A photo of Barge hall at sunset, taken from the the air and looking down on the building.

Culture of Respect

Wildcats Get Consent

Regardless of the type of interaction, always ask for permission and respect the answer given.

Understanding Consent

Consent is about relating to other people through clear and kind communication. Seeking out consent is one way you can treat other Wildcats how they want to be treated, the Crimson Rule, and how to apply it to many situations in your everyday life.

When we think of consent, we often associate it with sexual activity, which is important. Consent also extends beyond that and encompasses a wide range of behaviors. Negotiating consent is a part of most of our daily interactions. It involves making independent choices about one's body, life, and future, regardless of the context (e.g., sexual, medical, educational, workplace). Fundamentally, consent is about respect in any relationship or social exchange. For Wildcats to feel valued as they "Create Their Future" at Central, consensual interactions are crucial

  • What are some examples of everyday consent?

    Some examples of everyday consent include asking if it is okay to:

    • Take a photo or video of someone

    • Touch someone's body (e.g., hair, back, arms)

    • Sit next to or with someone

    • Shut a door to a confined space

    • Hug someone

    • Give unsolicited feedback or advice

  • What are the elements of consent?

    You can remember the elements of consent by remembering the acronym, WildCATS.

    (C)ommunication 

    • Can be verbal or non-verbal 
    • Clearly expresses what each person is agreeing to 

    (A)greement 

    • All parties must understand what they are consenting to

    • What is agreed to may change throughout the experience or relationship

    (T)ake Away 

    • Consent can be taken away or changed at any time

    • It's always reversible or revocable

    (S)traightforward 

    • No assumptions or ambiguity 
    • No one should feel pressured, forced, or convinced to agree 

For more information about student and employee expectations around sexual consent, visit the Civil Rights Compliance website. For more information on consent education and confidential resources for students who have experienced non-consensual interactions, visit the PATH website.

CWU News

Kim Dawson and her family at a football game

CWU executive assistant found her calling in higher education

August 31, 2026 by

CWU Professor Nik Caolie signs his contract extension

Wenatchee symphony extends CWU professor’s contract through 2035

August 31, 2026 by

More News