University of North Texas 
The University of North Texas is calling on students, faculty and staff to take an active role in campus safety with the launch of Protect Our Nest, a new bystander intervention program launching this fall.
Why a bystander intervention program?
The initiative equips the UNT community with the tools and confidence to recognize and respond to potentially harmful situations, ranging from sexual misconduct and substance misuse to mental health crises and academic integrity.
“The Safety of our community is a shared responsibility,” says Dr. Laura Smith, Dean of Students. “Protect Our Nest is about creating a culture where everyone feels empowered to step in, speak up and support one another.”
The program outlines a three-step approach:
- Determine the problem,
- Decide to act, and
- Discuss and support.
Training to support fellow Eagles
Participants will learn to identify a wide range of concerns, including discrimination, hazing, threats of violence, and more. Training will also cover both direct and indirect methods of intervention like calling emergency services, checking in with someone in distress, or filing a report through university channels.
"Coming into college, I didn't know what to expect. Although it was an exciting time in my life, it was also nerve-wracking because I didn't know what challenges would arise. Protect Our Nest can help ease student's nerves and provide multiple ways to not only help a student feel comfortable and safe, but also help the campus and UNT community feel prepared and secure," says UNT senior Gillian Walsch.
Support doesn't stop at intervention
Protect Our Nest also emphasizes the importance of post-intervention support. Those who intervene or witness a situation have access to campus resources including the Counseling and Testing Services, Dean of Students Office, and the Equal Opportunity and Title IX Office.
“Intervening can be hard. It is stressful to step in and do something,” Smith adds. “We want our community to know they’re not alone. Support is always available.”
Members of the UNT community are invited to participate in the program by attending trainings, joining events, or simply starting conversations about campus safety.
“Every action counts. Even small interventions can make a big difference,” Smith says.
For more information and trainings, visit protectournest.unt.edu or contact the Dean of Students Office.