Sexual assault has become a well-publicized issue in light of the assault of six women on Sept. 10 in Snyder Hall.

Students can now do something about the concerns of sexual assault, their own personal safety and the treatment of victims by joining the Sexual Assault Committee.

This committee sets up appropriate protocol for university staff to follow when faced with a victim of sexual assault. It also collects data, monitors trends, reports to the university administration and attempts to inform the public.

Currently the committee is looking for more students versed in sexual assault issues to become involved. The process includes an interview, an essay about the student's interest and the giving of references. Applications should be in by the end of the week.

The committee requires a two-year commitment, but meetings are held only once or twice during each semester.

The committee is made up of representatives from the Center for Women Students, Penn State Police Services, Commonwealth Campuses, University Health Services, other campus groups and individuals from the student body.

"This committee is a very small part of a much bigger process," said Dr. Margaret Spear, chair of the committee and director of UHS.

Started in the late 1980s, the group was originally confined to a health focus. It was only later that it widened its scope to develop protocol for the University Park campus, which was eventually extended to all Penn State campuses. Now the committee has an especial focus on awareness.

"We would like to increase awareness so students are aware of the risks out there and the ways they can minimize risks," said Patty Johnstone, crisis counselor, sexual assault specialist at the Center for Counseling and Psychological Services and former chair of the committee.

One of these risks involves alcohol. Of the 112 sexual assault incidents that occurred during the last school year, 86 involved alcohol, according to the committee. While at Snyder Hall, the alleged assailant was a stranger, that is not always the case.

"By and large, an overwhelming majority are caused by acquaintances," Spear said.

Currently, the committee is reworking its protocol, which covers the procedures that staff must follow, such as when assaults are reported to the police.

All incidents that are known by Centre Community Hospital are reported to the police although a victim has the right to refuse to speak with them. At UHS, the assault must represent a threat to the community to be reported.

UHS requires law enforcement authorities and the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs or chief Student Affairs officer be called when there is an unknown assailant, when additional safety and security measures must be taken for the good of the community, when a weapon is used and when there are any assault-related injuries. "I think that I'm aware that the university has a zero-tolerance policy as far as sexual assault is concerned," said Peggy Lorah, assistant director of the Center for Women Students.

The Sexual Assault committee's protocol also addresses the possibility of course withdrawal following an assault."This is truly traumatic. People tend to have reactions that affect schoolwork, relationships," Johnstone said. "To give support is probably the number one thing to be doing and to know that they're not alone."