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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.

When we think of consent, we often associate it with sexual activity, which is important. However, 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.

Click here to download a copy of the Wildcats Get Consent poster

A Wildcat's Perspective on Consent

Respect starts with everyday consent. Grace, a former PATH ambassador, shares how practicing consent is more than a one-time conversation—it's a part of building a truly respectful community.

CWU Instagram- Wildcats Get Consent
  • How is consent an everyday thing?

    “Everyday consent” is the practice of respecting other people’s boundaries, choices, and autonomy in our daily interactions, regardless of the context (e.g., sexual, medical, educational, workplace).

  • What are some examples of everyday consent?

    Some examples of everyday consent include:

    • Asking before giving someone a hug.
    • Checking if it's okay to sit next to or near someone.
    • Asking permission before posting a photo/video of someone on social media.
    • Requesting to borrow a friend's belongings before taking them.
    • Knocking before entering someone's room or office.
    • Asking before sharing someone else's personal information.
    • Respecting a person's decision when they say "no" or "not right now."
    • Checking in before discussing a sensitive or personal topic.
    • Asking if someone has time to talk before launching into a conversation.
    • Confirming that everyone is comfortable with a group activity or plan.
    • Asking before touching someone else's body (e.g., hair, back, arms)
    • Checking in before shutting a door or blocking the entry to a confined space.
    • Asking for permission to share feedback or advice when it is unsolicited.


     

  • 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 
  • What if they say "no"?

    Whether personally or professionally, here are some tips for managing rejection if you ask for consent and someone says "no" in response.

    1. Accept the "no" without getting defensive
      • "Understood."
      • "No problem."
      • "All good."
    2. Respond in a way that respects their boundary
      • "Thanks for letting me know you aren't comfortable with that."
      • "Do you mind if I ask some follow up questions?"
    3. Consider alternate activities or approaches
      • "Could we try it another way?"
      • "What if we did this instead?"
    4. Maintain your composure and be respectful
  • What if I want to talk more about it or ask questions?

    If someone says "no" and you experience rejection, you should always respond in a way that respects their boundary. This can include ASKING if they are willing to share more information.

    • "Thanks for letting me know you aren't comfortable with that."
    • "Do you mind if I ask some follow up questions?"

    Healthy communication is about offering information, perspective, or feelings, while respecting the other person's autonomy to make their own decisions. The goal is understanding, not persuasion. You should NOT attempt to pressure them into something or convince them to change their mind.

    This should feel or look like:

    • Inviting dialogue rather than seeking agreement.
    • Sharing perspectives without goals around getting the other person to see your perspective or agree.
    • Creating space for mutual understanding.
    • Exploring a topic together rather than advocating for a position.
    • Expressing needs, concerns, or feelings without pressuring a response.
    • Providing information so someone can make an informed decision for themselves.

Training and Resources

Want to learn more about how Wildcats Get Consent? Students and employees can utilize our Culture of Respect trainings and resources to strengthen their understanding of giving and getting consent, as well as building a culture of respect at Central.

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