Understanding the art of dating has often been regarded as an innate talent. However, college students likely require more guidance on romance, dating and consent than initially apparent. In the Netherlands, 11% of female students and 1% male students experience rape during their studies (Amnesty International, 2021). In Canada, 71% of students witnessed or experienced unwanted sexual behaviour in a post secondary setting in 2019, and most women 86% and men 80% said that the perpetrators were fellow students (Statistics Canada, 2019). In the UK, almost two thirds 62% of students and graduates have experienced sexual violence at UK universities (Revolt Sexual Assault & The Student Room, “Students’ Experience of Sexual Assault”, 2018). Since starting university in Australia, one in twenty (4.5%) students had been sexually assaulted; one in six had experienced sexual harassment (NSSS National Report – Universities Australia, 2021). From July the 1st 2024, the Netherlands will become the seventeenth country out of 31 European states to recognize that sex without consent is rape, removing the requirement that rape must involve physical force, threat or coercion (Amnesty International, 2024)––this opens a new era for consent education.  

Universities worldwide rely primarily on sexual consent workshops and campaigns. It would be more beneficial if an approach can involve a wider audience while still encourages active learning. Moreover, CUE’s research findings indicate that the current sexual consent education is approached from Western cultural values, proposing a culture-informed communication skill set that places emphasis on open and verbal communication in sex and romance. Despite its effectiveness in raising awareness, the current model falls short in addressing the complexities of real-life situations in multicultural societies, leaving out the experiences and communication habits of many individuals and rendering its practicality questionable. 

Sexual consent education needs to now go beyond mere formalities and political gestures, striving to also equip students with practical knowledge and essential interpersonal skills in dating and consent. By fostering such an approach, students can better navigate complex dynamics confidently, nurturing a culture of mutual understanding and empowerment. 

Through the introduction of an e-learning solution, CUE seeks to help institutions achieve several goals. Institutions can expand outreach to a substantial student population with a more manageable cost structure. Additionally, the implementation of this digital solution enables transparent identification of persisting critical issues. Data-driven insights and reports offer valuable opportunities for institutions to better understand their student population, facilitating informed planning for the future. With real-time data analytics, institutions can continually assess the effectiveness of their interventions, allowing for timely adjustments and the implementation of targeted strategies to create a safer and more conducive learning environment for all. 

From a student’s perspective, traditional workshops often demand a significant commitment to attend, acting as a potential barrier for many. Furthermore, discussions related to sexual topics may not always be comfortable for students in a group setting, even if the workshop is well-designed. While champions excel in raising awareness, it’s crucial to recognize that this is often where their impact ends. For students, a private, personal, enjoyable, and interactive sex education experience can provide substantial benefits. Such an approach can create a more conducive and engaging environment for learning about these critical topics, ultimately empowering students to make informed choices.

The value of knowledge lies in its alignment with reality, and in today’s context, reality is shaped by globalization. Regarding content innovation, our pioneering e-learning solution represents the world’s first attempt to integrate two bodies of academic and professional knowledge: Sexual Consent and Intercultural Communication. The goal and reason for such an innovation is to adeptly address the requirements of contemporary student demographics, which are characterized by multiculturalism and recent immigration. We also provide students with guidance as they navigate through college cultures, sex cultures, alcohol and drug cultures, and possibly the cultural nuances of a new country or region. Our firm belief is that young adults can confidently exercise their sexual autonomy with increased freedom and safety after using our e-learning materials. Through mini-games and exercises, they can practice communication skills for navigating complex real-life situations, paramount for informed decision-making and healthy interpersonal relationships.