Auburn University ranked 119 out of 141 colleges and universities across the nation in Trojan's annual Sexual Health Report Card.
The report was conducted by the independent research firm Sperling's Best Places, which graded academic institutions on 13 separate categories based upon data collected from campus health centers and student opinion polls.
"Our goal with this study is to increase awareness," said Bruce Tetreault, group product manager for Trojan Brand Condoms. "Access to information and resources is critical in allowing students to make informed decisions about their sexual health. We applaud those schools that make this information available to students."
The report evaluated sexual health and information services available to students on campus. But, of the 13 categories used to grade institutions, none defined the prevalence of STDs on campuses.
Schools received a letter grade in each of the 13 categories, and the grades were compiled to calculate a GPA.
According to the study, the University scored a 2.14 GPA across the 13 categories. It received an "F" in the Student Survey, Separate Sexual Awareness Program and HIV Testing categories.
The student survey asked students about their level of confidence in their university's medical center.
"Trust played a pivotal role in this year's findings," said Bert Sperling, president of Sperling's Best Places, "with centers that had higher levels of trust in student polls, like South Carolina's, tending to score much higher."
Of the higher scoring schools, fellow SEC member South Carolina topped this year's rankings.
The SEC conference ranked third overall compared to other conferences with Georgia also cracking the top 10 with a 6th overall ranking, followed by Florida (24th), LSU (26th), Mississippi State (32nd), Kentucky (38th), Alabama (40th), Ole Miss (65th), Tennessee (100th), Arkansas (101st), Vanderbilt (112th) and finally Auburn at 119.
"We provide a full array of STD testing, treatment and prevention strategies," said Dr. Fred Kam, director of the Auburn University Medical Clinic. "We do not give out free condoms, but do give out information regarding STDs and prevention, most of which is available from reputable resources on the Internet. Condoms can be easily purchased at the AU Pharmacy."
Despite the quality of the AU Medical Clinic, Auburn University has no independent outreach organization solely devoted to promoting sexual health to students on campus.
Kam said the medical center does conduct sexual health information research when requested.
"When invited, we have gone out to fraternities, sororities, athletic teams and campus groups to talk about STDs," Kam said.
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