MTV comes to UCF to film Q&A session for Savage U

From commitment to sex toys, sex columnist Dan Savage answered students' questions on Monday about sex, dating and relationships for Savage U, his new show premiering on MTV.

In the series, Savage answers different questions dealing with sex and relationships from college students across the country. UCF was chosen by MTV to be one of 12 universities to be featured on the program, and the only one in Florida.

According to Campus Activities Board promotional director Alan Zegarra, MTV chose UCF because of its large and diverse student body as well as its history of many popular events.

Yara Asi, a global health policy doctoral student, was one of his many fans who looked forward to the event.

"I frequently listen to his podcasts online. I'm very excited to see him in person," she said.

"I love his podcasts. He's saying what everyone is thinking," technical communication graduate student Nathan Bower said.

Many students attended this event for a different learning experience.

"I'm looking forward to seeing MTV, but I'm more curious about what questions others have to ask," freshman theatre major Tommy Bowe said.

During Savage's Q&A session at the Fairwinds Alumni Center, he discussed different topics including first time sexual encounters, questions about sexual preferences and intimacy differences between men and women.

"When it comes to your partner, take what works and work with it."

On the topic about innocence, Savage pointed out that, "what you lose in innocence, you gain in wisdom and experience."

Savage used students' questions to ease the visible tension among the audience and make it a relaxed environment and offer very real advice for everyone.

"You should be willing to risk heartache to find love. It's part of lasting love," he said.

"Savage helped make us feel comfortable," senior exceptional education major Jamie Serelson said. "A lot of valuable questions got answered and people really didn't hold back."

With the reminder that no topics were too taboo during the event, students were surprised at the lack of tension while discussing such intimate topics.

Savage is more than comfortable discussing this topic considering he has an online sex column, Savage Love, devoted to it. In his column, which is particularly popular in Seattle's "The Stranger," Savage shows flair and understanding in his responses both on and offline.

As the founder of the "It Gets Better" campaign, a movement meant to give hope to bullied LGBTQ teens, his emphasis on openness during the forum allowed others to loosen up and be honest with the questions they really want answered.

Senior micro & molecular biology major Christina Christensen enjoyed Savage's laidback attitude.

"Savage wasn't judgmental and didn't cringe at any of the questions that were asked," she said.

According to CAB, this Q&A session was meant to be an entertaining, yet educational, experience for students.

"CAB works to improve the UCF experience and we feel that the students would benefit a lot from this event," Zegarra said.

CAB and students both agree that sex is an important topic, especially on a large campus like UCF.

"It was a good thing that UCF did this, especially since people do stupid things in college without the right information," senior psychology major Talia Boxman said. "The event was great. There was no political correctness; it was all just the simple truth."

According to CAB speakers director Ellen Kessler, MTV has worked closely with CAB in planning and promoting the event since the summer.

"This was the first time this academic year that CAB has hosted an event at the Fairwinds Alumni Center," she said. "I'm expecting a full house tonight."

MTV is expected to film students on and off campus from Nov. 14 until Nov. 17. Savage U is scheduled to premiere in spring 2012.