No Progress Without Us: A Toolkit For Integrating Sexual Health Practices Into College Health Settings

College is a unique experience for many students. A time of unparalleled personal growth and development among adolescents and emerging adults. This is especially true when it comes to sexual health. During their adolescent and emerging adult years, college students are often going through journeys of self-exploration about their sexual orientations, identities and figuring out where they fit along the gender identity continuum.

For many, it will be the first time they have spent significant time away from home or out from under the teachings and upbringings of their parents and guardians. Our students come to their university experiences from a diverse mix of racial and ethnic backgrounds, economic contexts and religious beliefs – all of which can influence their sexual beliefs and lived experiences.

As college health clinicians and providers, it is essential that we recognize the important role we play in helping our students navigate their sexual health journeys. As patients seeking healthcare, they may come to our health centers confused and uncertain from exhaustive google searches, YouTube videos and stigmatizing lived experiences. As such, we are presented with the opportunity to create safe, comfortable, and nonjudgmental spaces in which students can confidently discuss their sexual concerns and issues without fear of judgment or discrimination.

This guide is meant to serve as a template by which college health clinicians and providers can approach the sexual health considerations and concerns of our student patients.