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Helping You Make Informed Choices, Support Others, and Thrive at USI
College is full of opportunities, new experiences, and sometimes unexpected challenges. You don't have to navigate them alone.
The Dean of Students Office provides prevention education, advocacy, and campus-wide initiatives that help students build confidence, make informed decisions, develop healthy relationships, and contribute to a safe, respectful, and welcoming university community.
Whether you're looking for information, concerned about a friend, navigating a difficult situation, or interested in bringing a program to your organization, we're here to help.
We help students develop the confidence and skills to make informed decisions, navigate challenges, and take responsibility for their choices.
We provide practical information and learning opportunities about healthy relationships, campus safety, wellness, university policies, community expectations, and looking out for one another.
We Advocate.
We help students understand their options, connect with resources, navigate university processes, and speak up for themselves when challenges arise.
Build confidence and make informed choices.
Learn practical skills to prevent harm.
Find your voice and explore your options.
Explore your options and connect with someone who can help.
Learn how to check in, offer support, and get help.
Explore prevention topics and practical resources.
Prevention is not always having all the right answers or knowing the exact right thing to do in a moment. Instead, it's about paying attention, stepping in when needed, and getting help.
CHECK IN
Notice when someone might need support. Ask how they're doing, listen without judgment, and let them know they aren't alone.
INTERRUPT HARM
When something doesn't seem right, take action in a way that is safe for you and others. That might mean speaking up, creating a distraction, checking on someone, or asking for assistance.
GET HELP
You don't have to handle difficult situations alone. Connect with trusted people, campus resources, or the appropriate reporting and support offices.
Together, we can create a campus where students look out for one another.
Explore Prevention Education
Our prevention education efforts focus on helping students develop practical knowledge and skills in areas including:
Healthy Relationships & Consent: Recognizing healthy and unhealthy behaviors, understanding consent, establishing boundaries, and supporting others.
Hazing Prevention & Healthy Groups: Building positive team and organization cultures, recognizing hazing, and developing responsible leadership.
Alcohol & Other Drug Education: Understanding risks, making informed decisions, and knowing when and how to seek help.
Mental Health & Wellness: Recognizing signs of distress, supporting peers, developing resilience, and connecting with appropriate resources.
Bystander Intervention: Recognizing concerning situations and taking safe, meaningful action.
Respect, Belonging & Community: Strengthening communication, addressing harmful behaviors, and creating welcoming environments.
Student Rights & Responsibilities: Understanding university expectations, making responsible choices, and navigating university processes.
Explore Prevention Education & Resources
Prevention isn't just about knowing the right thing to do. It's about practicing skills, building relationships, and creating a campus culture where students feel connected and empowered.
Throughout the year, the Dean of Students Office offers educational programs, interactive events, awareness campaigns, and opportunities to get involved.
Our initiatives include:
Step Up USI: Encouraging students to notice concerns, support one another, and take action.
Third Thursdays: Informal, interactive opportunities to connect with DOSO staff and explore topics that matter to students.
Awareness & Prevention Campaigns: Campus activities addressing healthy relationships, hazing, alcohol and other drugs, wellness, and belonging.
Resilient USI: Efforts to strengthen well-being, resilience, and a supportive campus culture.
And much more! We are always looking for topics, ideas, and sessions to meet the needs of the campus!
Looking for an interactive presentation, workshop, or conversation for your class, team, student organization, or department? We collaborate with students, faculty, staff, and campus partners to create educational experiences that are practical, engaging, and relevant.
Topics may include healthy relationships, bystander intervention, hazing prevention, alcohol education, student well-being, respectful communication, and navigating campus resources. We can also collaborate on campus initiatives, awareness campaigns, and opportunities to strengthen student support.
Request a Presentation or Partnership
Prevention Education & Advocacy
Dean of Students Office
University Center East, Room 1256
Jennifer Roberts, PhD
Prevention Education and Advocacy Coordinator
jaroberts@usi.edu | 812-464-1835
Dean of Students Office
deanofstudents@usi.edu | 812-464-1862
You don't need to know exactly what kind of help you need before reaching out. Starting a conversation is enough.