I attend a beautiful, private liberal arts university. I have always felt safe here and frequently refer to it as my home. But as it is a college campus and as there have been some very controversial decisions made by some judges quite recently (I'm looking at you, Judge Aaron Persky and Judge Thomas Estes), I believe it is important to open this topic of discussion not only on my campus but on the campuses of colleges and universities globally. It is a concept referred to as "the red zone". The red zone is the first six weeks of college and is the time when freshmen women are most likely to be raped or experience attempted rape. This period is also marked by an especially high incidence of sexual assaults on college campuses across the country. My school mandates that freshmen attend a wonderful program from Tim Mousseau about healthy sexual relationships but as we are currently in this time period, I would like to hit some of the key points.

1. Consent, consent, consent!

I'm going to say it one more time: consent. The most important aspect of any relationship you will ever have is consent. You ask your suitemates if you may borrow their hair dryer. You used to ask teachers for permission to use the restroom (Don't do that in college. It's weird.) You ask your roommate for permission before you put your leftovers in their mini-fridge. The point is: you don't stop asking someone for permission just because you've been invited into their bedroom. Maintain that respect for them and for yourself.

2. Be a good friend.

Before your roommate tells you that they are going out for the night, share your locations with each other on your iPhones (or just tell each other where you will be and text each other with updates). Technology allows us to stay in communication with each other and can help you get out of a situation that you no longer want to be in. That being said: don't judge your friends if they ask you for help. You were a person that they trusted, and they now need your support.

3. If you see something, say something.

Tell your RA or call campus safety (4045041998). There is actually a chant going around campus to help you remember that number, but be sure to put it in your phone. You can also go to the counseling center. There are so many resources on campus to help you, so please never feel that you are alone or have to handle something of this magnitude by yourself.

Being at college is exciting and new and wonderful, but it is also important that you stay safe. As my parents say anytime I'm leaving the house, "Be smart, and make good decisions."