The Association of American Universities (AAU) is planning a survey that will gather information this spring on sexual assault and misconduct and assess campus climate at 33 major research universities. The association estimates that 870,000 graduate, undergraduate, and professional students will complete the survey, making it the largest of its kind.
In 2015, the association administered the first Campus Climate Survey on Sexual Assault and Sexual Misconduct. The results provided data demonstrating that campus sexual and gender-based harassment and violence is a serious national issue. The new 2019 survey will follow up on the 2015 survey and offer campuses a mechanism with which to assess the impact of their efforts in sexual assault prevention and response over the past four years.
AAU President Mary Sue Coleman believes this survey will provide key information on how universities can handle these issues on their campuses. ” Our primary goal is student safety,” Coleman said. “As university leaders and as academics, we believe that one of our best courses of action to better address sexual assault and misconduct is with data.”
A leading social science research firm will conduct the survey. Responses will be kept anonymous. the association will release the results next fall.