Healthy Panther Initiative: Dani Smith

The Healthy Panther Initiative (HPI) is a required program for all new and transfer students and was developed through the support of the Crean Foundation, with the collaboration of the Dean of Students Office and the department of PEER and Health Education. The goal of the Healthy Panther Initiative is to equip new students with the necessary information to make informed, healthy decisions. In HPI, we define a Healthy Panther as a student who consistently respects the community and is knowledgeable about relationship boundaries, consent in regard to intimacy, and the effects that alcohol and other drugs can have on the body and the decisions one makes. The program also emphasizes the importance of developing a healthy plan in regard to alcohol use, drinking in moderation or not at all.

This year, given the current situation, HPI looks a bit different.

1)    There are several online modules that each new and transfer student must complete addressing alcohol and drug awareness, healthy relationships, sexual assault and bystander intervention. You will automatically be signed up for these courses and receive information via your Chapman email account. Completion of these courses is mandatory by September 11, 2020. 

2)   Students must also attend a presentation about interpersonal and relationship violence prevention, which includes information regarding Chapman University’s sexual misconduct response. This component will discuss federal, state and local laws regarding consent and intimacy, and also educate students about the reporting process.