Over time, sexual assault on college campuses has become an increasing issue; however, there is little being done by universities in order to prevent the problem. Often, universities will deny reports of rape from their students in order to make their statistics look more appealing for prospective incoming students. Instead of this injustice, universities and colleges should be supporting victims of sexual assault and properly handling the consequences of the perpetrator. Prevention efforts for sexual assault have not been adapted by campuses nation-wide, nor is there a singular definition of affirmative consent that all campuses follow. However, the "It's On Us" campaign that was started by President Obama has been an attempt to try and unite universities to end the problem of sexual assault. Additionally, states such as California have moved from the mindset of "no means no" to "yes means yes". They have attempted to create a law in which there is a definition of affirmative consent. Yet, students are not being fully educated about sexual assault, which could lead to an increase of the amount of assaults on campus. A movement should be put into place that requires all freshmen, transfer students, or exchange students who are entering a university to take a seminar that educates them about sexual assault,  for this prevention effort would inform students about the distinct difference between verbal-affirmative consent and what one believes is consent.

In order to help prevent cases of sexual assault on college campuses, the male population needs to be educated in order to change their behavior and opinion regarding sexual assault. Most male students believe in rape myths, or do not care enough about sexual assault to be informed. Rape myths are "attitudes and generally false beliefs about rape that are widely and persistently held, and that serve to deny and justify male sexual aggression against women" (Cassel para 5)  However, Alexandra Cassel conducted a study in order to see if male attitudes about sexual assault could be changed pro-socially. Cassel's study is an instance where she wants to help remove targeting, from universities, that is usually placed on the victim, and rather have the perpetrator take responsibility for their actions. Her research concludes that "males who received a high rape myth acceptance score had greater personal responsibility for the issue, and increased concern" (Cassel para 1). This research is a positive outcome towards sexual assault prevention efforts, because men were being educated, they had concerns, and they took responsibility. 

By introducing a required seminar at college campuses, rape myth acceptance rates would decrease because students would receive necessary education about sexual assault. Cassel's study also describes how high rape myth acceptance is associated with sexual assault. If students are educated properly through their universities, they will be less likely to believe and accept rape myths. The student population will become more concerned with the problem of sexual assault. Also, according to Cassel's research, males were impacted more by personal stories of sexual assault cases. A seminar including stories from victims about their personal experience with sexual assault could contribute to changing a male's attitudes and behaviors towards sexual assault. 

Along with having a required seminar for students entering college, universities nation-wide need to establish a clear definition of affirmative consent. There is a big grey area among students who are sexually active about what affirmative consent is. In the source "What Affirmative Consent Looks Like", it states that establishing a standard of affirmative consent is a huge step forward because it recognizes the way that sexual consent really should work (Glickman 437). Affirmative consent should be explained to all college students so there is no confusion of what consent looks like. Also, Glickman agrees that the "yes means yes" standard is a positive change. Educating students to understand that the only type of verbal consent to sexual activity is a clear and firm yes will be very beneficial to help decrease sexual assault cases on campus. Moving strictly to a "yes means yes" standard will also reduce the grey area for the definition of affirmative consent. Defining consent is an important aspect of sexual assault that needs to be discussed among students. It would be beneficial for everyone to learn what is considered consent and what is not.

A campaign that would be very influential for a sexual assault seminar is President Obama's "It's On Us" campaign. This is an awareness campaign in order to help prevent sexual assault on college campuses. However, the campaign can be improved in order to make it very beneficial across America. Rather than making just a "personal commitment to be part of the solution to campus sexual assault", campuses should require students to sign a contract after completing a required seminar. Additionally, each university should receive guidance to help prevent and properly respond to those who have been sexually assaulted. As well, universities should establish guidelines to protect those who have experienced sexual assault. "It's On Us" already has proved beneficial for organizations that have adopted it. For example, many greek organizations across the nation have signed a uniform pledge to help prevent sexual assault and educate students.

Another aspect that would be beneficial for a required seminar in order to prevent sexual assault on campuses, would be the showing of the film "The Hunting Ground". Since the film's airing, according to "The Hunting Ground" website, the documentary has inspired new laws in New York and California, as well as changes in campus policies. For example, "California colleges and universities must adopt an 'affirmative consent' standard in their school policy on sexual assault in order to receive state funding of benefits" (Gulite 441). This documentary would provide students with personal and shocking stories about universities failures to properly handle sexual assault cases. Students could personally connect with the students and their stories, and they can become aware of how victims were treated by their universities. By showing this film, students can take a stand so that universities will always protect victims. "The Hunting Ground" is a different approach to sexual assault prevention efforts, however, it is effective because it contains a shock factor. 

One of the most controversial and well known stories from "The Hunting Ground" is "Erica's Story". Erica's interview about her experience with sexual assault is famous because of the perpetrator and football star Jameis Winston. Her story is used to educate college students, and show them the unjust treatment she received from her university. As the victim, Erica was blamed for the sexual assault and Florida State football fans hated her for almost ruining Jameis Winston's career. Yet, stories like Erica's and the other ones seen in the film have started created changes in the way universities handle sexual assaults. For example, there are more activist groups present on campuses whom raise awareness about sexual assault. Additionally, universities are benefiting from educating their students through means, such as the film "The Hunting Ground".

There is a lot that still needs to be done in order to significantly reduce cases of sexual assault on college campuses. Yet, there are many steps being taken in the right direction. For example, studies are being done that helped to reduce rape myth acceptance, governmental campaigns are being initiated, and films are being shown at campuses across America. Still, education about sexual assault needs to go further. More people need to be involved with sexual assault prevention efforts such as parents, students, faculty, staff, and government officials.With more involvement cases of sexual assault would see a significant decrease. It is crucial, that college students are educated about sexual assault from the moment they step onto campus because it would help to lower sexual assaults. 

Sexual assault is an important issue that needs to be addressed because 1 out of every five women will be assaulted while in college. Additionally, universities and colleges across America are terrible at handling sexual assault cases. Universities need to stop victim blaming and start finding the truth rather than blame. Programs need to be implemented on campuses because it is very easy for the lines of consent to be crossed. With the hookup culture that exists today,students are unaware of what consent is and is not. Once students arrive at college, they begin to understand the horror stories and culture shock of sexual assault therefore, education about rape should be required for all students entering college.

