active bystanders in situations of sexual assault. The pledge drive will take place from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Cook Carillon Tower, where students will be able to meet members of GVSU’s local campaign, take photos and receive various giveaways.

Ashley Schulte, victim advocate at the GVSU Women’s Center, hopes to see a large turnout at the pledge drive this year.

“We have about 100 students that took the pledge last year,” she said. “We’d like to see that number rise.”

On Sept. 21, there will also be bystander intervention training geared toward first-year students.

“We know the first six weeks (of the semester), especially for first-year students, is a time when they are at extreme risk,” Schulte said. “So, what do we do to mitigate that? Instead of putting out safety warnings, we’re trying to hit them first with (education).”

At the bystander intervention training, students will learn how to assess and handle various situations that could range from hearing someone make a sexist comment to witnessing someone commit a sexual assault.

This focus on bystander intervention is reflective of the campaign’s philosophy and technique in general. While traditional recommendations for preventing sexual assault have focused on the actions or inactions of the potential victim, “It’s on Us” takes the stance that responsibility is embedded in the community.

“This issue affects all students, regardless of age, race (or) sexuality,” said Malayna Hasmanis, student senate vice president for educational affairs. “It’s on us, as people, to make sure that everyone’s safety is being maintained and respected.”

Tied closely to this concept of collective responsibility is the issue of collective awareness and discussion.

“For the first time I’d ever seen, rape culture was being talked about in general media this summer,” Schulte said. “People are starting to recognize this as a bigger problem that we’re no longer OK with. I think that’s something (the) campaign does well—it lets you be upset with the status quo.”

Hasmanis agrees people are just recently starting to de-stigmatize discussing sexual assault.

“Five, six years ago, we never would have talked about this,” she said.

In addition to the pledge drive and bystander training, “It’s on Us” will be hosting various other events throughout the semester. For more information, visit www.gvsu.edu/itsonus.