DeKALB | NIU students planning a trip to visit DePaul University should think twice about what they pack, according to the 2009 Sexual Health Report Card issued by Trojan Brand Condoms.

DePaul ranks last out of the 141 schools graded based on sexual health resources. NIU ranks 42, a jump up from being 50 in 2008, and dramatically better than being ranked 117 in 2007.

The ranking was determined by researchers at Sperling’s Best Places, a data analysis organization, and were based on results of student opinion polls and data from campus health centers. The researchers looked at health center and contraceptive availability, student cost and availability of outreach and support groups.

NIU’s status is based on the efforts of Health Enhancement and Health Services. Health Enhancement offers free condoms at the front desk at the Chick Evans Field House from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Health Enhancement offices at the field house also offer free distribution from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Free condoms are also available at Health Services from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Thirteen varieties of condoms, as well as lubrication and instructional pamphlets, are available.

“We average about 50 people a day stopping by,” said Tim Young, junior special education major who hands out condoms at the field house front desk. “Giving out condoms is a good thing. It helps prevent diseases and cuts down on STI’s [sexually transmitted infections].”

NIU students are allowed a maximum of 10 condoms per trip, while fraternities, sororities and community advisers are allowed to sign up for 100-count bags.

“When I was a CA, I thought that the free condoms were very beneficial,” said Sean Woyna, senior psychology major and former community advisor. “NIU is more sexually healthy than other schools that I have heard of.”

Compared to other Mid-American Conference schools, NIU ranks third behind Western Michigan, 27th, and Ball State, 30th. Traditional NIU rival Toledo ranks last out of all MAC schools at 123rd.

The South Carolina Gamecocks rated first on the list.

“What really impressed us about the University of South Carolina, and what helped the school’s ranking, was the high level of trust students put in the campus health center,” said Bert Sperling, president of Sperling’s Best Places, in a statement released with the findings.

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