CWU Speaker To Discuss Making Campuses Safer

October 13, 2005

Contact: Nicole Dunn (509-963-3233/fax 509-963-1813/e-mail: dunnn@cwu.edu)

ELLENSBURG , Wash. - Dr. Alan Berkowitz is routinely sought after by the federal government and professional organizations for his knowledge and innovative programs addressing issues of substance abuse, sexual assault, gender and diversity.

Perhaps best known for his research and publications in the area of sexual assault prevention, Berkowitz will make four free, public presentations during a two-day visit to Central Washington University.

On Wednesday, Oct. 26, at 1 p.m., in Grupe Center, Berkowitz will talk about "Sexual Assault Prevention Dilemmas: Past Accomplishments and Future Directions." During it, he will review critical issues facing the sexual assault prevention field and the progress made during the past decade.

At 6:30 p.m., and then on Thursday, Oct. 27, at 10 and 11 a.m., in Hertz Hall, Berkowitz will present "Is What I Want What You Want? Promoting Consent and Preventing Coercion in Intimate Relationships," during which he will provide strategies for what men can do to prevent rape, what women can do to reduce their risk of victimization and other methods for creating healthy campuses free from sexual assault.

Berkowitz has more than 20 years of experience in higher education as a trainer, psychologist, faculty member and counseling director. He's developed a model rape prevention program for men and has been a central figure in the development and implementation of Social Norms Theory, which holds that if students perceive something to be the normal, they tend to modify their behavior to fit that norm. However, when presented with what is actually normal, they will conform to it.

His workshops are designed to increase the personal and professional effectiveness of faculty, staff, student leaders, athletes and coaches, health professionals and community members.

For more information about these presentations, sponsored by CWU student, health, counseling and wellness services; diversity education and empowerment centers; public safety and police services; university housing and news student program; and ASPEN (Abuse, Support and Prevention Education), or for persons of disability to arrange for reasonable accommodation, call (509) 963-3233, or (for the hearing impaired) TDD (509) 963-2143.