Tartan 101 evolves FYS material

KYLE CHOKAS
COPY EDITOR

9/16/2024

Author and student advocate CL Lindsay’s presentation that addressed sex, the law, and bystander intervention training was removed from Tartan 101 this year after feedback from students. It had run the previous three years. Tartan 101 is an orientation program that educates incoming students on what to expect during their Alma College years.

Lindsay’s presentation highlighted how students could protect themselves from dangerous situations involving sex, drugs, and alcohol on college campuses. It spoke to what could be done in the aftermath of a situation occurring. It also briefly addressed bystander intervention. This is the act of “recognizing a potentially harmful situation or interaction and choosing to respond in a way that could positively influence the outcome,” according to Lehigh University.

These presentations are particularly impactful for first-year students coming to college campuses. The first few weeks away at college are times that new students are most vulnerable. This period is referred to as the “Red Zone.” According to The Center for Women and Families, sexual assaults on college campuses “spike” during this time. This may well be linked to students being unaware of how to protect themselves or how to intervene on situations that may seem dangerous.

On the removal of Lindsay’s presentation, by the Tartan 101 committee, David Blandford, Alma College’s Title IX Coordinator, said “Some feedback we got from students was that…a lot of it seemed dated to students … some of it seemed not gender-inclusive.

“That’s feedback we’ve given CL but we want to give him some time to modify some of the pieces he’s doing.”

Replacing the presentation this year, all new students were provided with access to Canvas modules on the subject. Additionally, First-Year Guides (FYGs) were told to engage their students when appropriate on preventative measures for these difficult situations, as well as being given access to resources. The central focus of these resources deal with Harlan Cohen’s book, The Naked Roommate. Cohen did present at this year’s Tartan 101.

Cohen’s book deals with these delicate issues and specifically addresses bystander intervention. FYGs were given this book and engaged in conversations about implementing its lessons with First-Year Students.

Additionally, athletes on campus have already attended broader Title IX training. All students will receive access to this training over the course of the semester.

Still, the transition from the previous presentation to varied resources has not been entirely seamless. A First-Year Guide, who wished to remain anonymous, said, “[These issues] shouldn’t fall back on [FYGs] to be teaching students about. The students won’t listen to their guides the same way that they would listen to a speaker.

“We weren’t even told what they’ve learned in the Canvas modules.”

Representatives of the Tartan 101 committee did mention research supports that these kinds of conversations are most impactful when led by peers. If students would like to obtain further information options do exist. They can access the Alma College offered material online through Canvas. Also, the American Psychological Association (APA) has a “bystander intervention tip-sheet.”

More immediately, the Title IX office encourages anyone with questions or concerns surrounding Civil Rights/Title IX issues to contact them directly for support and information.