The University of South Carolina has been named a recipient of the 2023 Campus Prevention Network (CPN) Seal of Prevention. 

Presented by Vector Solutions, the CPN Seal of Prevention is awarded to institutions of higher education that have demonstrated leadership in digital prevention programming focused on student safety, well-being, and inclusion. 

As a recipient of the CPN Seal of Prevention, USC has worked toward creating a safer, more inclusive campus through comprehensive, evidence-based digital prevention education on issues such as sexual assault, alcohol misuse, mental health and discrimination. 

“I am proud of the great work our university partners are doing,” said Mari Ross-Alexander, associate vice president for student health and well-being. “Together, we have demonstrated a unified commitment to academic excellence as well as the well-being of our students.” 

According to research conducted by Vector Solutions,  recipient institutions also have an eight percent higher first-year retention rate and nine percent higher on-time four-year graduation rate compared to those that have not achieved the Seal.

“We understand that students who are safer and feel like they belong are much more likely to thrive during their time on campus, said Marc Shook, associate vice president, and dean of students for student affairs and academic support. “That is why we are comprehensive and intentional about strengthening the well-being of our entire campus community.”

USC has made it a priority for students to participate in online trainings aimed at creating a safe and welcoming environment. Some of these programs are offered as part of their initial arrival on campus, and others are ongoing well-being initiatives integrated throughout their student experience. 

The criteria for the CPN Seal of Prevention are based on the Principles of Effective Prevention Programs published by Nation, et al. (2003). More than 1,000 campuses are evaluated on an annual basis to determine eligibility.