'It's on Us Week' Continues Through Friday With More Events Daily

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The Charlie and Cappy Whiteside Greek Life Leadership Center at the University of Arkansas is currently hosting its annual "It's On Us Week." This event started on Sept. 27 and runs through Oct. 1 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, educate individuals on consent, debunk various myths surrounding sexual assault and sexual violence, and to bring awareness to the problem," said Parice S. Bowser, assistant vice chancellor for Greek Life and associate dean of students. "We will also want students to know that there are various campus and community resources available."

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.

"As one of the largest women's organizations on campus, It's On Us week is important for Panhellenic in particular, knowing that 1 in 4 women on college campuses in the United States are sexually assaulted before they graduate," said Amanda McQuitty, president of the Panhellenic Council. "This week Arkansas Panhellenic will come together with our fellow razorbacks and college students around the country as a united voice to speak out against sexual assault and educate young men and women on how to be proactive bystanders. The time is now to make an impact and it is our responsibility to commit to education and awareness efforts to both address and condemn sexual violence."

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, Associated Student Government, University Housing, RESPECT, Sexual & Relationship Violence Center, Pat Walker Health Center, UA Title IX Office, and UAPD.

Events already held this week include:

• The It's On Us Week Launch, held on Monday where Greek Life Office representatives were joined by ASG President Coleman Warren and Interim Chancellor Dr. Robinson to discuss the importance of It's On Us Week.
• On Tuesday, Greek Life hosted Human Billboards, an event that had fraternity & sorority leaders drawing attention to various statistics about sexual assault, and worked with ASG on their Glow Run Event held Tuesday night.

We encourage everyone to join us at our final events this week.  

Wednesday, Sep. 29

• Letters to Survivors - 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. - Union Mall
• Because I Love You - 6-7 p.m. - virtual, registration required
• Sexual and Relationship Violence Center Open House/Resource Fair - 6-7:30 p.m.

Thursday, Sep. 30

• Prevention Training - 6-7 p.m. - Virtual, closed event

Friday, Oct. 1

• TEALGate - Union Mall - 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Take the Pledge Information Table - Union Mall - 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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