Greek Life at the U of A Hosts "It's On Us Week"

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FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The Charlie and Cappy Whiteside Greek Life Leadership Center at the University of Arkansas is holding its annual “It’s On Us Week” to be held Oct. 1 – 5 on the University of Arkansas campus.

“It’s On Us,” launched in 2014, is a campaign to raise awareness and help put an end to sexual assault on college campuses. The campaign serves as an opportunity for students to be a part of the solution.  “It’s On Us” asks everyone to step up and realize they can help end sexual assault. The aim in hosting this week is to provide opportunities to support survivors, provide educational opportunities, educate individuals on consent, debunk various myths surrounding sexual assault and sexual violence, and to bring awareness to the problem.

“Our goal is to continue providing educational opportunities and resources for all U of A students to prevent sexual assault,” said Parice S. Bowser, director of Greek Life. “This includes working with both faculty and staff to create a change. We all can play a major role by stepping up, stepping in, and speaking out to stop sexual assault. It’s On Us, Arkansas. ” 

The “It’s On Campus” program began in the White House with backing from former President Barrack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden, and now has over 82 sponsors. The “It’s On Us” campaign aims to reach a broader base of the population through its pledge and awareness efforts.

Everyone is encouraged to sign the official It’s On Us pledge, which will then put their name on the pledge list on the official website.

 "It is abundantly important that every student takes the 'It's On Us' pledge,” said Kayla Kochan, president of the Panhellenic Council. “This pledge helps to cultivate and identify that as a community we firmly stand against all acts of sexual violence. With a community that is actively against sexual assault, we can promote an environment where each student can feel safe. Our goal is to completely eradicate sexual assault from the University of Arkansas campus and joining the national movement to end sexual assault once and for all. This is such an important conversation we hope continues far after this week,”

This year, Greek Life has partnered with a variety of campus and community partners including the Interfraternity Council, Panhellenic Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council, United Greek Council, Razorback Athletics, University Housing, RESPECT, STAR Central, Pat Walker Health Center, NWA Center for Sexual Assault, UA Title IX Office, UAPD, and No Woman Left Behind.  

“It’s on us” events

Monday, Oct.1

• “The Official Launch”, 11 a.m. – Noon, South Terrace, Arkansas Union
• “It’s On Us” Information Table, 1 – 3:00 p.m, Arkansas Union Mall
• “Is This Rape? Sex on Trial, 4:30 – 6 p.m., NWQ Theater

Tuesday, Oct. 2

• “It’s On Us” Information Table, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Union Mall
• “Protect Yourself” Self-Defense Class, 7-9 p.m., HPER Studio 220

Wednesday, Oct. 3

• “Human Billboards”, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., Various Locations
• Survivor Art Instillation, 3-9 p.m., Connections Lounge, Arkansas Union
• “This is: Rape Culture”, 6-7:30 p.m., Pat Walker 1117

Thursday, Oct. 4

• Survivor Art Instillation, All Day, Connections Lounge
• “New Member Town Hall”, 6-8 p.m., Verizon Ballroom, Arkansas Union

Friday, Oct. 5

• Survivor Art Instillation, All Day,  Connections Lounge
• TEALgate (tailgate), 11 a,m.-2 p.m. Arkansas Union Mall
• “It’s On Us” Information Table, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Arkansas Union Mall           
• Razorback Pep Rally, 8-9:30 p.m., Greek Theatre

For more information, please contact: Whiteside Greek Life Leadership Center, 479-575-5001.