To help guide decisions and policies regarding sexual assault in the campus community, Michigan State University is taking part in a climate survey that was sent to all students on April 6.
The survey, sponsored by MSU in collaboration with the Association of American Universities, is an important tool to assess current programs and gauge student opinion. It was sent to all students via their MSU mail accounts, and there will be a web link to the questions. Students will have three weeks to complete it.
“Sexual assault on college campuses remains a serious problem,” President Lou Anna K. Simon said. “I am asking for our students’ help as we continue to work diligently on creating a safe atmosphere free of such violence. To best combat this problem, we need the best information possible.”
Students will be asked about their knowledge and beliefs about social situations, perceptions related to sexual misconduct at MSU and their knowledge of available resources. This survey also asks about personal experiences with sexual misconduct, such as harassment, sexual assault and other forms of violence.
The results, which are confidential, will be used to better understand the climate at MSU, the extent of sexual assault and misconduct among students and the use of programs and services currently being offered.
Westat, a private research organization, is administering the survey and will be assisting in the analysis of the data. This survey should take most people about 20 minutes to complete. It may take up to 30 minutes for some individuals.
For more information, go to http://www.inclusion.msu.edu/FAQs.pdf or call (517) 353-3922.