In August 2000, the Director and one Officer from the Department of Public Safety, along with the College's Nurse Practitioner were certified to teach self-defense to women. This nationally-known program is being taught in over 450 colleges and universities throughout the country. From September 2001 to April 2008, over 550 women from the Albright community have received this training.

Although the Director does not in any way believe that Albright College has a problem on campus regarding rape and sexual assault, he believes that this training is crucial for women today. What is so impressive about this training is that it is based on instinctive type moves. Although the martial arts certainly have their value in providing self-protection, the R.A.D. program teaches women moves that will always be there if and when they are needed.

The class is conducted by all three instructors and runs three hours for four consecutive weeks. The final class is an actual attack simulation which is not mandatory. But, all three instructors agree, as do the graduates of the class, that it is probably the most valuable aspect of the training.

In addition to teaching physical moves, there are also discussions regarding risk assessment and risk awareness. For obvious reasons, the class is never taught to males.

Albright College offers R.A.D. classes free of charge to any women in the Albright community. Upon completion, a lifetime membership allows a graduate to repeat all of the classes or any one class, anywhere in the United States where the class may be offered, free of charge.

To sign up for a future class, please contact the Department of Public Safety at ext. 7672.