CREDIT: MELISSA NOVACASKA
Fanshawe's sexual violence prevention advisor, Leah Marshall, stands beside the large consent messaging sign displayed during Fanshawe's one day orientation event on Sept. 5.

Fanshawe's one day dedicated orientation on Sept. 5, was filled with fun and excitement for new and returning students, but it was also a way to share some positive messaging.

Leah Marshall, Fanshawe's sexual violence prevention advisor made it a mission to incorporate and bring light to consent messaging, as well as the sexual violence prevention services and supports available on campus.

Marshall's idea and concept was accomplished through a large consent messaging sign located in the Wellness and Fitness Centre for many students to see.

“We wanted to have an exciting, fun way for students to engage with consent messaging on the first day as we kind of kick off the school year and so what better way than to blow up the consent messaging and give people the opportunity to use it as a photos prop, to post on social media and just to start conversations about the fact that we want people to make sure that they're getting consent because without consent it's sexual assault,” Marshall said.

According to Marshall, who came up with the idea, there was positive feedback among students about the consent messaging sign, with many noticing it, taking photos and asking more about the story behind it, along with the services the College and Marshall offer.

“It's hard to not notice such a large display and I think that was the purpose of today, just to draw attention to the messaging,” Marshall said.

The sign was also a way to draw students' attention to the fact that the College, Marshall and her supports also host prevention initiatives during the school year, to “raise awareness about sexual violence prevention and to help promote a safer, healthier campus for every student”.

Marshall was beaming with how well the execution of the sign and its messaging was connecting to students.

“It's a fun, exciting day so we want to promote really healthy messages around sexuality and just really help students make sure that they're going to have a good school year.”