The 2016 Trojan Sexual Health Report Card results have been released, and, according to the report, the University of Oregon ranked No. 4 among 140 schools across the nation. This year the University of Georgia ranked No. 1, ending Oregon State University’s two-year reign. OSU moved down to No. 2.

“The UO has done a great job informing students about a healthy sex life,” UO senior Gabby Urenda said. “For me, they always informed me about the CCare, that covers my birth control because I don’t have insurance for pharmaceuticals. The Health Center’s website is always updated with the latest info and they have always been welcoming.”

The annual sexual health report card examined sexual health resources and information around college campuses. Colleges were assessed by an independent research firm, Sperling’s Best Places. Researchers from the firm collected data through student health center representatives and follow-up secondary research on the services provided by the campuses.

Student health centers were graded based on various categories including: quality of sexual information and resources on website; condom availability (free or at cost); lecture/outreach programs and student peer groups for sexual health education; overall website usability and quality; hours of operation and others.

“We’ve made changes to our website and made it a lot clearer, as well as elevating contraceptive availability around campus,” UO Health Promotion Specialist Elisabeth Maxwell said. “We added more places where condoms can be available like the Rec and the Duck Best in the EMU. A year ago the Rec offered male condoms and we look for places where more condoms can be available.”

Schools among the top 10 on Trojan’s report card included: The University of Texas at Austin, Brown University, Stanford University and the University of Arizona.

“I think the UO does a good job of not being afraid to address sex head on and educate their students,” UO senior Chaviante Bell said. “As far as I can tell, the UO is very informative and out in the open about sex and being knowledgeable on the subject.”

According to Trojan, it’s the report card itself that has influenced students to demand from their administration better sexual health information and services. Just this year UCLA made the largest leap in the rankings, moving up 41 spots from No. 100 to No. 59.

The University Health Center now also offers an STI Screening Clinic where UO students can conveniently get screened for sexually transmitted infections.

“As of now we are currently booked two weeks out, so we encourage students to schedule an appointment in advance,” Maxwell said. “We really try our best to get the word out on safe sex by tabling out in the EMU, providing safe sex supplies like condoms and lube, visiting the resident halls and marketing safe sex practices.”

Students can make appointments at the UO Health Center’s website portal or call at 541-346-2770 and ask for an STI Screening Clinic appointment.

By winter term, the UO Health Center hopes to offer female birth control through their pharmacy.

Often students groups look for ways to build long-lasting relationships with other student groups on campus. These leaders work towards bridging together the gap between these different groups by tackling questions that both hinder cultural differences and religious views.

For a couple years now multiple University of Oregon student representatives from various student organizations, have continued a series of student-created and student-facilitated campus conversations, Manzil Midrash, which is Hebrew for house of study.

The purpose of Manzil Midrash is to connect both interfaith understanding and cross cultural encounters, while promoting an open and respectful discourse within the Jewish and campus community, specifically surrounding conflict.

“Since this program students have immeasurably grown from this experience,” Oregon Hill Executive Director Andy Gitelson said. “They have built relationships between these different groups and deepen the student leadership. Students are able to engage in conversations where they may not agree on certain issues, but respect each other regardless of their views.”

The series is co-sponsored by various groups on campus that include: the Avi Schaefer Fund, Oregon Hillel, the Jewish Student Union, the Arab Student Union, the Muslim Student Association. Oregon Hillel Foundation’s Director of Jewish Leadership and Learning oversees the program.

“In previous years I couldn’t get in touch with some of these groups because of the leadership,” JSU president Erin Horwitz said. “But new leadership came in and since many groups have gotten closer. I love making new friends, and learning more about these different cultures. Especially for me growing up in a very Jewish background.”

Topics for Manzil Midrash are created and facilitated by student leaders, and are held on a biweekly basis. It will be alternated with Conflict Conversations. Together the leadership team is working towards creating a curriculum, that can be implemented to other student leaders across the nation.

“Before this program students didn’t know a Jewish student on campus or had a Muslim friend,” Oregon Hillel Director of Jewish Leadership and Learning, Amanda K. Weis said. “It’s been a great opportunity for students to connect with a new group of people at a large university and make that connection even greater.”

In previous years students covered important issues that mattered to them like: medical ethics, relationships, similarities and differences in religions, legal ethics and the effect of assimilation on university religious practice.

“We’ve had a lot of good conversations so it’s hard to name a favorite one,” MSU president Drew Williams said. “We had this one discussion where we went over the time and it just embodied the goal of this program.”

An upcoming Conflict Conversation will be held April 21 at 7:00 p.m. in Straub 253. The conversation will focus on the history of the State of Israel and historical narratives of Israeli and Palestinian peoples. On April 28, a Manzil Midrash session will be held in Mills International Center at 7:00 p.m. This session will dive into the national and international relationships between Muslim and Jewish religions.

“For these sessions each facilitators meets a week before to sits down and go over key parts they want to talk about,” Horwitz said. “We go over different topics and list issues that students can relate on a personal level and research information what we don’t know much about.”

As spring term starts the search for off campus housing begins. Students will find themselves shuffling for days on Craigslist, Facebook and other sites trying to find the perfect apartment, sometimes with limited options.

“I used Craigslist as a last resort to find an apartment to sublease after my term abroad,” senior Lexi Sloan said. “I would check every day for a few days until I came across the apartment that I ended up subleasing.”

With an array of different housing search engines it can be a process for students in search of a new home. uCribs is one of the many starting points students can look into.

Currently uCribs is working towards building more and more relationships with landlords and property managers. Recently University House Arena District has joined their property listing. So far the site has over 100 properties at the UO.

uCribs, is a  platform that allows students to narrow down exactly what they are looking for with browsable listings that include: floor plans, pictures, amenities and fees. The site provides features such as: a sublet feature, sharing leasing documents between parents and lessee and a walk score map. The walk score map is designed to demonstrate the closest amenities around, whether the area is car dependent and closest public transportation stations.

“uCribs was created to simplify the housing search for college students,” uCribs Vice president of Strategic Partnerships Colin Kish said. “We really strive towards our user experience by providing detailed pictures, specific details, amenities, all the information students are really interested in.

“I created an account with them about a month ago,” leasing consultant at the University House Arena District Joni Carlsen said. “Their website is really clean and it provides all the necessary information. The process was super easy.”

No matter what housing search engine students decide to use there are a variety of them. Whether that’s scrolling through Facebook posts, or using uCribs platform. The annual spring Housing Fair sponsored by the UO Office of the Dean of Students also provides many off campus options by bringing together property managers, landlords, and various community resources to students.

“Facebook would still be my go-to, but I would use uCribs before Craigslist. This year I found my apartment at the housing fair,” Sloan said.

Course Hero aims to ease stress off students by building the largest library filled with questions and answers to every course material.

In its effort to aid students Course Hero has decided to give away one million dollars in tutor credit to students across the nation. Among the eligible schools is the University of Oregon. Every week up to 10,000 students will get the opportunity to receive $100 in tutor credit.

“Course Hero is a learning platform that aims students to master their classes,” Course Hero CEO Andrew Grauer said. “For tutors and teachers to share their knowledge and help students by providing a question and an answer. We really understand the pressure and stress students find themselves and sometimes their schedule won’t allow them to get the help they need.”

The site is a crowd-sourced digital platform that offers course-specific notes, study guides and exam prep. Along with expert tutors and customizable flashcards available to students anywhere and anytime.

“Our vision is to help any student out at any time of the day,” Grauer said. “It’s like the building block of education, a series of questions followed by answers. We want to stimulate critical thinking and break down the four walls of a classroom. Just imagine a big lecture class with 200 students, you don’t always get the answers you need,” Grauer said.

For some students at the UO, finding the right balance between classes and activities outside of class can create a barrier to finding time to seek help when they need it.

“I usually tend to turn to my peers when I need help,” junior Katie Bernal said. “In the past I have emailed my teachers, but I don’t usually go in during office hours because either I have class during them or I forget. I know that when I don’t understand something I usually put it off until I forget about it. I think this maybe why  I don’t usually like to ask for help.”

Regardless of students schedules, students have various resources around campus like the Teaching and Learning Center that offers an array of tutors in different subjects. Students can get more information by calling the TLC at 541-346-3226.

Every week, until to May 2, students can to submit their submission to Course Hero. To enter students just need to enter their email and school they attend. Course Hero offers students the choice of signing up for the free version or premium. The premium subscription costs $120 annually.

It’s an ice cold morning just a little after 1 a.m. on Dec. 26. University of Oregon senior Demiliza Saramosing and her sister are asleep. The two are awoken by the doorbell, but become startled by the sound of glass breaking. One moment there’s confusion, and the next, Saramosing is on the phone with Eugene Police Department reporting a burglary attempt.

“I was trembling and so scared when I was on the phone with the operator,” Saramosing said. “I was more scared because I was in a position where I felt like I couldn’t protect my sister.”

Saramosing was house sitting for her significant other during the attempted burglary. She was so frightened that she couldn’t provide the exact address to the operator that morning.

As EPD arrived, Saramosing remained on the line with the operator. She and her sister were too frightened to leave the bedroom, so EPD broke down the door and assured them they were safe.

It was comforting for Saramosing that nothing was stolen and that she helped prevent a burglary from happening.

“I knew beforehand of break-ins and burglaries over break, but I never thought it would have happened to me,” Saramosing said. “Especially because I had lived in the same apartment earlier this year and it had never happened before.”

Aware of the incident, Dean of Students Paul Shang reached out to offer support services to Saramosing.

“The Office of the Dean of Students has many functions,” Shang said. “When we learn about student emergencies we try to provide support services, referrals, counseling and provide any type of assistance a student may need. So when I wrote to Demi, I wanted her to know that we were here to provide any arrangements she may need.”

The Office of the Dean of Students is open 24/7 and is a helpful resource on campus. The University Health Center can also help in these situations.

“I’ve never actually thought about where I could go to get help/resources if I was involved in a burglary,” junior Taylor Barnhart said. “I don’t think most students know where to seek help from the UO if they are involved in situations like burglary, theft or even reporting a crime. I know counseling is available, but I don’t think students are aware that it can be used for situations like this.”

Just before every winter break, EPD and UOPD send out a message covering crime prevention over break.

“I do not think were have been informed enough about this particular issue,” Barnhart said. “I know our housing company gave us some information and tips about leaving over break, but I don’t think we’re informed too much about the increased risk over break.”

In an attempt to make higher education more affordable for students and families, Senator Ron Wyden D-Ore. in early December announced a bipartisan deal on a major bill he had previously introduced.

The bill would help by providing tax relief and implementing economic certainty for students who want to pursue a college education.

“This is a significant step forward, but there is more to be done to help students and families afford college,” said Hank Stern, a press secretary for Sen. Wyden.

This fall, the PARTNERSHIPS Act was introduced with the intention of lowering the cost of tuition.

A major component of the PARTNERSHIPS Act was included in the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015. The intention of the bill is to help working families and permanently place the American Opportunity Tax Credit.

Under this agreement, a permanent AOTC will assist a tax cut of about $10,000 for four years to help students pay for higher education.

Without the legislation in place, this provision runs the risk of ceasing to exist after just two years, which would hamper families and students’ future plans.

Earlier this fall, students from Eugene and Ashland addressed both Sen. Wyden and Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., regarding their concerns about rising college debt.

“I have taken out a decent amount of money in loans, so I’m constantly thinking and worrying about paying back my loans after I graduate,” University of Oregon junior Emilee Nut said. “I think students are having to take out loans now more than ever to afford, not only school, but the living costs associated with going to school.”

As the demand for lowering tuition continues, so does the rise in student debt.

Studies show that more students are graduating with debt. According to America’s Debt Help Organization, the average borrower for the class of 2013 carried more than $35,200 in student loan debt. In Oregon, the average student graduating with debt owes more than $25,000, according to Wyden’s college affordability bill press release.

“I think debt is something I try not to think about because some debt is inevitable,” UO junior Danielle Stipe said. “But it is something that is always on the back of my mind. I think it’s hard for those who want to go out of state because not only do they have to worry about the cost of tuition, but also living expenses. Rising tuition needs to stop. There is no reason for books to be as costly as they are.”

The Trojan Brand Condoms recently released their annual sexual health report card. The report ranks colleges on how well the schools are providing sexual information and resources on campus. The University of Oregon ranked sixth overall in the top 26. Oregon State University ranked first for the second year in a row.

Schools were examined using GPA-like, 4.o scale score for sexual health. The average score in 2006 was 1.9, but this year the average is a 3.0 GPA. The annual rankings suggest that most campuses are making vast improvements in the field.

The research firm, Sperling’s BestPlaces, uses data from student health center representatives and follow-up secondary research on centers and services provided to rank the 140 schools. Services such as the availability of contraceptives, HIV/STI testing, hours of operation and outreach programs.

Some of the other schools that ranked in the top 26 include: the University of Georgia, Columbia University, Michigan State University and the University of Arizona.

“The UO has improved and come a long way,” Health Center Director of Health Promotion Paula Staight said. “It’s totally awesome that we made in the top 26 and colleges see it as a friendly competition. We are always comparing with other schools and are always looking for improvements at our campus.”

The UO Health Center offers a variety of sexual health services to students. These services include: the SexPositive app, breast and testicular exams, CCare, contraception, emergency contraception, HIV testing, HPV vaccine, latex barriers provided free for both male and female condoms, pregnancy testing/counseling, sexual assault support and STI testing and treatment.

“It’s always education and prevention as our top priority for students,” Staight said. “We look at reaching different students using various methods, like our SexPositive app is something quite unique that we have. We work towards reaching diversity and providing the necessary information and resources for our students.”

One unique service the health center provides is CCare, which is a federal program that can provide free birth control and contraceptives for qualifying men and women. There’s also $15 appointments students can make to meet with a doctor or nurse practitioner to discuss contraceptive methods and to receive prescriptions as well.

“I had a really good experience with the health center when I switched my birth control,”  sophomore Madeline Kenny said. “I had a ton of questions for the doctor and she was really awesome at making me feel comfortable. I found out about the free birth control options they offered, and it was super easy to apply. They were very helpful and made it an easy process.”

The health center hopes to implement more outreach programs and sexual health educators for students.

“The services they provide are convenient and they work around our schedules the best they can,” junior Taylor Elliott said. “Our school makes it very easy for students to be safe sexually and without judgement.”

Baylor University, Texas Tech University and the University of New Orleans are a few colleges ranked among the bottom 10 in the report.

The League of Women Voters of Lane County reminds students that Oct. 13, is the last day to register to vote or update registration information before the Nov. 3 election.

Students can register online or in person at the Lane County elections located at 275 W. 10th  from 9 a.m. till 4 p.m. Mon. through Fri. Or at the LWVLC located on 338 W. 11th  Suite  101 from, 11 a.m. till 1:30 p.m. Mon., Wed. and Fri. Proof of residence is required.

“If you want to be part of the process you need to vote,” LWVLC president Linda Lynch said. “Students especially because it’s their future. It’s the only way to voice your opinion. You can’t criticize or complain unless you vote.”

The LWVLC is a nonpartisan political organization that emphasizes the importance of active participation in government as well as underlining major public policy issues with the hopes to achieve public policy through education and advocacy.

Upcoming measures that will be on the Nov. ballot include library or fire/safety services in Eugene, Springfield and South Lane County Fire and Rescue District.

According to the Oregon Student Association’s 2014 Vote OR Vote campaign overall turnout rate for students registered by OSA was only 45 percent. In comparison to the overall turnout rate among Oregonians was only 38 percent. 46 percent of the students registered by OSA under age 30 turned out to vote. This differs to all registered voters in Ore. with only 28 percent who actually did vote.

In 2012 OSA registered over 50,000 students across Ore. and during the 2013 Legislature Session it was able to secure a reinvestment in higher education from the Ore. Legislature and first tuition freeze in over a decade.

“It is important for students to register to vote because it helps builds political power for students,” OSA communications director Daniel McCall said. “We know that elected officials are more likely to prioritize student needs when students register to vote and turn out to vote. One of the top priorities for students is the affordability of their education.”

OSA is a statewide, student-led advocacy non-profit. The purpose of OSA is to represent, serve and protect the collective interests of students in post-secondary education across the state.

Registration must be current in order to vote for the Nov. election. If any information has changed like residency or name students will need to re-register.

“I registered to vote because I feel as though it’s the only way you can complain about what’s going on if you vote,” junior at the University of Oregon Dyuce Woodson said. “It’s the bare minimum to get my voice heard.”

In situations like the tragic event that occurred at Umpqua Community College the only top priority for schools and law enforcement is keeping students, faculty and the community safe. Whether that is sending alerts to students or enhancing law enforcement.

For both Oregon State University and University of Oregon the key was to inform students and the community that there was no possible threat to either campus.

The main goal for the UO Police Department was to assure the campus community that there was no threat headed their way. While law enforcement channels were exchanged during the shooting at UCC the UOPD monitored incoming information and did not see a need to increase law enforcement on campus.

“We were aware of the location of the events at Roseburg, but nothing indicated any real threats to the university, Eugene or Springfield,” Communications Director and Public Information officer Kelly McIver said.

The UOPD did not issue a UO alert for because they saw no indication of any danger to students.

“We connect with many law enforcement agencies and share tips, reports and information that is crucial. We didn’t want to put out there information that wasn’t useful to students. People will get alerts when they need to,” McIver said.

While at OSU students were notified via email the steps and precautions the university was taking place in regards of a known active shooter at UCC.

“The safety and security of our students, faculty and staff is always our top concern,” Associate Vice President, University Relations and Marketing  at OSU Annie Athon Heck said. “While there were no indications of a threat, we enhanced our security to take every precaution possible to provide for the safety of our campus community.”

With no indications of any imposed danger the OSU campus still responded by increasing the presence of law enforcement personnel on the Corvallis campus.

“This is an evolving situation and we will continue to monitor and respond as needed to support the OSU community and provide assistance to those impacted by this senseless violence,” Heck said.

All throughout the month OSU will offer students and the community different seminars addressing safety and preventative tips.

The Associated Students of Oregon State University have partnered with the Oregon State Police and Faculty Senate to spread “Run, Hide, Fight” posters all over classrooms as part of a national campaign. The goal is to create a proactive community and prepare students.

Other seminars and workshops this month will include: Working with distressed students and active shooter preparedness, Run. Hide. Fight. workshop, OSU’s Threat Assessment Team (TAT) and counseling services for those in need.

For details on OSU’s seminars visit their link.

In September, Senator Ron Wyden and Representative Suzanne Bonamici of Oregon released a draft bill to protect student privacy on all college campuses across the country. This proposed bill will adjust the current federal law that governs student records.

The draft bill, entitled the Campus Litigation Privacy Act, is intended to add additional privacy procedures to ensure that educational institutions can not access student records without the knowledge of the student.

“Senator Wyden believes student privacy should be protected and be protected at all times,” Hank Stern, press secretary for Senator Wyden, said.

Currently, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) permits educational institutes certain discretion in accessing student records without the consent or knowledge of the student.

The draft bill was modeled late this summer after guidelines by the U.S.  Department of Education advised colleges and universities to take action and put in place individual policies to protect students’ privacy on campus. Colleges and universities are not bound to the department’s guidelines. Once finalized, it’s up to the schools to choose the best practices they can adhere to.

“I do think the bill will better protect us,” University of Oregon junior Taylor Elliott said. “But, we always run the risk of people releasing information when they shouldn’t and then it can’t be taken away. I do like my privacy, so if there is a way to get more of it, I would love it.”

With the draft bill released, the ultimate goal is to ensure the privacy of students and give them the confidence that their records will be kept confidential.

Both Wyden and Bonamici acknowledge that if student records aren’t being safeguarded adequately, students may be wary of seeking assistance.

“I do think people are afraid to go for help because they don’t want to get in trouble for anything,” Elliott said.

As of now, the next step for the draft bill is hearing feedback from the public and students. After Wyden and Bonamici have compiled feedback, they will move forward to legislation.

The public has until Oct. 17 to send in their comments on Senator Wyden’s website.