College Students’ Sexual Health: Personal Responsibility or the Responsibility of the College?

OBJECTIVE: This article examines students' perceptions of individual and institutional responsibility for sexual health so that institutions can better provide for the needs of their students to increase academic success and healthy relationship outcomes. PARTICIPANTS: Students from 2- and 4-year colleges in 1 state (N=78). METHODS: From May through November 2010, the authors used go-along interviews to examine students' perceptions of resources for sexual health on their campuses. RESULTS: Participants believed that it is the college's responsibility to provide resources and the responsibility of students to access resources. Participants at 2-year schools wanted referrals to resources, whereas participants at 4-year schools expected resources to be available and emphasized the importance of a supportive community. CONCLUSIONS: Students at 2- and 4-year colleges have different expectations of their institutions; by making resources and referrals for sexual health available, colleges can better serve their students, which will result in improved health outcomes.