All Fresno State students will now take an online educational course designed to inform and educate them about sexual violence.

While new federal regulations require that incoming students in 2014-15 participate in such an educational course, Fresno State has committed to have all 23,138 students participate.

“We are committed to creating and sustaining a campus community free of sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence, sex discrimination and sexual harassment,” said University President Joseph I. Castro.

He said Fresno State selected the Haven Understanding Sexual Assault module, an interactive, online program designed to inform students about the critical issues of sexual violence that impact society at-large and college students across the country.

The Haven program was one of three offered by the California State University to the 23 campuses.

“We selected the Haven course because it is one of the most widely used and effective training modules on sexual violence,” said Fresno State Provost Lynnette Zelezny. “Our objective is not only to bring heightened awareness to the national problem of sexual violence on college campuses, but to empower students to become part of the solution to stop it.”

Students are being contacted via email with information and instructions about the program, which takes 45 minutes to complete.

“Our students’ environment, education and safety are of paramount importance to us,” said Dr. Frank Lamas, Fresno State’s vice president for student affairs. “Bringing light to this issue is an important societal and campus matter that we must directly address. Taking a stand affirmatively shows our commitment to our community,” Lamas said.

Castro said the California State University has also developed a sexual violence prevention course for faculty and staff in the system.

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