Dear students,

Recent reports of sexual assaults on and near our campus are deeply troubling. Sexual violence causes significant harm to those directly affected, as well as their friends, families, and our broader community. We remain committed to supporting those who experience harm, holding responsible individuals accountable, and continually strengthening our prevention, education, and response efforts. While there is no single solution, creating a safer campus requires ongoing action and engagement from all of us.

As part of supporting the University of Oregon’s comprehensive approach to safety and well-being, each year all students are required  to complete online prevention courses. These requirements align with both university priorities and state and federal mandates, including Oregon House Bill 3456 and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act.

In 2023, the state of Oregon passed House Bill 3456 which requires campuses to offer annual sexual violence prevention education to all students. Aside from the state mandate, the University of Oregon also believes in the importance of consistent education with the goal of reducing and preventing harm happening to students during their time here.

Sexual and relationship violence are serious, systemic societal issues that impact campus communities nationwide, including the UO. Preventing violence and creating a culture where sexual and relationship violence is not tolerated requires us all to engage in ongoing education and dialogue about these issues. While this online module is just one piece of our prevention efforts, it ensures that all students have the same information and understand the university’s expectations.

COMPLETE YOUR ONLINE PREVENTION COURSE BY FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20.

Please refer to our webpage for more information.

All UO students are required to complete a sexual violence prevention module annually. This course covers:

In addition to the sexual violence prevention module, first-year students (both incoming and transfer) must also complete three pre-assigned alcohol and drug misuse prevention modules: AlcoholEDU, CannabisEDU, and Prescription Drug Misuse Prevention. These courses are designed to help students make informed decisions, reduce harm, and support their health, well-being, and academic success.

Students currently enrolled at UO Portland must also complete this requirement. If you are currently enrolled at UO Portland, you will be receiving instructions specific to you in an email from Dr. Sarah Kutten.

All modules are offered through Vector Solutions, and you can pause and resume them at your convenience. After logging in through this link, your assigned modules will appear in “My Assignments” on your dashboard. Please refer to our webpage for more information.

We recognize that talking about sexual violence can be difficult, particularly for those who have had personal experiences.

If completing the sexual violence prevention course would be distressing for you, please reach out to prevention@uoregon.edu to request an exemption.

Our exemption process is a result of consultation with colleagues at similar institutions. We are obligated both by state and federal law and also our ethical responsibilities to ensure that as many students as possible receive timely and evidence-informed prevention education. Exempting students from the online modules does not mean students get no prevention education—it means that we connect students to resources and collaborate on how best to meet their needs in an alternative way.

If you are a survivor of sexual violence or would like support before, during, or after completing the course, resources are available to help.

Visit the UO Safe website to learn about confidential and non-confidential support options, reporting resources, and additional services both on and off campus.

Thank you for your support and participation in this campus effort; your participation helps create a safer, more inclusive community here at the UO.

Sincerely,
Margaret Trout
Associate Vice President for Health and Well-Being
Division of Student Life