University of Idaho Safety Week has already been a success, according to Dean of Students Bruce Pitman. 

Jesse Hart | Argonaut
University of Idaho sophomore Clayton Gianopulos takes an alcohol screening survey Thursday at the Idaho Commons. Part of UI Safety Week, the screening gave students a chance to evaluate their alcohol use to make safer choices or seek help if needed.

“We are very pleased with the participation last night at the safety forum,” Pitman said. “We thought Tyson (Wooten) did a nice job and students seemed to appreciate his message.”

Pitman said there were several students who approached Wooten after the speech to talk with him.

Thursday events included an alcohol screening, the OUT Lunch discussing health and wellness and the Got Sex? talk focused on healthy relationships.

“We had very high participation in the alcohol screening activity today and that program was sponsored by our counseling center,” Pitman said. “We are pleased thus far and glad we have a number of days to focus on this important issue and grateful for those who have committed to put these programs on.”

The Got Sex? talk was hosted by Alternatives to Violence of the Palouse and was expected to have between 30 and 40 people in attendance, according to the Women’s Center Program Coordinator Lysa Salsbury.

“(The program) will discuss key elements to a healthy relationship such as respect, personal boundaries and healthy conflict,” Salsbury said.

They will also address warning signs of risky relationships and tools for communication, according to a press release.

“Our hope is that all students get involved,” Salsbury said. “There is a high amount of women involvement. This week though isn’t just for women. Men can raise awareness too.”

Julia Keleher, LGBTQA Office coordinator planned the OUT Lunch.

“The goal is for students to start to think about looking out for each other and really being aware,” Keleher said.

The week will end with Take Back the Night on Sept. 27, an event held every fall that includes speakers and a candlelit march on campus.

Pitman said he is optimistic there will be continued participation in all of the events, but the program will be evaluated after it ends to determine what changes are necessary for next year.

“We’ve made a commitment to each other to evaluate how this has gone and undoubtedly will make some adjustments,” Pitman said. “Every time we make an effort like this we have to sit down and evaluate. We certainly know Safety Week  will continue next fall, but we will make sure to evaluate before deciding the contents.”

Erin Roetker and Katy Sword can be reached at arg-news@uidaho.edu

Tags: Alternative to Violence of the Palouse, Erin Roetker, Got Sex, LGBTQA, OUT lunch, Women's Center