Iowa State is one of 33 institutions participating in a national survey led by the Association of American Universities (AAU). All students are being asked to complete the survey on campus sexual assault and sexual misconduct.
The survey is being conducted through March 31 and should take about 20 minutes to complete. Students received a March 1 email from "2019 Campus Climate Survey" with a unique link to the online survey. More information, including a resource guide (PDF) and FAQ, are available on the campus climate website.
Survey responses are confidential. Results will gauge the campus climate at ISU, including personal experiences and available programs and services. A report, expected next fall, will be used to improve prevention and response procedures related to sexual assault and misconduct.
"My hope is that faculty and staff become informed about the AAU survey. We anticipate they may encounter students who have questions," said Margo Foreman, assistant vice president for diversity and inclusion and equal opportunity. "Faculty and staff can help by encouraging students to participate."
Results lead to change
Iowa State was one of 27 AAU institutions that participated in the 2015 national survey. More than 5,200 ISU students completed the voluntary survey. Overall and school-specific results were compiled by the Westat research firm and shared in public reports.
In 2017, the AAU released an activities report that outlined institutional policies and programs developed to prevent and respond to campus sexual assault and misconduct. At Iowa State, that included annual Title IX training for students, faculty and staff, and the launch of the Green Dot violence prevention program -- both largely in response to the 2015 survey results. ISU also implemented changes to the sexual misconduct policy in 2018 and additional resources for sexual assault response.
"We will gain comparative data that will reveal how students' perceptions have changed over time and show where we need to concentrate our efforts and resources in the future," Foreman said. "This also will allow us to compare our results to those of other universities."
Related story
- University shares results of AAU survey, Sept. 24, 2015
