For Parents & Family

Health Promotion

At DU, we work in collaboration with University partners to build and maintain a safe, gender-equitable environment for our community. We provide a number of programs to support the growth and ongoing education of students as they navigate topics like consent and healthy relationships.

  • Start the Conversation about Sexual Health & Interpersonal Violence

    We understand that it can seem overwhelming to engage in a "big talk" with your student around sensitive topics like sexual health and interpersonal violence. Conversations about consent and and healthy relationships don't need to be stand-alone topics—they can be part of the conversations you're already having. 

    Here are some general reminders to help support your conversations: 

    • Have conversations about relationships and sex as early and often as possible. This helps normalize the topics and could make it easier for your student to come to you when in need.  

    • When the topics of relationships and sex come up in the media, consider using those moments as opportunities to start your own conversations with your student. 

    • Ask open-ended questions. Closed questions (such as “yes or no” questions) restrict conversation and limit opportunities for reflection and expression. 

    • Stay open and non-judgmental. Disappointment, shame, and even too much detectable surprise can close your student off to conversation. 

    • Avoid making assumptions about what behaviors your students may or may not be engaging in. 

    • Ask before giving advice or talking too much from previous experience. 

    • Keep yourself up to date on what you feel your student should know, and consider making a list of resources should you or your student need additional information/support. 

    • Discuss the risks and how to maintain safety within relationships and sex, but also highlight the positives. 

    • Encourage and model boundaries and consent with your student. 

    • Emphasize the importance of mutual respect. 

     

  • Required First-Year Student Sexual Assault Prevention Education

    Every new student is required to complete the Discoveries Summer Experience, your online orientation program, in Canvas prior to arrival to campus. As a part of the Discoveries Summer Experience, students must complete the Sexual Assault Prevention for Undergraduates course by Friday, Aug. 30th 2024.

    In addition, to completing the online course, All incoming first-year and transfer undergraduate students are required to attend an active bystander intervention workshop called, "Intervene: DU." Students can sign up for a workshop on Crimson Connect!

  • Student Involvement

    Thrive Health Promotion is a department of the DU Health & Counseling Center (HCC) committed to supporting the campus community with education, engagement, and sociocultural change regarding health and well-being topics using upstream prevention and harm reductions strategies.

    Stay up to date with Thrive Health Promotion and check out our resources and upcoming events by following us on Instagram. 

  • Campus Resources

    If you know or have reason to believe your student has experienced interpersonal violence, DU's Center for Advocacy, Prevention, and Empowerment (CAPE) has resources for you. Visit their Supporting a Survivor page for more information, or download their helpful guide.

  • New Student and Family Programs

    For an overview of other programs from New Student & Family Programs, check out their website.