Staying Safe on the UA Campus

By Zachary D. Nicolazzo, Violence Prevention Specialist
Oasis Program for Sexual Assault & Relationship Violence

Safety on college campuses is always an important concern for parents and families. Whether big or small, urban or rural, all colleges have offices specifically for promoting safety and working to prevent crimes from occurring. In this regard, The University of Arizona is no different. In addition to UAPD, the Dean of Students Office, and many other resources, the Oasis Program for Sexual Assault & Relationship Violence at UA both responds to and works to prevent incidents of sexual assault, relationship violence, and stalking on campus. Below are a variety of resources and information related to safety on campus and what services are available to the University community.

Resources

The Oasis Program has four main areas of focus, which are the following:

• Counseling for those affected by sexual assault, relationship violence and stalking. This is a free and confidential service for those seeking treatment.
• Consultations for those who may have questions or want to talk about options. This includes consulting with family members who may have questions or want to consult.
• Prevention education and outreach in an effort to create a safer campus climate for all students, faculty, and staff.
• Coordination of R.A.D. self-defense classes for women on campus and in the local Tucson community.

In addition to the Oasis Program, there are a number of local resources that students may access for information or assistance. Please reference the following weblink for a list of these resources:
http://www.health.arizona.edu/webfiles/
hpps_oasis_program_resources_agencies.htm

R.A.D. Self-Defense Classes

R.A.D. (Rape Aggression Defense) self-defense classes are designed specifically for women aged 14 and up looking to learn self-defense skills and techniques. These classes are taught by certified instructors and happen over a span of three to four days, taking a few hours each day. The classes are coordinated through the Oasis Program and have recently been made free for students through a partnership with the Women’s Resource Center and a grant from the Parents and Family Association. The next set of classes will take place on October 15, 16, 22, & 23 from 6:00p-9:00p. To learn more and keep updated on upcoming classes, check out this link:
http://www.health.arizona.edu/webfiles/
hpps_oasis_program_services_self_defense.htm

Violence Prevention Update

One of the many services the Oasis Program provides is a twice-monthly eNewsletter highlighting the myriad of programs and services related to violence prevention. This electronic publication is emailed directly to those who are signed up and has a wealth of information about what is being done through the Oasis Program to address this important concern. You can encourage your students to sign up by emailing the Zach Nicolazzo, the Violence Prevention Specialist at the Oasis Program at nicolazzo@health.arizona.edu. Also, it is encouraged that you make sure to check out the Oasis Program’s webpage at web.arizona.edu/~oasis, which has a library of great resources and information. Additionally, you may call the office at 520.626.6265 if you have any questions, comments, or concerns.

Zachary Nicolazzo can be contacted via email at nicolazzo@health.arizona.edu