College.

When I hear or see that word, the first thing that comes to mind is the wonderful university I attend, Ball State University.

When I continue to think about what I associate with that word, I think parties, greek life, academics, sports, and dorm life. There is so much that can be associated with one word.

At this very moment, I associate sexual assault with college.

We have gotten three emails over the past two weeks about cases of sexual assault and in the email, all that is there is the approximate location it happened and the link to our handbook on sexual assault. Nothing fancy and kind of too casual for something so serious. I decided I would write this as a more formal reminder to decrease the risk of this happening to anyone.

To all my males out there who are reading, I do not care if your excuse was "Oh well we were drunk," just don't do it.

Don't even think about it.

Unless you are both sober and hear a solid " yes" for consent from both parties, don't do anything. Now on the other end, if it is reversed and you are about to be the victim, say no and fight back. I am aware that it goes both ways, It is just heard of less in the media. If you are sexually assaulted, speak up so that it does not happen again. There is no need to be embarrassed about anything.

To all my females out there who are reading, as far as what the media portrays and what is heard on campus and statistically seen, you have got to be careful.

When going out for parties, never ever ever go alone. Always have a group and make sure everyone is accounted for especially when leaving or party hopping. Be aware. If there is someone who has been watching or following you, make sure you are aware of that.

Don't let your guard down, even if you are safely in your dorm by yourself. Yes, sexual assault can happen in the place you live as well. If it does happen, like I said for males, report it. Tell someone that you can trust. If you don't report it, this person could go and hurt somebody else over and over again.

To everyone reading, please just be safe.