The University of New Mexico is working to create a safe environment for all members of the UNM community. As part of this ongoing initiative, UNM now mandates that all students receive in-person, interactive training called “The Grey Area.”

This training will provide students with the tools and knowhow to engage in consensual and healthy relationships. It will also provide information regarding how to report potential sexual misconduct during their college experience and resources available to those experiencing such misconduct.   

On Oct.17, 2016, UNM entered into a three-year agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) regarding sexual harassment and misconduct on the campus. As part of the Agreement, UNM agreed to provide this in-person training regarding the prevention of sexual harassment and misconduct, and the policies and procedures regarding Title IX complaints.

Teaching students to engage in healthy and positive relationships, in an atmosphere that promotes student success, has been an ongoing priority for the University. Complying with the DOJ provisions is also a top priority and UNM is taking immediate steps to fulfill its obligations under the Agreement. The Grey Area training serves to fulfill these priorities.

The interactive, in-person student training sessions will start in March 2017 and will be offered across the campus over the next several months. The training module, “The Grey Area,” is 1.5 hours in length and is comprised of two, same-day sessions—a large group session and a smaller, interactive session. In the sessions, students—of all ages and backgrounds—will examine the interconnected issues of dating and domestic violence, sexual violence, bystander intervention and consent through a variety of discussions and supportive materials. 

“This is an opportunity for students to come together to have the conversation about consent and sex,” says Lisa Lindquist, Grey Area program director. “The main point is to have people understand the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships and what constitutes crossing the line.”

All existing and incoming undergraduate and graduate students who are regularly present on campus and enrolled in a degree granting program for six-credit hours or more per semester will be required to complete this in-person training, with limited exceptions. This includes all branch campus students.

Students graduating May 2017 are not required to complete the training. Students who have already taken an in-person training and exclusively online students, will only be required to take the online training, “Campus Clarity: Think About It.” 

It is important for students who are required to take the training to know that they must do so by Dec. 2017. Failure to do so may impact their ability to take classes and graduate.

The upcoming training schedule is on the thegreyarea.unm.edu website. In addition, many of the departments and colleges across campus will be offering the same training sessions and will distribute notices at a later date.

Contact the LoboRESPECT Advocacy Center with any questions at 505-277-2911 or email loborespect@unm.edu.