UW System sexual violence, harassment polices updated for first time since 1987

UW-L updated 3 years ago and gave input to System

They were policies that hadn’t quite changed since 1987.

Sexual violence and harassment policies throughout the University of Wisconsin System were outdated and the Regents, this week, updated them.

Specifically, it called for online training for students and staff. 

UW-La Crosse, however, a bit ahead of the game – almost literally.

“We’ve actually been doing that already here at UW-L – adopted a system called Think About It,” UW-L violence prevention coordinator Ingrid Peterson said. “The students I’ve talked to get a lot out of it. It’s sort of a video game format, so for students to move through, it’s not boring. They can actually earn badges and points.”

Generally, the focus is dating and sexual violence, alcohol use and bystander intervention.

UW-L has also required incoming students to take a similar online course for the last two years. 

In the transition, the Regents had asked UW-L faculty for their input when making the changes.