Dickinson Presents Sexual Assault Awareness Month 2026 Programming

Campus partners unite to promote learning, reflection, solidarity and action throughout the April

Each April, Dickinson joins communities across the nation in recognizing Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). Our campus remains committed to fostering a safe, respectful and inclusive environment where all members of our community can learn, work and thrive all year long.

This month, we invite our community to reflect on how individual and collective action can prevent sexual discrimination and violence, uplift survivors, and strengthen our shared culture of care, equity, inclusion and belonging. Sexual violence impacts people across identities and communities, and each of us plays an essential role in creating a safer Dickinson.

Please consider joining in this year’s SAAM events—including learning, reflection, solidarity and action. Your presence sends a powerful message: Survivors, you are believed, valued and supported.

Supporting Survivors

Confidential, trauma-informed support is available:

Dickinson’s 24/7 Sexual Violence Hotline: 717-609-4244
Wellness Center: Mental health services, medical care and advocacy referrals

Confidential Campus Resource Persons

Katie Schweighofer, Director, Women’s & Gender Resource Center
Tommy Walcott-Lee, Director, LGBTQ+ Center
Rabbi Marley Weiner, Director, Asbell Center for Jewish Life
Rev. Jessica Chapman Lape, Director, Center for Spirituality & Social Justice

Empower T-Shirts Available

Visit Dickinson Outfitters to pick up one of our custom Empower T-shirts. In honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a portion of proceeds from this shirt will support the Women’s & Gender Resource Center, funding programs that provide resources, education and advocacy to combat sexual violence.

SAAM 2026 Events & Programs

Below is this year’s full schedule. All are welcome, and we encourage participation in any events that feel meaningful and accessible to you.

MARCH 31 — It’s On Us Students Decorate Benjamin Rush Statue in Teal

Why We Decorate Ben in Teal

Dickinson student leaders decorate the Benjamin Rush statue in teal to kick off Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Teal is the national color of prevention, and decorating this central campus landmark creates a bold, visible statement: Our community stands with survivors and commits to a safer Dickinson.

April 1 — Wear Teal Day

Show your support for survivors by wearing teal, the color of sexual violence prevention. Wearing teal signals solidarity, raises awareness, and amplifies our collective commitment to a safer Dickinson community. You can pick up a teal ribbon at Landis House, the Wellness Center, Student Life, Residence Life, Athletics, Title IX, Human Resources, DPS and the Dining Hall.

April 1 — Stronger Together

11:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m., Althouse 08

Come meet your Title IX coordinator, learn what the Title IX & Sexual Respect Office does, and understand how we support students impacted by sexual harassment, assault, dating/domestic violence and stalking. We’ll cover your rights, available resources, and the supportive options you can choose from—whether you’re seeking help for yourself or supporting a friend.

April 7 — SAAM Day of Action Pledge Drive

Noon–1 p.m., D-Walk/LL HUB (rain location)

Stop by the HUB tables to sign the It’s On Us pledge, grab teal ribbons and learn about this month’s SAAM initiatives.

April 8 — Take Back the Night

7 p.m., Allison Great Hall

Take Back the Night honors all who have been impacted by sexual assault and relationship violence. It is a moment for our campus to recommit to building a community in which sexual and interpersonal violence have no place. The evening includes student speakers and performances as well as a march through campus, and it ends with a candlelight vigil in front of Old West.

This year’s keynote speaker is Ashten Trimble, MS, LPC, CCTP. Trimble is a licensed professional counselor and certified clinical trauma professional specializing in trauma- and attachment-based healing. Her work centers on helping people reclaim voice, restore agency and rewrite narratives shaped by trauma. Her talk, “The Ripples We Carry,” will address how trauma extends into families, friends, and communities in lasting ways, and serves as this year’s Take Back the Night keynote.

YWCA and DVSCP advocates will be present for confidential support throughout the event.

April 11 — SAAM Sodas

10 p.m.–midnight, Outside of Rector Science Complex

An evening of conversation and connection focused on consent, alcohol awareness and community responsibility. Stop by to grab sodas and juices while learning about consent and safety.

April 14 — Stronger Together

11:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m., Bosler 313

Come meet your Title IX coordinator, learn what the Title IX & Sexual Respect Office does and understand how we support students impacted by sexual harassment, assault, dating/domestic violence and stalking. We’ll cover your rights, available resources and the supportive options you can choose from—whether you’re seeking help for yourself or supporting a friend.

April 17 — SAAM BUNNY BREAK

2–3 p.m., Wellness Center

Practice self-care by meeting the Wellness Center Therapy Bunnies. Please email stinem@dickinson.edu if you plan to attend, as space is limited. 

April 23 — It’s On Us Pledge Drive

Noon–1 p.m., HUB Underground

Another opportunity to sign the pledge and join the movement for a safer campus.

April 29 — Denim Day 2026

Wear jeans with a purpose to support survivors and challenge harmful myths about sexual violence. Denim Day is a global movement that calls communities to solidarity, compassion and action. Learn more at denimday.org.

Consider taking the Climate Survey

As our campus stands together during Sexual Assault Awareness Month and continues to reflect on the stories and strength shared at Take Back the Night, we will launch our annual climate survey on April 13. This survey helps us better understand how to strengthen safety, healing and prevention efforts across our campus community.

Your participation is completely voluntary and anonymous, and your voice is deeply valued. Please choose to take the survey only when you feel emotionally ready. Support resources are available at any time if you need them.

Reporting Options and Resources

For immediate safety concerns, contact the Department of Public Safety (DPS):

Emergency: 717-245-1111
Non-Emergency: 717-245-1349
Email: security@dickinson.edu

The Title IX & Sexual Respect Office provides guidance on emergencies, reporting options, supportive measures and available resources. For questions or help, contact Title IX Coordinator Kat Matic at titleix@dickinson.edu.

This year’s SAAM programming is made possible through partnership with the Women’s & Gender Resource Center, LGBTQ+ Center, Wellness Center, Student Life, Residence Life, Athletics, Human Resources, Department of Public Safety and our dedicated It’s On Us student leaders. We extend our gratitude to the YWCA and DVSCP for their unwavering advocacy and support.

Together, we act. Together, we create change.

TAKE THE NEXT STEPS

Published March 30, 2026