The express course can be held in a dorm and is open to anybody who wants to participate. It is a condensed version of the full courses, but still contains discussion and teaches one or two techniques and defensive and striking stances. This course is normally requested and taught at least once a week.
The most recent R.A.D. course took place Saturday, March 25 in Harrill Hall. Alpha Kappa Alpha, Zeta Phi Beta and Sigma Gamma Rho requested this nine hour course. The flyer advertising this program was sent out Feb. 28 and within 30 minutes, all 20 spots were filled.
“The president of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Alexus Bonapart, brought up this idea to the ladies of Zeta Phi Beta and Alpha Kappa Alpha last spring. We thought this program would be a wonderful way for women on our campus to get involved and learn self-defense skills,” said Taylor Samuels, Vice President of Zeta Phi Beta.
“We hoped that everyone who attended this program left with more self-confidence and self-assurance knows they can protect themselves if an attack were to happen,” said Samuels and added that the program did just that.
Though men are able to participate in the express program, R.A.D. curriculum for the full programs have a female-only stipulation. According to Sgt. Deal, that is not a WCU policy, but one of R.A.D. The thought process behind that is that they don’t want to teach men the technique taught extensively to women to defend themselves.
WCU Campus Police offer services to victims of sexual assault, even if they do not want to follow through with an investigation. Deal explained that the victim may need medical assistance, counseling or other assistance and officers are more than willing to provide the victim with the resources they need to move forward. WCU police also provide services for those who are in an uncomfortable or threatening situation, including an escort from a parking lot to a dorm.
If you have an emergency, call 828-227-8911 or simply 911.