Students at Anderson University have increased access to healthy relationship programming—and tools to help reduce the incidence of interpersonal violence —thanks to a $3000 grant from the South Carolina Institute on the Prevention of Sexual Violence on College Campuses. The South Carolina Institute on the Prevention of Sexual Violence on College Campuses was authorized by Governor McMaster and the General Assembly in 2022. Anderson University has received an annual grant from the Institute during both the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 academic years.
The Anderson University Title IX Office through an intentional partnership with the Counseling Department and Campus Ministries Office, is rapidly deploying the funds to strengthen a series of initiatives that have already experienced high rates of adoption among AU students.
“With this grant we are fostering the development of healthy relationship skills,” said Anderson Associate Vice President for Student Development & Title IX Coordinator Robyn Sanderson.
“Students that participated in the book study and By-Stander training developed valuable skills that will allow them to prevent unhealthy aspects of their own relationships and equip them with the ability to stand up for themselves and others. As a Christian institution, it is extremely important that we help our students develop skills needed for Christ-centered relationships that value respect and dignity of all.”
Those initiatives include
- Workshops/Training: an ongoing intensive study and book discussion focused on women; the program helps female students define healthy relationships. Since its inception, attendance has almost doubled. In the fall there will be a male focused study group developed.
- Sexual Assault Awareness: with the implementation of Denim Day, students, faculty and staff wear denim to demonstrate support for those who’ve experienced sexual assault; highlight its long-term impact on victims; and raise awareness of its dangers. Denim Day served as a fundraiser in which the funds were donated to First Light, a local non-profit in Anderson that supports women and children who have experienced sexual trauma and violence; AU faculty and staff donate money for the privilege of wearing jeans.
- Bystander Intervention Training: training opportunities help privileged communities recognize the signs of harassment and assault while equipping them with tools to protect those in danger.
- Trauma-Informed Training for Title IX Staff: this initiative is a deeper dive by helping frontline AU faculty and staff understand the physical, emotional and physiological trauma associated with interpersonal violence while working intentionally and lovingly with those who’ve experienced it.
“We are grateful for the support of the South Carolina Institute on the Prevention of Sexual Violence on College Campuses that has allowed up to enhance our programs on campus,” said Sanderson, who serves also as dean of student involvement and the Anderson University coordinator for Title IX.
Anderson University is a “more selective,” comprehensive Christian university offering bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees on campus and online. It is South Carolina’s largest private university. Anderson University is the #2 private university in South Carolina, according to Niche.com, is among U.S. News and World Report’s “Best Regional Universities South,” and is on the publication’s “Best Value,” “Best Schools for Veterans,” “Best First-Year Experience” and “Best Online Programs” lists. Anderson is a five-time Apple Distinguished School and on the honor roll of the prestigious Great Colleges to Work For® program.