Consent Awareness Week emphasizes the importance of everyday respect

Consent isn’t just a checkbox — it’s about respect.  

This fall, the University of Calgary is sparking conversations about how daily practices of consent can strengthen trust and create a community of care. 

Consent Awareness Week, running Sept. 15 to 19, is a campaign launched in 2022 by High School Too and Possibly Seeds to promote education and dialogue around consent. The initiative received provincial recognition in August 2024, when Alberta’s then Minister of Advanced Education, Rajan Sawhney, formally declared the week. The week was established because post-secondary students are most vulnerable to sexual harassment and violence within the first six weeks of the academic year.  

Conversations around consent are particularly important at the start of the school year, says Paula Russel, BA’12, BSW’23, interim manager of Sexual Gender Based Violence (SGBV) Prevention and Response with UCalgary’s SGBV Prevention and Support Office. 

Practising consent in all types of relationships  

“Really, at the heart of it, consent is a voluntary agreement to something,” says Russel. “This is something that takes place in all of our relationships, whether they be sexual, whether they aren't sexual.” 

Russel emphasizes consent should not be confined to intimacy alone. 

“Consent goes beyond the bedroom; it is something we practice every day,” says Russel. “Consent is the cornerstone of all healthy relationships.” 

Working closely with Russel is SGBV support adviser Alanna Nazarko, BComm’03, BA’03, BSW’23, who emphasizes how important this week is for the campus community.  

“Having a week of events dedicated to consent awareness highlights that UCalgary centres the importance of consent in all relationships with friends, family, classmates, romantic or otherwise,” says Nazarko. 

“The SGBV Prevention and Support Office values consent all year, and this week provides us with the opportunity to spotlight that respect and choice belong in every interaction.” 

UCalgary events turn spotlight on important issue 

The university is hosting a number of events during Consent Awareness Week, hosted by the SGBV Prevention and Support Office: 

Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Support Office Open House

Sept. 15, 1 – 4 p.m., MacEwan Student Centre (MSC 488) 

The space will be open for all members of the campus community to drop in, ask questions and connect with staff. Learn more about the supports offered such as confidential help, options for both formal and informal reporting, and assistance for those who choose not to report. Visitors are welcome to leave a message of support for those who have experienced sexual and gender-based violence.  

Consent and Boundary Basics 

Sept. 16, 10 – 11 a.m., Virtual via Zoom 

Join a workshop focused on navigating consent, boundaries and relationships. Participants will explore the foundations of consent, learn strategies for communicating boundaries and gain tools for responding to rejection. This session is designed for everyone because consent is something practised every day.   

EmpowerU: Self-Defence for Everyone 

Sept. 17, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m., Kinesiology Complex 

Established in 2014 by Rachel Piazza, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brown belt and adjunct professor of Women's and Gender Studies at New Jersey City University. This trauma-informed, research-based program redefines safety and confidence. The workshop invites participants to explore boundary setting, assertive communication and self-trust in a supportive environment.  

Consent Tea Party 

Sept. 19, 1 – 4 p.m., Life Design Hub (MSC 171) 

The Consent Tea Party uses the viral “Consent Tea” video as inspiration to spark peer-led dialogue about consent. Through interactive activity stations, participants explore how consent shapes everyday interactions while building skills for healthy, respectful relationships. 

Learn more about the events