New Law Makes Sexual Assault Prevention Training Required on Campus

COLLEGEVILLE -- College students across the state are getting back into their daily grind of classes but this year they had homework to do before going to class.

Minnesota recently introduced a new law to all public and private universities that requires students to complete a sexual assault prevention training within 10 days of the first day of classes.

College of St. Benedict and St. John's University executive director of public relations, Michael Hemmesch says a very similar program has already been implemented at St. Ben's and St. John's.

"We have provided training about sexual misconduct and healthy relationships as part of new student orientation for many years and also we've provided online training to all students in past years. So incoming students participated in this online training this summer and we've documented their participation in compliance with the new law that went into effect August 1."

Hemmesch says good communication helped the training process go smoothly at both campuses.

"This was communicated to incoming students in mid-summer, allowing them to complete the training before they really got into the heavy part of getting ready for college, moving to college and during the orientation time."

St. Ben's and St. John's have many courses and workshops that focus on risk management and sexual assault prevention.

Hemmesch says the safety of students is always a top priority.