Sexual assault, drug and alcohol abuse and mental health are important topics on college campuses across the nation. The University of Utah provides students with several online trainings that address these topics and more.

Students are expected to complete all five Community Standards courses, which are available through CIS. The courses cover sexual assault prevention; alcohol abuse prevention; mental well-being; diversity, equity and inclusion; and prescription drug abuse prevention.

“The U is committed to helping students have the best educational experience—one that is both engaging and safe,” said Jason Ramirez, associate vice president and dean of students. “These resources address critical life skills while also setting community standards expectations.”

The sexual assault prevention course, which is designed to help students recognize and respond to sexual assault and to know where to go for help, is required, and Part 1 must be completed before the end of the first semester to avoid a hold on the student’s record.

Each course is intended to help students make well-informed decisions and uses realistic scenarios with interactive elements based on best practices.

Incoming students received an email in their UMail account when each course was assigned. Students can also access the courses by logging in to CIS and clicking on the “Community Standards Courses” tile. Each course is comprised of two parts, varying in length from 30 minutes to 2.5 hours, and can be completed all at once or incrementally over multiple sessions. Students who complete all courses within their first year will earn a digital badge, which is a micro-credential that recipients can display on social media.

More information about these courses can be found on the Office of the Dean of Students website.

About the courses

Sexual Assault Prevention

This course focuses on sexual assault prevention and bystander intervention by promoting the importance of values and healthy relationships, increasing empathy and support for survivors, and improving students’ ability to intervene and prevent sexual assault.

AlcoholEdu

An alcohol abuse prevention course that tailors content to the student’s current drinking behaviors and is intended to help inspire students make healthier choices relating to alcohol consumption.

Mental Well-being

The goal of this course is to equip students with strategies for self-care, taking action to find additional support, recognizing when they or their peers are in distress and supporting others.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

This course focuses on expanding students’ understanding of identity, power, privilege and oppression, as well as creating a culture of respect.

Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention

This course covers the science of addiction, prepares students to identify signs of abuse and equips learners with tactics for refusal and bystander intervention. Information about the proper use, storage and disposal of prescription drugs is also provided.