"Sex" event draws massive crowd

ResLife, Health Services team to inform students of safe sex practices

by Kylie Smith-Poisson
Vanguard Campus Editor

September 24, 2007 —

At the start of each new school year, ResLife, the Counseling Center and Health Services host a program called "Sex in an Envelope." As the name may imply, it's a sex education program for SVSU students, specifically targeted towards freshmen.

"We want to promote sexual wellness and health in the campus community and help keep our residents safe," said Resident Assistant Dan Klarich, who helped to organize the program.

The program covers the usual topics, such as sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy, and focuses on prevention and protection.

The main technique for conveying the message of safe sexual practices was through a game involving the namesake of the program: Sex in an Envelope.

Upon entering the Multi-Purpose Room, students received an envelope that they were told to keep closed until further notice and to have signed by as many RAs as possible. When the students opened the envelopes, they had a message either confirming or denying the use of protection. Students were then told if a certain RA had signed their envelope, they had contracted a STI, or were pregnant. The staff then explained the disease and what action should be taken.

"It was definitely an interesting way to teach us about being safe," commented freshman attendee Jake Ballard.

There were other games as well, such as a fastest condom application competition and root beer pong, which was meant to inform students that many sexual encounters occur under the influence of alcohol.

The program is growing more every year.

"There were so many more people here this year than last. It was shocking because the number of people seemed almost to double," Klarich said.

"I think the program is increasing in popularity so much because of the growing class sizes and the mystery factor associated with the program."

Many students agreed that the name of the program is unusual, even more so because the RAs and other program staff refuse to clue in anyone.

"I was so curious what was going to happen at the program. All anyone would say was that there were going to be free condoms, but nothing else," said freshman Lindsey Zion.

"Of course that and condom-shaped posters are going to grab anyone's attention and make them want to go."

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