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). The university has set a deadline of March 13 for comments before the policy is reviewed by campus chancellors and the president. If approved, the policy will take effect on July 1, 2026.
Valerie Simons, vice president of compliance and equity and system Title IX coordinator, led a group comprising staff and faculty from Equity Offices, Human Resources, Intercollegiate Athletics, and the Office of University Counsel to review and update the policy at the request of CU President Todd Saliman.
The working group shared early drafts with stakeholder offices across campuses as well as university leadership and student representatives. The review process now continues through the system Office of Policy and Efficiency to ensure engagement with students, faculty, staff, campus governance groups, and external stakeholders. Each campus plans to host student focus groups for further input before finalizing the policy.
The updated policy aims to broaden the definition of “evaluative authority” to address concerns about favoritism or conflicts of interest when there are power dynamics between individuals—especially those involving students. It also sets clear rules regarding consensual relationships that may pose conflicts of interest and explains how these differ from relationships involving harassment or coercion covered under other university policies.
Feedback can be submitted via a form linked on the draft policy page (https://www.cu.edu/ope/forms/feedback), where more information about the proposed changes is available. Input collected will help shape revisions prior to final approval by university leadership.
“Feedback is requested by March 13 so that the Office of Policy and Efficiency may share it with leadership and the systemwide working group. Once all feedback is received, the policy will be finalized through the Office of the President and campus leadership.”
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