Coastal Carolina University will observe Sexual Assault Awareness Week April 1 to 8 with various programs and events planned to encourage discussion and promote awareness of sexual violence. All events are free and open to the public.

* "Walk A Mile (In her Shoes)," the week's key event, will be held at 5 p.m. Thursday, April 2 in Spadoni Park. The purpose of this event is to give men a sense of empathy for the female experience. Each male participant will be sponsored by a female "blister sister" who will assist him in walking though a mile-long obstacle course in her high heel shoes. The event will include a trivia contest, a raffle for prizes, and food. The walk is sponsored by the University Counseling Services and Students Helping Others Reach Excellence (SHORE).

* "Find a Shoe," challenges students to locate specially marked shoes that have been hidden around campus. Students who find the right shoes bring the to the "Walk a Mile" event to win extra prize tickets; it's sponsored by Residence Life and Counseling Services.

- "Higher Learning," part of the University's Psychology Film Series, will be screened at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 1 in Wall Auditorium. The film stars Kristy Swanson, Omar Epps and Michael Rapaport as first-term freshmen who receive a crash course in diversity, identity and sexuality.

* Alcohol Screening Day will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday, April 3. Participants will complete a 10-minute assessment of their alcohol use will receive a free movie pass enter a drawing for a Nintendo Wii. Sponsored by University Counseling Services and (Students Helping Others Realize their Excellence (SHORE).

- "Divas Speak On It" will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, April 3 in the Edwards Recital Hall. The event is an awareness program that will feature student speakers, a video presentation and some surprises. Coastal Productions Board and the Rape Crisis Center are co-sponsoring.

* "Survivor Stories" will be going on through the day on Tuesday, April 7. Life-size silhouettes of sexual assault survivors and their stories will be displayed throughout campus. Sponsored by Residence Life.

* "A day in the life of victim and a rapist, what happens when..." will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 8 on Prince Lawn. Participants will get a suspect's eye-view of what a person charged with rape would go through from being placed in the back seat of a patrol car, being fingerprinted, wearing a jail jumpsuit and understanding the sexually transmitted disease or HIV they risk contracting. In addition to the display, the Department of Public Safety and Student Health Services will be giving out candy, condoms, T-shirts and prizes.

For more information, call Debbie Hardee in the University's Counseling Services at 843-349-2305.