Consent all the time.
What is the consent campaign?
The Consent all the time. campaign is an educational initiative led by the Wellness Center and the OIE Outreach and Prevention Program that aims to educate the UCCS campus community about consent. Consent is essential because it respects individual choices and helps build trust in relationships. It requires a clear and voluntary agreement between everyone before any action takes place, whether that be in-person or online.
When consent is absent, individuals may feel unsafe or disrespected, leading to harm. By understanding and practicing consent, we promote open communication, mutual respect, and personal empowerment. Ongoing consent education further increases awareness and reinforces its importance across all areas of life.
What is Consent?
Consent is an affirmative agreement that is clear, knowing, and voluntary. Consent must include words or actions that create mutually understandable and clear permission, conveying acceptance of the conditions and willingness to engage in the activity.
When having conversations about consent, it is important to use clear, specific language or actions rather than silence or making assumptions about what each person might be comfortable with. This includes face-to-face conversations, physical touch, touching with objects, and communicating electronically. Electronic consent applies to photos, videos, tags, screenshots, location sharing, collaborations, livestreams, private messages, AI use, and reposting content.
Consent is NOT:
- Based on what anyone is wearing
- Assumed based on previous interactions (“We’ve done this before, so it’s probably okay to do it again”)
- Possible if a person is passed out, asleep, or so drunk or high they can’t walk straight or speak clearly
- Assumed if a person is not saying anything at all, not actively participating, or seems to just be going with the flow but not excited about it
- Able to be given by someone under 18 (or otherwise stated in the law)
Peer to Peer Consent Education
PEAK Peer Health Educators at UCCS provide evidence-based, peer-led education on a variety of health topics such as healthy relationships and consent to support student wellbeing. Through interactive tabling and workshops, campus events, and outreach, they empower students to make informed health choices and foster a culture of wellness in our community.
Ways to Communicate Consent
Verbal Communication
Asking for Consent
“Would it be okay to try this?”
“Do you want to keep going?”
“What are you comfortable with?
Giving Consent
- “Yes, I want to.”
- “I’m comfortable with that.”
- “I agree.”
Setting Boundaries
- “I’m not comfortable with that.”
- “I only want to go this far.”
- “I need a break.”
Electronic Communication
Asking for Consent
- “Can I share this conversation?”
- “Are you okay if I show this to someone?”
- “Can I save this, or do you want me to delete it after?”
Giving Consent
- “I consent, but only if I can review it first.”
- "You can take a screenshot."
- “I'm okay with being recorded or photographed.”
Setting Boundaries
- “I’m not comfortable with anything being shared or stored.”
- “I don’t consent to this being posted anywhere.”
- “Do not send, upload, or generate anything involving me.”
Social Media Communication
Asking for Consent
- “Are you okay with me posting this?”
- “Do you want me to tag you or keep you anonymous?”
- “Are you comfortable with this being public?”
Giving Consent
- “Yes, you can post it.”
- “I’m okay with it, just don’t tag my location.”
- “You can share it, but please crop me out of the picture.”
Setting Boundaries
- “I’ve changed my mind, can you take that down?”
- “I’m no longer comfortable with that post.”
- “Please remove the tag.”
Nonverbal Communication
Asking for Consent
- Reach out but don’t touch, and wait for them to meet you where you’re at
- Start doing to yourself what you want your partner/s to do
Giving Consent
- Lean in the rest of the way and smile
- Nod your head up and down for “yes”
Setting Boundaries
- Shake your head side to side for “no”
- Pull away
- Make a call or answer a text
Resources
On campus, the Wellness Center is a confidential resource for students that offers physical and mental health resources, along with other wellness resources. For more information, visit Wellness Center Operations | Gallogly Recreation and Wellness Center.
TESSA is a confidential community resource here in Colorado Springs that provides support to survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. For more information, you can visit their website at TESSA of Colorado Springs | Building a Community Without Domestic or Sexual Violence.
For additional campus and community resources, visit OIE's Resources page here: Resources | Office of Institutional Equity.
Reporting to UCCS
There are several on-campus options for reporting incidents of sexual assault and domestic/dating violence.