Coastal Carolina University is observing Sexual Assault Awareness Month (April) by hosting a series of activities on and off campus during the month. Events, all free and open to the public, are being sponsored by Coastal's Office of Counseling Services, the Women's and Gender Studies Program and Upsilon Eta, the communication honor society.

Activities include:

- A Sexual Assault Awareness Timeline will be featured on the downstairs bulletin boards in the Thomas W. and Robin W. Edwards College of Humanities and Fire Arts building throughout the month of April. The purpose of the Timeline is to highlight the historical challenges that women's advocates have faced in their efforts to combat gender violence.

- Two events will be held on April 3 as part of a program titled "Combating Human Trafficking in/around the Greater Grand Stand Area." The events are designed to raise awareness about minority groups and women in the area who are exploited, whether through the construction and services industries or prostitution. The first event, a Victim's Advocacy Training seminar, is targeted to professionals such as law enforcement personnel, attorneys and health care providers who work with these groups. The seminar is scheduled for Thursday, April 3 from noon to 4 p.m. in the CCAR Building at the former Myrtle Beach Air Force Base. The second event is a Public Forum scheduled for Thursday, April 3 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Burroughs & Chapin Auditorium at Horry-Georgetown Technical College. The public forum is designed to inform the general public about human trafficking issues in the Grand Strand area. The speaker for both events is Nola Theiss, executive director of the Human Trafficking Awareness Partnership Inc. Both events are co-sponsored by the U.S. Attorney's Office and the Zonta Club of Myrtle Beach. The events are free, but registration is required. E-mail Kate Bakarich at kebakari@coastal.edu.

- Coastal's Office of Counseling Services has scheduled a series of campus events in observance of Sexual Assault Awareness Week, which is April 7 to 11.

The White Out Campaign - The university community is encouraged to wear something white all week-white ribbons, nail polish, hairspray, etc.- as a way to show support for preventing sexual abuse. White ribbons will be available at various campus locations. Also, a White Out office decorating contest and residence hall door decorating contest will be held.

Sex 101: How to Survive the Weekend - Nationally-recognized author and college motivational speaker River Houston will present an entertaining and educational program on how to socialize without being assaulted or accused of sexual assault. Tuesday, April 8, 8 p.m., Wall Auditorium, free.

Clothesline Project - Coastal's Rape Crisis Center will display t-shirts made for and by survivors of various types of assault. Wednesday through Friday, April 9 to 11, on the bridge near the Wall College of Business and the Student Center Deck.

Alcohol Screening Day - Participants who complete a 15-minute assessment of their alcohol use will receive a free movie pass and enter a drawing for a Nintendo Wii. Thursday, April 10, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Prince Lawn.

Walk a Mile (In Her Shoes) - 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. Thursday, April 10, 5 p.m., Spadoni Park.

Denim Day - Everyone is encouraged to wear denim to protest a decision by a judge who ruled against a woman in a sexual assault case because her jeans were too tight. Friday, April 11, all day.