University of Iowa President Sally Mason today briefed the Board of Regents, State of Iowa, on progress made so far on the plan to combat sexual assaults she announced Feb. 28.

“We all agree that the safety and well-being of every student is an absolute priority,” Mason told the board, which is meeting on the UI campus. “The University of Iowa will do everything in its power to prevent sexual violence, support survivors, and hold offenders responsible, and I have invited all members of our campus to play a role in confronting this issue.”

Among actions taken in support of the plan, Mason said the UI has purchased a second van for its popular Nite Ride service, which gives female students safe rides home during late night hours. Nite Ride served nearly 2,400 women in January and February.

Read the six-point plan here, and a story with detailed information on the progress to date here.

On Monday, the university put out a call for students to join an advisory group that will meet regularly with the president and her senior staff to discuss the issue.

Additionally, in response to student requests, the UI has changed the language of its Timely Warning and improved university websites so students can more easily and quickly find information about sexual assault reporting, support services, and options for survivors.

Referencing a Timely Warning issued Tuesday night, Mason added, "I can tell you that Vice President for Student Life Tom Rocklin and I received comments this morning from students thanking us for the new language."

Mason said students also asked for changes to the tools and methods the university uses to educate incoming students about sexual misconduct and has adopted an online course called Every Choice. The new course will be used this fall and be coupled with in-person workshops that teach bystanders how to safely intervene.

Mason thanked the board for its support and guidance on the issue.

“While we have made good progress on the six-point plan, there is still much to be done,” Mason said. “I will keep you informed on an ongoing basis about this important work.”