The University ranked 53rd out of 139 schools on the 2008 Trojan Sexual Health Report Card, an annual survey of U.S. colleges that measures the availability of information and services for sexual health. The University placed 37th in 2007 and 41st in 2006.
The survey was created with the idea that “more sexual awareness is better so that students can make their own decisions,” said Bert Sperling, founder of the research firm Sperling’s BestPlaces, which Trojan chose to complete the study.
The ratings involved an assessment of the sexual health services at each school. Schools received better scores for more accessible services, such as those that are open on weekends and allow drop-in patients rather than requiring appointments. The survey also examined student outreach and awareness programs for sexual health, the variety and availability of contraceptive methods, the availability and cost of testing for sexually transmitted diseases, the existence of programs dealing with sexual assault, and opportunities to receive anonymous health advice.
Sperling noted that being ranked 53rd is “certainly very good,” but noted that “one could argue there is room for improvement.”
Student Health Executive Director James Turner said he did not think the University’s ranking accurately reflects the sexual health services offered on Grounds. Turner, who said he was not previously aware of the survey, criticized its administrators for not contacting any faculty, staff or administrators in regard to the services that the University offers.
Sperling said the survey relied on student opinion, noting that Sperling’s BestPlaces sent questionnaires to students and received 9,000 responses, which offered student perceptions of the availability and accessibility of sexual health services and information. The University received a score of 2.98 on a 4-point scale.
Turner, though, said student perceptions may not be a true measuring stick to gauge the resources available, noting that the score provided is lower than he would have anticipated. He said national accreditation, such as that awarded by the non-profit Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organization, offers a better insight into the quality of a college or university’s sexual health services. This past April, the University’s Health Center received a top ranking from the JCAHO, he said.
He also noted that data from the last 20 years show a decrease in the transmission of STDs and unwanted pregnancies at the University, as well as an overall increase in the accessibility of the University’s health services. This data helps verify the high quality of the University’s health services, Turner said.
“Students need to be aware that Student Health exists,” Turner said noting that the University offers separate health services for men and women, HIV and STD testing services, and has a very active peer health education program.
Leading all schools according to the 2008 report was Stanford University. The lowest grade was awarded to DePaul University of Chicago. Virginia Tech finished 52nd, just edging the University in overall sexual health according to the report.
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