It’s On Us Grant Strengthens Campus Support

Over the past five years, Duquesne has secured nearly $200,000 through the state-funded initiative, including this year’s $40,000 award. The grant program provides Pennsylvania colleges and universities with resources to strengthen campus outreach, education and prevention efforts related to sexual violence.

Part of a broader national movement, It’s On Us PA encourages everyone—from students and educators to families and community leaders—to play a role in preventing sexual violence and fostering safer communities.

“The It’s on Us initiative is designed to combat sexual violence on our college campuses,” said Alicia M. Simpson, Title IX coordinator and director of sexual misconduct prevention and response. “And it is on all of us.”

The grant allows the University flexibility to create programming that best connects with students. Recent initiatives have included mocktail workshops focused on consent and bystander intervention, employee lunch-and-learns with community partners and awareness events with Duquesne Public Safety during Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

Funding also has supported outreach during Duquesne’s Orientation program, including educational programming and engagement opportunities for first-year and transfer students. Partnerships with Pittsburgh Action Against Rape (PAAR) and the Women’s Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh have also expanded through the grant.

Simpson said prevention work remains one of the most important—and challenging— parts of the effort. “You have to create a culture of respect,” she said. “Consent goes well beyond sexual encounters. It’s how we treat each other. It’s boundaries. It’s respecting other people’s limitations and communication.”

One of the hallmarks of Duquesne’s approach is the involvement of faculty and staff volunteers during orientation. Each year, employees help facilitate small-group discussions with incoming students following an online training module.

“We have 50 to 70 employees who volunteer every year,” Simpson said. “It’s a really great way to acclimate our students and have those one-on-one discussions.”

Simpson said that awareness and engagement among students continues to grow. “I have students come up to me during Move-In or at tabling events just to thank me for the work that we do,” she explained. “That awareness and willingness to support one another is really meaningful.”

For more information, including volunteer opportunities or and Title IX programming opportunities, please contact the office at TitleIXFREEDUQUESNE.