Sex Week
At Maryland
FAQs
What are the goals of Sex Week?
The goals of Sex Week are to promote an informed community to support our fellow Terps, to provide forums for education, exploration, and empowerment, and to cultivate a campus where we are more prepared to combat sexual violence, encourage a sex-positive dialogue, and take pride in safety, responsibility, and respect.
What does Sex Week contribute to UMD?
Although we are bringing some unique programming and speakers to campus for Sex Week, much of what we are doing is showcasing the incredible research, resources, campus programs and departments that already exist on campus!
We are providing skills and education to the UMD community. Our goal is that everyone be educated in some way by every single event – some might come away with a better grasp on how to understand consent, how to protect themselves from STIs, or how to be more comfortable with their body or their identity. We feel these conversations and these lessons are essential to cultivating a healthy culture surrounding sexuality on our campus. Healthier, more informed and empowered Terps, are more personally and academically successful Terps.
How is Sex Week funded?
Sex Week operates like any other student organization. The vast majority of Sex Week funding comes from the Student Government Association, who allocates the use of the student activities fee. Some of our programs are supported through co-sponsorships with University offices or departments (the University Health Center, the Office of Multicultural Involvement and Community Advocacy, the Office of Civil Rights and Sexual Misconduct, etc.) or fundraising by the Sex Week student organization.
What about Sex Week is research-focused? How do you partner with Academic Affairs?
There is so much great research and work happening on our campus in regard to sexuality, gender, sexual health, and disparities. In the past, we showcased our "Sex in the Stacks" series, where two faculty members (Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics and Department of Anthropology) and a graduate student (Department of Family Science) will share their research and work in their respective fields. Furthermore, we feature programs from professional staff in the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and the LGBT Equity Center. We continue to reach out to other departments and look forward to collaborating in the future.
How does Sex Week include diverse opinions and perspectives into their programming?
Sex Week offers a variety of forums for students to discuss sexuality in respectful, responsible, and positive ways. We acknowledge that there are infinite perspectives, identities, and experiences of sexuality. Although it would be impossible to cover every aspect of sexuality in one week or one event, we actively seek diverse collaborators, co-sponsors, and are open to any and every student voice who is interested in joining our open student group and being part of the planning process. We have cast a wide net to a variety of academic units, campus, departments, religious organizations, and student groups to have their work, voices, and perspectives heard during Sex Week. We are proud of the depth and texture on our calendar in just our second year, and look forward to even more representation on our future calendars.
How can I get involved?
We would love your support and involvement! Send us an email at umdsexweek@gmail.com to join the listserv so you can attend the general body meetings. It will be a great chance to sign up to participate at our events, contribute your ideas, and to speak to the executives about more opportunities to get involved.
If you're part of an organization that you think would be a good match for Sex Week, email us about partnering up for future collaborations. We love supporting other groups' shared missions!
Don't forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to hear about updates, upcoming events, and useful sex health info too!
Most of all, we just want you to spread the word and show your support--wearing the SXWK shirts, starting meaningful conversations, inviting your friends to events, placing the SXWK stickers on your laptop-- so Sex Week can reach everyone on campus!
How can I give feedback?
Don't hesitate to email us at umdsexweek@gmail.com with any questions, concerns, and general feedback. We would love to hear your opinons on how we're doing and suggestions for next year!
How can I get a "I support SXWK @ Maryland" shirt?
The SXWK shirts are sold at our fundraisers and events year round, as well as campus events where we can table at. We will send out reminders through our social media to update you when we'll be around selling shirts--so follow us on social media to stay in the loop!