SIU Outlines Steps to Prevent Sexual Assault

That's part of the university's response to federal mandates requiring colleges to address sexual assaults.

Benjamin Newman is SIU police chief. He says the department has investigated one sex assault this year. There were four cases last year and six in 2012.

Newman says the real number is likely to be higher because some victims don't come forward.

The (Carbondale) Southern Illinoisan reports that under the changes, incoming freshman will participate in an online awareness program.

Once on campus, student training will focus on how to help a friend who is an assault victim.

Faculty will get training on how to respond when a student reports they've been assaulted.