Kingston - The student who accused 82-year-old SUNY New Paltz professor Wade Thompson of sexual abuse and assault will take the stand first this morning.

Acting Judge Frank LaBuda seated the jury about 1 p.m. yesterday and directed lawyers to be prepared to present their opening arguments at 9 a.m. today.

Thompson faces felony counts of sexual abuse and assault and a misdemeanor charge of forcible touching. In September, an Ulster County grand jury indicted him on charges of bringing the student to his home in New Paltz on April 19, 2005, and striking her repeatedly with a belt "in an unwanted sexual manner."

Consent is a key issue. Schreibman said the woman participated in the sexual act out of fear that Thompson would penalize her grades and that Thompson had exchanged grades for sexual favors before. Schreibman also said he might present evidence that Thompson had frequented strip clubs, and at least one time offered to pay a stripper to urinate on him.

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