Exploring Masculinity For a Healthy Campus Culture

1 in 5 female students is and will be sexually assaulted in college. This is a public health issue as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Sexual violence (SV) is a significant problem in the United States. SV refers to sexual activity when consent is not obtained or not given freely. Anyone can experience SV, but most victims are female. The person responsible for the violence is typically male and usually someone the victim is familiar with. The person can be, but is not limited to, a friend, coworker, neighbor, family member and even classmate. Boys and young men grow up identifying with unhealthy perceptions of masculinity. Emotional intelligence, compassion and equity. These traits are the characteristics needed to sustain a safe and inclusive university campus. Subtle themes that did not suggest a separation of students and athletes. However there was influence to include all male students into the conversation. Now, which causes were enticing men to perpetrate? What was creating and sustaining sexual assault in such a small setting; such as a college campus? There needs to be more support in the protection of women and more directed guidance offered to the development of healthy men. Because athletes schedules are already massively packed with athletic priorities yet still must uphold their student obligations, it is often difficult for athletes to participate in much else. As an addition to the biannual fall and spring orientations, a retreat geared toward men would be an ideal outlet for not only the general students, but athletes, as well as the surrounding community. The method of integrating an evidence based men’s program will embrace students- allowing them to feel an increased sense of self security and safety on the university campus. Emotionally intelligent men are more self aware and thus leads to increased awareness of their community. A heightened awareness and protection of the campus and their female classmates who they share the campus with. A university Mindfulness based Men’s Retreat opens the door for students to safely discuss a new framework and definition of healthy masculinity