WMU's campus sexual assault prevention state funding increases

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Western Michigan University will receive $132,557 in state funds toward efforts to help prevent sexual assault, the largest amount awarded to the University in four years of this state grant program and the second-highest given to Michigan institutions this year.

WMU qualified for the highest award in the programming category of Michigan's Campus Sexual Assault Program, with money to be used for such programs as Western HEROES bystander intervention, Gentlemen United men's violence prevention, Theatre for Community Health peer education and two social marketing campaigns.

The grant was the result of "strong collaborative efforts from student affairs, institutional equity, academic affairs and athletics," says Cari Robertson, WMU's director of health promotion and education in the Division of Student Affairs. "We are excited to receive more funding this year to expand and launch these important programs with students taking the lead."

This year marks the state's highest investment in the Campus Sexual Assault Program to date, with more than $2.5 million in grant funding available, and the highest amount awarded to WMU since the program was launched in 2015 by First Lady Sue Snyder. The University received $83,342 for the 2018 calendar year.

"I'm proud that Michigan continues to be a leader in campus sexual assault awareness and prevention," Snyder says. "These grants enable our colleges and universities to develop innovative, evidence-based campaigns and strategies to help make our campuses safer—for students and survivors."

"I thank the governor and my partners in the legislature for their bipartisan support of this program, and I hope to see it continue long into the future. Our work is far from over, and we must continue investing in programs that will help inform and empower students and institutional leadership to prevent sexual assault on Michigan's campuses."

Campus sexual assault grant

The grant program is administered by the Michigan State Police. This year, 22 community colleges and universities will receive $1 million in state grant funds appropriated from the fiscal year 2019 general fund.

The purpose of this grant is to fund the development of new and innovative programs to reduce and/or eliminate sexual assault on college campuses, with the goal of improving the safety and security of all students.

Grant recipients have until Nov. 30, 2019, to spend their awards. A complete list of award recipients is available on the Michigan State Police website.

To learn more about the grant, contact Cari Robertson at cari.robertson@wmich.edu or (269) 387-3529.

For more WMU news, arts and events, visit WMU News online.