Over time, sexual assault on college campuses has become a significant 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. Yet, students are not being fully educated about sexual assault, which could lead to an increase of assaults on campus. A program should be put into place that requires all freshmen, transfer students, and exchange students who are entering a university to take a seminar that educates them about sexual assault. This prevention effort would inform students about the distinct difference between verbal-affirmative consent and what one believes is consent.

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 51)  In contrast, Alexandra Cassel conducted a study in order to see if male attitudes about sexual assault could be changed pro-socially (Cassel 50). Cassel's study is an instance where she wants to help remove targeting from universities that is usually placed on the victim and 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 50). This research is a positive outcome towards sexual assault prevention efforts. Moreover, 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, then they will be less likely to believe and accept rape myths. The student population will become more concerned with the problem of sexual assault, thus taking action on their campus to help end sexuxal 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. Affirmative consent is when there is conscious and voluntary agreement to engage in sexual activity every step of the way (Glickman 437). There is a big grey area among students who are sexually active about what affirmative consent is. The source "What Affirmative Consent Looks Like", states that establishing a standard of affirmative consent is a huge step forward because it recognizes the way 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 (Glickman 439). 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" (Somander 1), 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 victims who have been sexually assaulted. Furthermore, 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 taken the initiative signed a uniform pledge to help prevent sexual assault and educate students (Somander 1).

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). The Hunting Ground follows two young women who were sexually assaulted on their college campuses.The film follows their story as they try to bring attention to this issue, as well as highlighting other victims stories and journeys as they try to fight for justice. 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 see how little justice there is for victims and can take a stand so that universities will always protect them. 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 Kinsman'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. The police had access to the DNA evidence Kinsman provided them but rather than arrest Winston, they let him play three games before approaching him with charges. As the victim, Erica was blamed for the sexual assault, and Florida State football fans hated her for almost ruining Jameis Winston's career (Erica's Story). Yet, stories like Erica's and the other ones seen in the film have started changing the way universities handle sexual assaults. For example, there are more activist groups present on campuses which raise awareness about sexual assault. Florida State has since activated their Know More campaign which is an initiative to educate students, faculty and staff on sexual violence prevention. 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 instance, 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 such as parents, students, faculty, staff, and government officials need to be involved with sexual assault prevention efforts.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. 

During their time in college, one out of every five women will be sexually assaulted (The Hunting Ground). The way that colleges and universities have handles assault on their campus is appalling and downright inexcusable. Reaching out to parents of these students is another effective measure of prevention. Parents want to ensure their child's safety while away at college, which would make their voices the catalyst for universities to pay attention. The parents are the ones who contribute donations that these universities seek so if they all band together, changes are more likely to happen. Not only just having a required seminar for incoming students, but also by implementing a section into orientation about sexual assault, it will target both intended audiences: parents and incoming students. This initiative measure is essential to sexual assault prevention on campus because it is bringing attention to a usually hidden problem. Educating the upcoming students and parents about these dangers would provide a new group of activists for the campus, or at the very least, make them aware of what to look out for in regards to sexual assault. Educating students about sexual assault helps to make them part of the solution, not the problem

