AU Sexual Misconduct Climate Survey
In Massachusetts, all public and private institutions of higher education are required by law to conduct a sexual misconduct climate survey at least once every four (4) years. Assumption University will conduct its first-ever Title IX Sexual Misconduct Campus Climate Survey in spring 2025. Under the law, these climate surveys must gather—and make available a report outlining and analyzing the results—the following information:
- The number of incidents of sexual misconduct that occurred at the institution, both reported and unreported to campus officials;
- When and where incidents of sexual misconduct occurred (both on campus and at institutionally-sanctioned events, off-campus housing, etc.);
- Student awareness of institutional policies and procedures related to campus sexual misconduct;
- Whether the student reported the sexual misconduct to campus officials, and, if so, to which campus resource the report was made;
- Whether the student was informed of or referred to local, state, campus or other resources or survivor support services;
- Whether a student was provided with information about resources for protection from retaliation, access to school-based supportive measures, and civil justice and criminal justice remedies;
- Other contextual factors, such as whether the incident of sexual misconduct involved force, incapacitation, or coercion;
- Demographic information that may be used to identify at-risk groups; and
- Perceptions of campus safety among members of the campus community and confidence in the institution’s ability to protect against, prevent, and respond to incidents of sexual misconduct.
This anonymous survey will ask students about their experiences with or knowledge of incidents of sexual misconduct and their knowledge and perceptions of how the University responded to such reports of sexual misconduct. To ensure confidentiality and protect response information, an independent research firm—TNG Consulting—was contracted to administer the survey. Your participation and input is critical in helping the University assess, address, and prevent instances of sexual misconduct here at Assumption.
The survey will open on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 and close on Wednesday, April 30, 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Why should I take this survey?
We encourage all students to take this survey to provide information that can inform University policies designed to prevent sexual harassment and sexual assault. With a better understanding of students’ experiences and perceptions, the University can institute policies and procedures that prevent sexual harassment and sexual assault and provide enhanced support to community members who experience it. To do this, a high response rate is critical.
I have not experienced sexual harassment or sexual assault during my time as a student at Assumption University. Should I still take this survey?
Yes. This survey is for all students, regardless of your personal experiences.
Are my responses confidential?
Yes. Survey responses will be completely confidential. When you complete the survey, the connection with your name, email, and IP address will be permanently severed, so responses will not be connected to identifying information from that point forward. If you start the survey but do not complete it, the connection with your name, email, and IP address will be permanently severed at the end of the survey period.
Am I required to take this survey?
No. You do not have to participate in this survey, and if you do participate, you may skip any question you are not comfortable answering and you may exit the survey at any time.
What will Assumption do with the survey results?
The University will aggregate, analyze, and share the survey results in a way that protects the privacy of student respondents and use them to understand and respond to sexual misconduct. The University will share aggregated results with the Assumption community in the form of a report. These results will be used to understand the current climate regarding sexual harassment and sexual assault and to shape related policies.
Are there any incentives associated with completing this survey?
Yes. Five students will be randomly awarded a $20 bookstore gift card; three students will be awarded a $50 Grubhub gift card; one student will be awarded a diploma frame; one student will be awarded a VIP meal plan voucher for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Who can I reach out to on campus to discuss my experiences with sexual misconduct?
A list of the University’s resources—including Title IX, confidential and mandated reporters, and victim advocates, is available here.
I have questions about this survey and/or Title IX more broadly. Who can I contact?
You can contact the University’s Title IX Coordinator, Christina Graziano, at cm.graziano@assumption.edu or TitleIX@assumption.edu.