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Promoting Awareness of the College Transition (PACT) Program

The PACT program was developed to assist students at The University of Scranton transition between high school and college. We recognize this transition can be exhilarating and overwhelming as students experience life in a new environment.  In this environment, first-year students will enjoy newfound freedom and responsibility. The PACT program seeks to increase awareness of some critical issues that may assist students in productively navigating their first semester at The University of Scranton. 

PACT is a peer-to-peer program that was developed to facilitate an educational conversation between incoming first year students, upper class students, and graduate students.

Teams of three to four students visit the first year residence halls beginning in September. The conversations facilitated by the teams include the topics of healthy relationships, relationship violence, stalking, sexual assault, consent, and campus resources.  

This program has existed at The University of Scranton since the 2006-2007 academic year. It has received positive feedback from students some of whom have later volunteered to become members of the facilitation teams.

Apply to be a PACT Presenter

The Pennsylvania Legislature passed a law in March of 2011 that requires colleges and universities to present programs that address these issues with students. The University is proud to have been participating in these prevention education programs long before this requirement.  The University places a strong emphasis on community and it is hoped that by participating in the conversations facilitated in PACT, students will learn information that promotes a safer and healthy community for all.

The PACT program is sponsored by the Division of Student Formation & Campus Life and the Counselor Training Center.  If you would like additional information about this program, you can contact the Jane Kopas Women's Center at 570-941-6194.

Student Learning Outcomes

First-year students who participate in Promoting Awareness of the College Transition (PACT) will understand:
  • The importance of meaningful communication in relationships including the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships.
  • The necessity and legality of agreement and consent in addition to definitions of sexual assault and misconduct.

Does It Work?

The PACT program has been successfulin starting the conversation for first year students. In the 2014-2015 academic year 80% of students (n=736) agree or strongly agree they understand what it means to obtain consent. In addition, 86% of students (n=792) agree or strongly agree they thought the PACT program was informational and useful. This includes being able to identify definitions of sexual misconduct and sexual harassment.

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