CMU drops 40 slots on national sexual health ranking, health services say not much has changed
Central Michigan University has dropped over 40 slots, according to the Trojan sexual health report card rankings.
CMU was ranked at number 45 in the 2010 academic year, but is now ranked at number 89.
The Trojan sexual health report card is an annual ranking of sexual health resources and information available to students on campuses nationwide. The ranking is based on a number of factors such as student opinions of the health center, hours of operation, scheduling options and sexual health awareness programs.
The top-ranked university is Columbia University in New York. Michigan State University and Western Michigan University both ranked higher than CMU, coming in at numbers 39 and 54 respectively. The University of Michigan is the only school in Michigan to make it into the top 10, coming in at number 6.
Though CMU’s ranking has gone down, there are not many changes in the services and programs it offers. The health center has the same hours, appointment policy and condom availability as last year.
The health center is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday with no weekend hours available. The center offers free condoms, but they are only available at the center in Foust Hall.
The University of Michigan, Western Michigan University and Michigan State University all offer walk-in treatment, while CMU’s health center does not.
Ton Trionfi, director of Contracting, Purchasing and Health Services, said University Health Services does try to accommodate students.
“UHS in Foust Hall is an appointment-based health clinic," Trionfi said. "However, if a patient walks in for a visit, we will do our best to accommodate, and if there is not an appointment open at that time, then we try to schedule for a time later in the day."
Student opinion is a large component of the Trojan ranking, and many CMU students feel the clinic could do more to help students with their sexual health.
“You can never have enough knowledge on safe sex, STIs and things like that," said Novi junior Jordan Johnson. "The heath center needs more programs and things like STI and AIDS screenings."
CMU provides HIV/AIDS testing and counseling year-round, but for a fee of $25. Students are also able to get tested for other STIs with prices varying depending on what they are being tested for.
“I don’t think we have enough sexual education programs. If we do, they aren’t advertised a lot because I haven’t heard about them, and neither have any of my friends,” said Detroit sophomore DaShanae’ Dozier. “But I do feel most CMU students know about safe sex, it's just a decision to practice it or not."
Outreach programs on sexual health and student peer groups are both large components of the Trojan ranking. The CMU health clinic hosts a number of programs and CMU has a Safer Sex Patrol program for students to utilize or join.
“In the past, we have done presentations for residential halls and have been invited to teach 'she classes' for some HEV courses," Trionfi said. "Last year, UHS took part in Gentle Thursday (sexual health awareness fair), Sextiville and AIDS walk"
