Programs - New Student Orientation

He Said-She Said by Katie Koestner and a Male Co-Presenter

This interactive, male-inclusive approach to raising awareness on the issue of sexual assault begins with Katie Koestner's compelling keynote speech, "No-Yes." Katie weaves her harrowing, yet ultimately inspirational story with powerful facts about sexual assault.  Once the audience is emotionally engaged, Katie’s male co-presenter offers the second part of the prevention message highlighting the role that poor communication and alcohol play in sexual assault cases.

The co-presenter shares a real-life situation about two students who become acquainted in class, and then find themselves at a party where the alcohol flows freely. Later, the two “hook-up.” The presenter sets forth the facts, but it’s the audience that debates and decides the case. The presenter explains the concepts of coercion, consent, and incapacitation, leaving the audience to apply them to the situation at hand. Audience members have an opportunity to persuade their peers as to their opinions on the case. The presenter uses humor, analogies, and statistical facts to address points made by the audience.

The challenging and controversial nature of the case provides an opportunity to grapple with the sticky issues of non-verbal communication, emotional pressure, and consent given under the influence of alcohol. The concluding message is one of risk reduction and responsibility for choices and clear communication. Single-sex breakout sessions can be added to provide opportunities for more candid conversation about relationships and risk. Popular topics include sexually-related peer pressure, sexual harassment, false reporting of rape, defining consent, helping a survivor, and "hook-up" culture.

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