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Colleges and universities make sex education fun and safe for learners through events.
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A 2023 Student Voice survey by Inside Higher Ed and College Pulse found just 26 percent of respondents believe their institution is adequately providing sexual health services and resources. Conversely, 23 percent of respondents said sexual health services and resources need improvement at their college.
One way institutions are reaching students with education and resources regarding sexual health is through campus events that meet them where they are.
Health awareness months can provide an appropriate backdrop for targeted education, including National Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April and February’s Sexual Health Awareness Month, but campuses can provide this information year-round.
What’s the need: Many college students have some form of sexual health education prior to enrolling in higher education, but the quality of this education may be lacking.
The 2024 Community College Health study found 60 percent of students had received sex education since ninth grade, but only 31 percent learned about correct condom use and fewer than half received information about sexual consent.
Post-Roe Campuses
The Supreme Court’s decision in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization case struck down national protections for abortion access, returning the issue to states. In some areas, abortion is effectively banned, while others require colleges to provide students with access to medication abortions.
Students also rate their previous sex education experiences as poor, with students rating education a little above average on relevance and engagement and empowerment.
Sexy talk: Inside Higher Ed compiled four examples of fun and inviting ways to encourage students to talk about sexual health.
- Louisiana State University’s Student Health Center hosted a Consent Carnival on Feb. 5, partnering with various on-campus organizations and departments within the university to provide games and prizes for students who participated. Students answered trivia questions related to sexual health and learned about supportive versus troubling behaviors in relationships, according to LSU’s student paper, Reveille.
- Drexel University’s Maternal and Child Health Organization and Dornsife Student Government Organization made sexual health relevant to Valentine’s Day through a co-hosted tabling event in which students would spin a wheel to learn about sexual health through a questionnaire. Attendees were gifted goodie bags filled with lip balm, contraceptives and sheet masks, as well as stickers and candies related to Valentine’s Day.
Sharing Safer-Sex Supplies
In addition to education related to sexual health, some institutions provide convenient and easy ways for learners to access safer-sex materials. Read more about this work.
- California State University, Fullerton’s TitanHEALTH hosted an annual event, Sex on the Lawn, this month to engage students with sexual health information and safer-sex supplies including condoms, lubrication and plastic holders for condoms, as reported by the student paper, The Daily Titan. Additionally, students could play mini games and learn more about resources offered by campus partners. One table provided free and confidential testing for sexually transmitted infections.
- North Carolina State University invited students to talk about sex at various events coordinated by Campus Health, the LGBTQ Pride Center, the Counseling Center, the Women’s Center, University Housing and more this month. One event, titled Sex in the Dark, allows students to anonymously ask a panel of experts about sex, sexuality or relationships. The event takes place in a dimly lit ballroom with glow sticks, encouraging brave participation.
Do you have a wellness tip that might help others encourage student success? Tell us about it.
