Healthy Sexuality and Relationships
A healthy and fulfilling sex life is an important aspect of our mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Recognizing that promoting positive ways to engage with sex and relationships is also primary violence prevention, we hope to empower students to engage with sex and relationships in ways that affirm their identity, fulfill their individual desires, practice active consent, and are physically and emotionally safe.
Individual Desires
Understanding your own needs can help you create fulfilling sexual and romantic experiences. Consider reflecting on:
- Past experiences—what felt supportive or uncomfortable?
- What you want or expect from a partner.
- What excites you or makes you anxious about intimacy.
There are no “right” answers. Communicating your needs supports connection and clarity. Confidential resources are available if you are experiencing shame, anxiety, identity exploration, or healing from past harm.
Active Consent
Consent is more than policy—it is part of every healthy relationship. Active consent centers mutual care, clarity, and shared enjoyment.
- Consent can be verbal or nonverbal. Talk about desires and expectations and stay attentive to body language.
- Silence is not consent. A lack of resistance, hesitation, uncertainty, or discomfort is never an invitation to proceed. Enthusiasm matters.
- Consent is ongoing. It’s not a one-time question. Even in a long-term relationship or ongoing situationship, consent is something partners check in about throughout an interaction.
- Consent can change. Anyone can change their mind at any time. A “yes” earlier does not mean a “yes” later.
- Practice everyday consent: Practicing consent in daily interactions (like asking before hugging) reinforces mutual respect and supports healthy sexual culture.
- Substance use matters: If someone is intoxicated to a point where they cannot clearly communicate or understand what’s happening, they cannot consent. When in doubt, wait.
Healthy Relationships
Relationships can take many forms. What makes them healthy is that they are mutually respectful, collaborative, and safe.
- Mutual respect. Partners honor each other’s autonomy and individuality. Power and control are never used to manipulate or coerce.
- Communication is collaborative. Partners talk openly about needs, expectations, boundaries, and concerns. Both people feel heard and valued.
- Boundaries. Communicating and maintaining boundaries supports connection without losing one’s sense of self.
- Independence is encouraged. Partners support each other’s friendships, interests, and autonomy. Time apart is healthy and strengthens connection.
- Safety feels steady: You do not have to second-guess your emotional or physical safety. You feel respected, supported, and comfortable being yourself.
- Consent Castle: Just like designing a building, relationships grow through ongoing conversations about needs, expectations, and intimacy—even after the foundation is set.
Dating and Healthy Relationship Resources
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Last updated: 11/06/2025