Scenarios for Entryway Conversations

Roadmap

  • Students will be divided into small groups by their Proctor.
  • PAFs will lead the small groups for 25 minutes.
  • All groups will discuss Scenario 1.
  • After Scenario 1, small groups will choose to discuss either Scenario 2 or Scenario 3.
  • Lastly, the Entryway will reconvene as a large group for a 15-minute debrief of all 3 scenarios.

 

Scenario 1: Supporting a friend at a party

Sasha has been working hard on a time-consuming problem set. She finally submitted the assignment and is excited to go out with her roommate, Kira. Sasha and Kira get ready in their room and go to a party hosted by a student organization that Kira just got into.

When Kira and Sasha get to the party, they are excited because, even though they are two of the only first year students at the party, they recognize a number of people. They quickly meet up with their friend Devin, a junior who’s co-hosting, and Devin shows them around.

A few hours into the party, Sasha is talking with some friends in the middle of the crowded room, when she sees Kira talking to Devin and some new friends. Sasha watches as another student passes closely behind Kira and clearly gropes Kira while walking into another room. Sasha can’t see Kira’s reaction but can tell from Devin’s face that he saw what happened.

Kira is so surprised by someone touching her, she takes a step back from the conversation and looks at her phone, not sure if she wants to draw attention to what happened. After a moment, she looks up trying to figure out who it was and whether anyone else saw what happened.

 

Small Group Discussion Questions

  • How is this student’s behavior a violation of our overall community values and expectations?
  • How could you support Kira right now?
  • Both Sasha and Devin are bystanders.
    • How might each of them choose to intervene?
    • How might the bystander intervention tactics of direct, delay, delegate, and distract apply here?
    • Why might Sasha and Devin choose to intervene differently?
  • How could an organization hosting a party like this make clear that this behavior is not tolerated?
  • What resources or support might be helpful for Kira? 

 

Scenario 2: Helping a close friend in a dating relationship

Jamie and Shaun are roommates in Oak Yard and have grown close since the first weeks of the semester. They have a lot of similar interests and hang out together a lot.

Around midterms, Jamie starts dating Adrian, a junior in a club Jamie recently joined. Shaun was initially happy for Jamie, event if it meant hanging out less. Lately, though, Jamie spends most nights at Adrian's and is rarely in Oak Yard.

In the past few weeks, Shaun has also noticed that Jamie seems distant and stressed out, and is often on the phone or responding to frequent text messages from Adrian.

One evening while at the dining hall, Shaun sees that Adrian has texted an angry message about Jamie choosing to travel during the upcoming holiday break instead of spending it with Adrian. In the text, Adrian also threated to share a sexual photo of Jamie, which Jamie intends to be private.

Most recently, Jamie has begun cancelling plans without explanation and seems to be with Adrian all the time. Shaun does not want to hurt Jamie by questioning the relationship but Shaun is starting to feel worried and is unsure what to do. 

 

Small Group Discussion Questions

  • What concerns, if any, would you have about a situation like this one?
  • What issues are you spotting, and why? Discuss as a group and see where your responses are similar or different from one another.
  • Where are you noticing potential dynamics around power and control?
  • How might Shaun approach Jamie with questions/concerns in a way that respects Jamie's autonomy. boundaries, and consent?
  • What resources or support might be helpful to consider accessing?

 

Scenario 3: Addressing a situation involving alcohol and other drugs

Logan and Andre are attending their first major party, which is being hosted by a social club they both hope to join.

Late into the night, Logan notices that Andre has been talking a lot with someone that Andre recently hooked up with. Logan can see that Andre has had a lot to drink, and knows Andre also ate a few gummies before the party. Andre is starting to nod off and the person Andre is talking to looks increasingly uncomfortable. 

Andre does not seem to notice that a few of the party hosts' friends are laughing at Andre, and telling Andre to drink more. Logan then realizes that a member of the group is taking a video of Andre without Andre's permission.

Andre still seems to be talking and having a good time, but Logan wonders if someone should do something. Logan decides to try and help but does not want to make things awkward.

 

Small Group Discussion Questions

  • What concerns, if any, would you have about a situation like this one?
  • At what point would you hope a bystander, like Logan, would intervene? Discuss as a group and see where your responses are similar or different from one another.
  • What are some active bystander strategies (think of the 4 Ds) Logan could try in this situation?
    • Direct: "Hey, are you okay?"
    • Delegate: "Can you check in with them?"
    • Distract: Let's go grab food instead."
    • Delay: "Can I talk to you about what happened earlier?"

 

Reconvene as an/Entryway for a 15-minute Large Group Debrief

 

Complete the Assessment 

Please complete the following assessment: https://harvard.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_82nSiQaPGAhYBGm