By Amanda Carswell and Elizabeth Dudek

Sex was on the minds of the Resident Student Association (RSA) last week, as they held “Northeastern Sex Week 2005: Doin’ it Doggy Style.”

The annual event, which ran from Feb. 6 through 11, provided a way for students to explore all aspects of sexuality in a casual and safe environment. Every night held a different event, focusing on a variety of topics.

Members of RSA said they believed Sex Week was effective because it was entertaining.

“It’s beneficial for Northeastern because it’s a week of fun and educational programming,” said Smith Anderson, vice president of programming for RSA. “It’s really got a dual [purpose] of … having a good time and learning.”

The first event of the week featured a young couple affected by AIDS who spoke of their experiences and how to protect against sexually transmitted diseases.

One of the staple events of the annual program is “Condom Casino,” which was held last Wednesday night. This year, the event in the West Addition of the Curry Student Center caught the attention of over 600 students. Students who participated in games like blackjack and poker were given the chance to win prizes including T-shirts and DVDs. Students also had the opportunity to stuff their pockets with handfuls of condoms.

Events such as “Condom Casino” were a unique way to spread important messages about sexuality, said sophomore political science major Jason Catherman.

“People would go to gamble and have a good time, and accidently come across a good message,” he said.

The events included speakers who addressed a wide range of sexual issues including homosexuality, birth control, kissing shyness and STDs.

“[The speakers] addressed all the main issues around sexuality,” said Margaret Horton, president of RSA.

One of the speakers, William Cane, discussed “The Art of Kissing” on Thursday in the Student Center Ballroom.