1) Tell us about you. Where are you from? What are you involved in on campus? What are you majoring in?
My name is Kolby Eller and I am a Junior Socio-Political Communication major from Chillicothe, Missouri. On campus I am involved in my social fraternity Pi Kappa Phi, a member of the Inter-Fraternity Council Executive Board, a student employee in the Dean of Students Office, and on Leadership Team for SOAR. I am also currently an intern for Senator Claire McCaskill. 
2) What is the It’s On Us campaign? Why is this campaign so important to college campuses? What role do you play in this campaign?
The It’s On Us campaign works to educate people on the many issues regarding sexual assault, especially on college campuses. The organization strives to teach students to recognize that non-consensual sex is sexual assault, to identify situations in which sexual assault may occur, to intervene in situations where consent has not or cannot be given, and to create an environment in which sexual assault is unacceptable and survivors are supported.
This campaign is important on college campuses because it is such a prevalent issue. One campuses all across America one in five women will be sexual assaulted, as will one in sixteen men. If there were any other issue harming students at such an alarming rate, there would be a massive push for legislation to fix the problem. But since sexual assault is seen as a taboo topic, many campuses pretend that it is not happening. That is why it is on all of us to ensure that we are protecting one another.
My role as a member of the Student Advisory Council is mainly to assist with outreach. Each week I talk to student leaders from different states and regions about the It’s On Us campaign. During these conversations I encourage them to host educational events on their campuses so they can get the word out. Once the programs are planned, I serve as a liaison between the school and the national organization so they can help promote the event.
3) You recently had the opportunity to visit with Vice President Joe Biden at his home. Tell us about this experience and your takeaways from the visit.
Visiting Vice President Biden’s home was one of the coolest opportunities I have ever had. While I was there I got to hear him speak about the It’s On Us campaign and about the Violence Against Women Act (a bill he introduced as a Senator). It was incredible to hear how he was able to turn his passion into action and bring attention to an issue that had not truly been discussed in the legislature before. After he concluded speaking, each of us on the Student Advisory Committee got to meet the Vice President individually and talk with him, and then take a photo with him. He was so genuine and happy to meet us; it was an incredible experience.
4) What advice would you offer family members as they talk to their student about the It’s On Us campaign?
I think it is important for every single family to talk to their students about the It’s On Us campaign, and specifically the role their student can play in preventing sexual assault. It does not matter if their student is male or female, we all have a role in preventing sexual assault. Families should encourage their students to hold each other accountable and to speak out and take action if they see something that could be sexual assault. Most victims of sexual assault agree that all it would have taken was one person to intervene or check in with them. It might be an uncomfortable conversation, but it is crucial that students know what to look out for while they are in school.
5) What is your favorite Missouri State tradition?
There are a lot of traditions at Missouri State I love, but my favorite would have to be Welcome Weekend. Our university does a great job of getting students out of their rooms and interacting with each other. It’s so fun to see all the students out and about with their BearWear helping welcome new students to campus. After my first Welcome Weekend, I knew Missouri State University was the right place for me.