The University of Colorado is seeking feedback from its community on a revised Consensual Amorous Relationships Policy, previously known as the Conflict of Interest in Amorous Relationships Policy (APS 5015). Community members have until March 13, 2026, to submit their comments before the policy undergoes final review by campus chancellors and the university president. The proposed effective date for the new policy is July 1, 2026.
Valerie Simons, vice president of compliance and equity and system Title IX coordinator, led a group composed of staff and faculty representatives from various departments such as Equity Offices, Human Resources, Intercollegiate Athletics, and the Office of University Counsel. This group was tasked with reviewing and revising the policy at the request of CU President Todd Saliman.
Initial drafts were shared with campus stakeholder offices, university leadership, and student representatives. The review process has now moved to the system Office of Policy and Efficiency for broader engagement with students, faculty, staff, governance groups, and external stakeholders. Each campus will organize student focus groups to gather input before finalizing the policy.
According to those involved in drafting it, the revised policy aims to:
– Expand the definition of “evaluative authority” to address concerns about favoritism or conflicts of interest where power dynamics exist between individuals.
– Set clear rules regarding which consensual amorous relationships are prohibited and establish protocols for disclosing potential conflicts.
– Clarify distinctions between consensual relationships governed by this policy and cases involving harassment or coercion addressed under other university policies.
Feedback collected by March 13 will be reviewed by the Office of Policy and Efficiency before being presented to university leadership. After considering all input received from stakeholders across campuses, a finalized version will be submitted through the office of the president for approval.
Community members can access both additional information about the draft policy and a link to provide feedback at https://www.cu.edu/ope/forms/feedback. Input from students, faculty, staff, governance bodies, and other interested parties will inform any revisions made prior to its final consideration.
