CARE: Frequently Asked Questions

What is this First Year CARE workshop anyway? What are these workshops about?
The First Year Campus Acquaintance Rape Education workshops, sometimes called FYCARE, are peer-led, mandatory training for all incoming freshmen about how to support someone who has experienced sexual violence. On this campus, one in six women has experienced an actual or attempted sexual assault. Most of the time, perpetrators are University students. Because it is likely that students will know someone who has been sexually assaulted, the workshop focuses on how to offer support and assistance to survivors of sexual victimization, as well as what campus and community resources are available. In addition, the program covers prevention and risk reduction strategies specific to sexual assault on campus.

Who facilitates these workshops?
First Year CARE workshops are presented by students for students. This workshop is aimed at both women and men, so each workshop is led by a team of two men and two women. All of the peer educators have been specially trained to facilitate workshops about acquaintance rape, and the workshop itself is continually revised by a team of undergraduate facilitators.

Do men have to attend an FYCARE workshop? Or "I'm a guy, and I'm not going to rape anyone. Why do I need to hear about rape prevention?"
The First Year CARE program is designed for college men and women. Although rape has traditionally been identified as a "woman's issue," rape prevention is really everyone's issue. Rape affects men on a personal level: men's sisters, partners, mothers, and friends are the "anonymous" victims of sexual assault. Additionally, men can be victims of sexual assault. Survivors of sexual assault on campus may turn to their male friends, partners, and brothers for support and understanding. The workshop helps participants think of ways to support a loved one who has been raped.

How will first year students be notified about attending their FYCARE workshop?
During the first few weeks of the fall semester, all first year students should receive an e-mail informing them about the FYCARE workshop and giving them the web address to register. The FYCARE online registration system allows students to select or reschedule their workshop so it fits with their schedules. When students log on to the web page, they will see several options of dates, times, and locations of upcoming workshops in their area. Once they select a workshop, they will be automatically placed on the roster of that workshop. You will also receive an e-mail reminder approximately a week before the workshop. If the web page does not work, e-mail fycare@uiuc.edu.

Do I have to go to the workshop I was assigned to or registered for?
You should make every effort to attend your scheduled workshop. However, if circumstances prevent you from doing so, you can log into the FYCARE online registration system and reschedule.

What if I don't go?
The University of Illinois has mandated this program for all first year students. Starting this year, failure to attend will result in a hold being placed on your account from the Office of the Dean of Students. Moreover, student evaluations show that the vast majority of students found the workshops both interesting and beneficial. We hope that students never need to use this information, but statistically, it is likely that they will. In that instance, the workshop may be invaluable.

How can someone become a CARE facilitator or get involved in other rape prevention efforts?
CARE facilitators are trained through Community Health 199B, a 3 credit hour course that is offered in both the fall and spring semesters. If you'd like to know more about the CARE program or other ways to get involved on campus or in the community, call CARE/Office of Women's Programs at 333-3137 or email wantland@uiuc.edu.