For Parents & Family
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 through the Health & Counseling Center (HCC) to support the growth and ongoing education of students as they navigate topics like consent, healthy relationships, and boundaries.
For an overview of our programs, visit the New Student & Family Programs website.
Starting the Conversation
We understand that it can seem overwhelming to engage in a "big talk" with your student around sensitive topics like gender-based violence. Conversations about consent, healthy relationships, and boundaries don't need to be stand-alone topics—they can be part of the conversations you're already having about how to take care of friends, things they see in media, and ways to stay safe.
It is important to start a dialogue with your student about topics like healthy relationships, consent, and safety as they navigate their college experience. Whether they are a new student or preparing for a study abroad experience, these conversations create an opportunity for you and your student to learn and grow together. This resource from RAINN provides tips on where to begin.
If you know or have reason to believe your student has experienced sexual trauma, 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.
Training Requirements
You may have heard about some of our program requirements for first-year students. We believe that ongoing education and engaging with peers are some of the most effective ways to help students develop the skills to navigate challenging situations.
How Your Student Can Get Involved
Learning doesn't end when students walk out of a classroom. We provide the DU community with programs to continue their engagement and build the culture of care we value in our community. We also support students through peer education and involvement organizations.