Trojan Sexual Health released its annual health report card and ranked Auburn 120 out of 140 schools, 16 spots higher than last year.
Bert Sperling, lead researcher, said the schools chosen for the study were based on size, tier schools\0xAD--for example, schools in big conferences--and iconic schools like Ivy Leagues.
Sperling said Ivy League schools may have small campuses, but have an impact because of their notoriety.
"We celebrate a little change upward," Sperling said, referring to Auburn's rank. "But on the scale it is low."
The main reason for Auburn's jump, Sperling said, is an improvement in peer groups and outreach programs promoting sexual health.
"They were really low last year," he said.
Health Protection and Wellness Services, which has been open for a year, offers several outreach prorams for students.
Eric Smith, director of Health Protection and Wellness Services, said there are peer health educators that provide outreach for general health, and additionally there is the Sexual Assault Awareness Task Force.
"That group of students does a great job throughout the year putting information out about sexual health and in particular consent," Smith said.
A learning community based around health and wellness and a campaign about consent are both being discussed, Smith said.
"It's still very much in development, but the idea there is just to get information out about what consent is, what it means, what 'yes' actually looks like in a sexual situation," Smith said.
In addition, Sperling said Auburn received a good score for student health center hours of operation.
"They are open for a wide percentage of the week," Sperling said.
Auburn's student health center is the Auburn University Medical Clinic.
The clinic is open six days a week, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon.
Sperling also said Auburn received a good score because of the availability of information and the cost for HIV and STI testing, as well as availability for female contraceptives--all available at the medicial clinic.
Auburn is lacking information, however, on male contraceptives like condoms, he said.
"Often, schools will have information on the pros and cons of condoms and where they are available," Sperling said.
Chelsea Crawford, freshman in anthropology, recently noticed in the lobby of her residence hall a sign advertising November as Sexual Health Awareness Month. The flyer included a tip that read, "Fact One: Stressed? Chill Out! Stress can make your penis shrink."
"I don't think facts like that really promote sexual health," Crawford said. "They just grab attention."
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