University of North Texas

Stay SHARP on campus

The UNT Police Department and the Dean of Students are hosting a Sexual Harassment and Rape Prevention (SHARP) self-defense course.

Classes are scheduled for noon to 5 p.m. Apr. 11 from noon to 5 p.m. at the UNT Greek Life Center and are free for UNT faculty, staff and students.

The skills taught in this class “can be used by just about anyone who is interested in personal safety,” says police Cpl. John DeLong.

SHARP is specifically designed to meet the needs of women when control and assault prevention methods are required, but all are welcome to take the course. Participants will leave with the skills they need to help them protect themselves in a controlled and safe environment.

“SHARP is a great was to assist members of UNT community on being educated on being aware of their surroundings, knowing to think about safety and gives you lifelong skills on self-defense and understanding each of our personal responsibility regarding our own safety,: says Maureen McGuiness, dean of students.

SHARP emphasizes effectively reducing the likelihood of assault by teaching the techniques of countering an attack. The methods taught will provide methods that do not rely on a person’s size or strength. By the end of the course, participants will have gained knowledge of survival-learning techniques, be able to control potential stressful situations and have an increased confidence level to be able to successfully apply the techniques that they have learned.  

The SHARP classes are among many safety programs and presentations that the UNT Police Department offers.

• To RSVP or if you are interested in hosting a class on another date, contact DeLong at 940-369-7924.

- Awo Eni, student assistant, URCM