NC State Athletics announced today that Wolfpack football will host the ACC’s first #SetTheExpectation game as NC State takes on Ball State this Saturday, September 21, 2019.
Led by founder Brenda Tracy, #SetTheExpectation is a national campaign for activism against interpersonal violence that strives to raise awareness, educate and directly engage with coaches, young men and boys in high school and collegiate athletic programs.
Tracy came to NC State last April and spoke with student-athletes about her story of survival after being gang-raped by four college football players. Following that visit, the students organized a donation drive at a Wolfpack baseball game in May. The same students also led an initiative to bring Tracy back for two #SetTheExpectation games this fall, this Saturday’s football game and the men’s soccer game on October 4, 2019.
Tracy will visit NC State for five days beginning on Thursday, attending events and meeting with groups of students and staff at several locations on campus. Tracy’s visit will culminate with presentations for all student-athletes about her story of survival and how she transitioned from victim to survivor to thriver. Topics such as consent, bystander intervention, mental health, sexual assault and suicide will be covered, and the students will leave with specific action items that they can use to help make their campus and community safer.
Opportunities to #SetThe Expectation
Participate in NC State’s #SetTheExpectation events at the following public events. Use the hashtags #SetTheExpectations or #STE and follow @PackAthletics, @PackFootball, @NCSUWomensCtr (Twitter) and @NCSUWomensCenter and @NCSU_TheMovement (Instagram) to join the conversation.
Thursday, September 19 — Lobby, Talley Student Union, 12:00 to 2:00 p.m.
Get a #SetThe Expectations wristband, sign the pledge and learn about the mission to combat sexual and physical violence. Brenda Tracy and NC State Football Coach Dave Doeren will be in attendance for part of this time.
Friday, September 20 — Stafford Commons, Talley Student Union, 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Meet Brenda Tracy at the Parents and Families Table on Stafford Commons.
Saturday, September 21 — Carter-Finley Stadium
Attend the NC State football game against Ball State, where Brenda Tracey will present the game ball at the coin toss. She will also be at the Parents and Families Tailgate before the game.
Ongoing — Make a Donation to NC State’s Survivor Fund
Your contribution can help. The Molly Hayes Glander Program Advocates Endowment Fund, also known as the Survivor Fund, helps NC State support and assist survivors of interpersonal violence on an ongoing basis. We thank you for your support. Give online at go.ncsu.edu/donatesurvivorfund.
If you or someone you know is experiencing relationship violence, sexual violence or stalking, and are in need of advocacy services, the NC State Women’s Center has advocates available from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday – Friday in Talley Student Union, Suite 5210. After hours, please call the 24/7 Sexual Assault Helpline at 919.515.4444 to be connected with an advocate. If you’d like to talk to a confidential resource, you can also connect with the NC State Counseling Center at 919.515.2423 or visit 2815 Cates Avenue. For additional resources. See go.ncsu.edu/safe.
Elizabeth Snively writes for the Office for Institutional Equity and Diversity.