Events To Teach Sexual Responsibility

The Student Health Center and SHSU’s BACCHUS Peer Education Network, a student organization, will give students lessons on sexually transmitted infections, contraception and healthy relationships during the week when thoughts turn to love because of Valentine’s Day.

Sexual Responsibility Week, a nationally-recognized week, will kick off on Monday (Feb. 13), with a “humorous theatrical performance by the Arts Outreach Theater Troupe (that) will focus on the dangers of using alcohol as an ice breaker in social settings,” according to Michelle Lovering, SHC health programming coordinator.

“The Interpreters,” held in conjunction with the university’s Alcohol Abuse Initiative, will be performed at 6 p.m. in Lowman Student Center Ballroom A.

On Valentine’s Day, students’ sexually transmitted infection knowledge will be tested with “What’s Your STI IQ?”

The event, which will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the LSC Mall Area, will also provide brochures and display information to students, and those who pass the quiz will receive a prize.

Students who mastered the STI quiz, or even those who didn’t, will have the opportunity to quiz themselves on different methods of contraception on Wednesday with “Contraceptive Challenge,” from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the LSC Mall Area. Prizes will also be awarded for “experts,” Lovering said.

“In addition, I will have information about which methods of contraception are available at the Student Health Center and how much they cost,” Lovering said. “During the lunch hour (from noon to 1 p.m.), I will be joined by the SHC pharmacist, Denise Irby, who can answer questions that students may have about their prescription contraception or a method that they are considering.”

Finally, on Thursday, students will put their love, or “general fondness” to the test with the “Newly-Met Game,” from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the LSC Mall Area.

The “Newlywed Game” type of event will invite couples to explore how well they know their significant others.

“Winners will receive prizes, but the losers may end up with some reconciling to do,” Lovering said.

“The ultimate goal of the game, however, is to point out how essential a good foundation of friendship, respect and communication is to a healthy relationship,” she said. “Without these things, relationships may be only sexual and superficial.”

Among the many goals of the week, Lovering said they hope students will walk away knowing which sexual activities are “safe,” how alcohol may affect STI transmission and unplanned pregnancies, and SHSU’s STI rates in comparison to other Texas universities.

“The events will provide accurate information in fun and entertaining formats and will allow students to develop interpersonal skills, assess their sexual attitudes, values, and insights, and will encourage students to exercise responsibility regarding sexual relationships,” she said.

For more information, contact Lovering at 936.294.4347 or mlovering@shsu.edu.

—END—

SHSU Media Contact: Jennifer Gauntt
Feb. 9, 2006
Please send comments, corrections, news tips to Today@Sam.edu.