University of Iowa President Sally Mason says she’s getting positive feedback from students on the six-point plan she unveiled late last month to combat sexual assaults on campus. Mason addressed the Board of Regents meeting Wednesday in Iowa City and said one change involves training for students. “A new course will begin this fall and it will be coupled with in person workshops that teach bystanders how to safely intervene,” Mason said.
Funding was also recently secured for a second Nite Ride bus, providing late-night transportation for female students on campus. “These are two changes that our students have asked for,” Mason said. Changes in the wording of “timely warning” messages have also been met with student approval, according to Mason. Among other things, the changes better define consequences for offenders, Mason said.
The University of Iowa issued a “timely warning” on Tuesday night after a student reported being sexually assaulted in a dorm room on March 2. Mason also told the Regents efforts are underway to form a sexual assault “student advisory group.”