OPEN is currently experiencing technical difficulties with our Qualtrics forms. This includes our service request and presentation/program request forms. If you would like to schedule a meeting with our office, please contact [email protected] OR call us at 617-373-4459. Please note that no specific or personal information needs to be included in this request; our team will work to connect you with the correct services.

What is the SHAPE Program? 

The Sexual Harm and Accountability PsychoEducation (SHAPE) Program is a research-informed education program designed for college students who have engaged in and/or been accused of unhealthy or harmful sexual behavior.  

Students who enroll in the program learn and build skills for healthy and consensual interactions as an opportunity to improve relationships going forward. The program consists of a series of individual meetings with an OPEN staff member and is tailored to address specific educational needs. 

What topics does the program cover? 

The SHAPE program consists of a series of modules that cover topic areas connected to sexual violence prevention and desistance. The topics that are covered in a program are specific to the educational needs of a particular student who enrolls. Some of the topic areas that could be included in a program are: 

  • Consent and Sexual Citizenship 
  • Healthy Relationships and Communication 
  • Peer Influence 
  • Alcohol and Other Drug Use 
  • Power and Control 
  • Self-Accountability 

Are SHAPE meetings Confidential? 

All OPEN staff members are considered Confidential Employees according to Northeastern University policy.  

This means that any information disclosed about sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking, or sexual harassment during SHAPE meetings will not be reported to the Office for University Equity and Compliance (Title IX), the Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution, or any other campus office. Exemptions to this include: 

  • When given permission to share information by the person who disclosed it; 
  • When there is an imminent threat of harm to self or others; 
  • When the conduct involves suspected abuse of a minor under the age of 18 or of an elder; 
  • When otherwise required by law or court order. 

Most faculty and staff are considered “Mandated University Reporters” meaning that they are obligated to notify the Title IX Coordinator if they are made aware of an incident of sexual violence. 

Besides the Office of Prevention and Education at Northeastern (OPEN), other confidential resources include University Health and Counseling Services (UHCS) staff on the Boston Campus, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) on the Oakland Campus, Sexual Violence Liaison Officers on the London Campus, and Spiritual Advisors at The Center for Spirituality, Dialogue and Service. 

If the SHAPE program is required as part of a sanction or informal resolution agreement, only your participation and completion of the program will be reported to the Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution (OSSCR) or the Office for University Equity and Compliance(OUEC). 

How can I request enrollment in the Program? 

To request enrollment in the SHAPE Program, please complete this program request form. You will need to log in with your Northeastern credentials.  

Email [email protected] with any additional questions about the SHAPE program. OPEN staff monitor SHAPE program requests and email Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5 PM ET, and will reply to requests as soon as possible. 

This program was adapted from The Science-based Treatment, Accountability, and Risk Reduction for Sexual Assault (STARRSA) Active Psychoeducation (AP) Manual (Prentky et al, 2018) and corresponding training facilitated by Klancy Street, LLC.  For additional information, see: www.klancystreet.com/starrsa