Welcome Week 2017
Welcome Week 2017 was an exciting time for the Sexual Harassment Office (SHO). During the week, the SHO participated in a number of activities and events that welcomed students to Memorial. At the events, the SHO provided information on: the role of the office and the issues of consent, bystander intervention and breaking the silence on sexual harassment and sexual assault.
Some of the activities the SHO participated in include: resource fairs; education sessions; booths (at both the St. John’s and Marine Institute campuses); and parent, student and graduate orientation sessions held on the St. John’s and Grenfell campuses.
The following are some of the St. John’s campus activities.
MOVE IN DAY
On Sunday, Sept. 3, the St. John’s campus came alive for Move-In Day. During this day, incoming Memorial students were welcomed to the St. John’s campus with a myriad of activities including the “Consent Clothes Line,” hosted by the SHO. Individuals were encouraged to design their own consent inspired t-shirt using markers and creativity. A number of students participated and created fantastic t-shirts with their own personal consent messages.
MEMORIAL ORIENTATION DAY
On Monday, Sept. 4, the SHO participated in both the St. John’s campus’ Parent Orientation and the Discover Memorial sessions that took place. These events provided further opportunity for the SHO to provide information on the role of the office and raise awareness of our shared responsibility as a university community to foster an environment that is free of sexual harassment and sexual assault. Students brainstormed suggestions as to what we can do to open the conversation about sexual harassment and sexual assault and how we can help. Suggestions were then written on post-it notes and placed on the SHO Pledge Poster.
SEXUAL HARASSMENT OFFICE’S PHOTO BOOTH
On Wednesday, Sept. 6, in collaboration with the Memorial University Students’ Union’s Welcome Carnival, the SHO held its annual photo booth event. This event, which took place near the Memorial University clock-tower, encouraged students, faculty and staff to participate in the photo booth by using various props/accessories paired with key messages about consent, breaking the silence, bystander intervention, increasing the reporting climate and raising awareness. Despite the windy weather, participants were enthusiastic, energetic and engaged while striking a pose and helping to raise awareness.