All incoming UW-Madison students participate in the Tonight program to learn about sexual assault, dating violence and bystander intervention strategies, among many other topics, to increase campus safety, and now this program is primed for updating.
Originally released in 2012, Tonight continues to age and University Health Services is looking to revamp the program, according to UHS Executive Director Sarah Van Orman.
“We very much knew [the original Tonight program] was going to last about five years,” Van Orman said.
The updated version—with an expected 2017 release—will include new federal and educational requirements surrounding the topics discussed in Tonight, Van Orman explained.
Additionally, several facets of the program will be modernized. According to Van Orman, UHS wants to “be conscious of clothing styles” and “create something that resonates with students.”
Students also shared their ideas on the lack of diversity in the 2012 program.
“Most of the program is facing heterosexual, opposite gender couple situations,” Van Orman said. “So in the next version, we want to make it more inclusive.”
To allow students a sense of connection with the updated program, Van Orman said UHS will hold focus groups during the developmental period to equip the program with modern ideas directly from UW-Madison students.
The updated version will also represent changes to on-campus programs that increase support, advocacy and violence prevention, such as End Violence On Campus and Promoting Awareness, Victim Empowerment.
To continue educating the campus community, Van Orman said the 2012 version will be administered to students until the 2017 version is released.
