Howard University Earns Recognition for Exceptional Commitment to Online Sexual Assault Prevention Programs

Howard University has been named a recipient of the 2022 Campus Prevention Network (CPN) Seal of Prevention. Presented by Vector Solutions, the CPN Seal of Prevention is awarded to institutions of higher education that have demonstrated leadership in digital prevention programming focused on student safety, well-being, and inclusion.

Each recipient of the CPN Seal of Prevention has taken action to create a safer, more inclusive campus through comprehensive, evidence-based digital prevention education on issues such as sexual assault, alcohol misuse, mental health, and discrimination. The CPN Seal of Prevention establishes guidelines for discerning quality online prevention education and implementation practices, and positions prevention as central to key institutional outcomes.

According to research conducted by Vector Solutions, 34% of high school seniors are more likely to attend a college or university that has achieved the CPN Seal of Prevention. Among current college students, 77% feel it is important that their institution has achieved the CPN Seal of Prevention. Recipient institutions, on average, have a 9.5% higher first-year retention rate and 12.5% higher on-time four-year graduation rate compared to those that have not achieved the CPN Seal of Prevention.

In keeping with Howard University's commitment to creating a campus environment free from all forms of harassment and discrimination, including gender-based violence, all Howard students, faculty, and staff are required to complete online training in the prevention of discrimination, harassment, and sexual assault. New students, faculty, and staff members are assigned training upon (or before) entering the University and are required to repeat training periodically during their time at Howard. Training programs utilized and customized with Howard-specific content include:

• Sexual Assault Prevention for Undergraduates (for first year students)
• Sexual Assault Prevention for Undergraduates Ongoing: Healthy Relationships (for sophomores, juniors, and seniors)
• Sexual Assault Prevention for Graduate (and Professional) Students
• Sexual Assault Prevention for Student Athletes (in compliance with NCAA annual training requirements)
• Harassment and Discrimination Prevention (for faculty and staff)
• Preventing Harassment and Discrimination: Gateway (for faculty and staff, updated)
• Sexual Assault Prevention for Athletic Staff (in compliance with NCAA annual training requirements)

“The CPN Seal of Prevention™ recipients reflect the top 12% of colleges and universities nationwide, further highlighting their commitment and investment to not only academics but also the well-being of their students and the overall college experience,” said Jonathan Cherins, CEO at Vector Solutions. “Our team at Vector Solutions is proud to recognize the great value these leading institutions and organizations are providing to students and the commitment we share to making higher education communities safer and more inclusive.”

The criteria for the CPN Seal of PreventionTM are based on the Principles of Effective Prevention Programs (Nation, et al., 2003). Over eight hundred and fifty campuses were evaluated to determine eligibility. A full list of the 2022 recipients of the CPN Seal of PreventionTM and more information on the award can be found at https://www.vectorsolutions.com/resources/blogs/2022-cpn-seal-of-prevention-honorees/.

About Vector Solutions for Higher Education

Vector Solutions, Higher Education is the industry leader in postsecondary safety and prevention training, serving more than 2,000 of the nation’s most widely recognized and prestigious institutions and organizations for more than 20 years. Its programs help drive lasting, large-scale change on the campus issues that matter most, including alcohol and other drugs; sexual assault and harassment; diversity and inclusion; and mental health. Online prevention programs available through Vector Solutions reach over ten million higher education students, staff, and faculty each year. For more information, visit www.vectorsolutions.com/HE.