OPEN regularly promotes sexual health education throughout the Global University System. See below for some of our past programming and follow our Instagram to stay up to date on the latest programs!
Programs
Students can request sexual health programming through our office. For those on the Boston campus, we can offer pre-packaged programming supplies that include sexual health trivia, an example Frisky Husky order, and information cards on Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). For those in the Global University system, many of our programs also have a virtual component. Please email open@northeastern.edu to discuss collaborating on sexual health programming!
Sexual Health Trivia
This interactive trivia game tests participants on their knowledge of correct barrier method use, STIs and testing, consent, and sexual health resources (like Frisky Husky). This program is available to Resident Assistants as a pre-packaged program, and it can be hosted using our online Jeopardy-style version or our printed card version.
Sexual Health Tabling
OPEN promotes sexual health programming throughout the Global University System by partnering with health and wellness teams across the network.
On our Boston campus, OPEN partners with Husky to Husky peer educators to run sexual health tabling. We offer a sexual health trivia wheel where students answer questions to win prizes like free sexual health supplies or Frisky Husky stickers.
Education
Sexual Health 101 Module
A brief module that explores the ways sexual health is a part of your overall wellness. This course covers information on sex, sexually transmitted infections, barrier methods, contraceptives, boundaries, and communication. The information and resources provided here can help you make healthy sexual choices now or in the future.
Consent and Sexual Health
Consent is important for any sexual activity, whether the context is a casual hook-up or an ongoing relationship. It is about clear communication with your partner(s).
Northeastern defines consent as “a voluntary, affirmative agreement to engage in sexual activity proposed by another; it requires mutually understandable and communicated words and/or actions that would demonstrate to a reasonable person agreement by both parties to participate in sexual activity. Consent must be freely given, without physical force, threats, intimidating behavior, duress or coercion. Silence, a lack of resistance, previous sexual relationships or experiences, and/or a current relationship may not, in itself, constitute consent”.
Additional information about Northeastern’s policy on Sexual and Gender-Based Harassment can be found on the website for the Office for University, Equity, and Compliance.
How do I know if I have consent?
You need to have clearly communicated via actions or words that you and your partner(s) are interested in the same activity. “Mutually understandable and communicated words and/or actions” can include reading body language to tell if your partner(s) is interested in what you want to do.
However, relying on body language alone is tricky because it may not constitute consent! Sometimes people misread nonverbal cues or assume their partner is interested, when really their partner is not consenting. For this reason, we encourage you to get clear, verbal consent by asking your partner(s) directly.
90% of Northeastern students report preferring that someone directly asks for consent to sexual activity.
(National College Health Assessment, 2024)
Ways to ask for consent:
- I’d really like to [describe sexual act]. What do you think?
- What do you want to do?
- What would be good for you?
- Can I kiss you?
- Would you like it if I [describe sexual act]?
- I had fun last weekend. Do you want to do that again?
If your partner responds with any of the following:
- Saying “I don’t know,” “I’m not sure,” “This isn’t a good idea,” “I just want to cuddle,” “I want to go to sleep,” “I should go home…”
- Clearly saying “No”
- Tensing up
- Hesitating
- Moving your hands away
- Turning away
…that means you do not have your partner’s consent! These are signs your partner isn’t entirely comfortable and you need to stop.
Who should ask for consent?
From the Title IX Policy’s definition of consent: “The initiator, or the person who wants to engage in the specific sexual activity, must obtain Consent from the partner(s) for each sexual act. Each participant may be an initiator at different points of sexual activity.”
This means any person, regardless of gender, can initiate a sexual act – and the person who initiates must get consent from their partner(s).
Consent can’t be given:
- By minors
- In Massachusetts, that means a person can legally consent to sex at age 16
- If someone is forced, threatened, or coerced
- If someone is incapacitated through the use of drugs or alcohol, regardless of whether consumption was voluntary or involuntary
“Incapacitated” means someone is unable to make clear and rational decisions. Some signs of incapacitation include slurring words, stumbling, vomiting, and passing out. Someone may be showing any or none of these signs and may still be incapacitated. If you or your partner have been drinking or using other drugs, we encourage you to wait until you are both sober to engage in sexual activity.
How do I say no?
You or your partner shouldn’t feel guilty for turning down sex and you shouldn’t feel pressured to do anything you don’t want to do. You can say: “No” or “I don’t want to tonight.” or “I don’t want to ____, but I do want to ___.”
It’s also about feeling safe and comfortable enough to communicate if something doesn’t feel good. You should be able to say “I don’t want to do this anymore” or “That doesn’t feel good, can we try something different?” without feeling threatened.
These videos from Planned Parenthood show how a conversation about consent can play out when your partner is very into something, unsure, or not into it. Learn more about communication with partners in our Sexual Health 101 module.
Sex and Relationships Week
Since 2023, OPEN has participated in Sex and Relationships Week to support learning, communication, and resources around these topic areas. Follow the link to view 2024’s website to learn more about the events, resources, and education we promoted!