During the week of January 21, a select number of Eastern Michigan University students were asked to participate in the first Survey on Campus Sexual Misconduct Culture in hopes of providing answers to the university administration on how to address such crimes. The survey, which is part of a national initiative to reduce sexual misconduct on college campuses, was designed and sponsored by EMU’s Title IX office and the Provost office, with an Wayne State’s Center of Urban Studies conducting the survey to keep the respondent information confidential.
While the selected students are allowed to refuse participation in the survey, the survey’s committee, headed by Professor Solange Simões, urges participation. Participation will allow for better understanding of the campus culture surrounding sexual misconduct, as well as allow for better initiatives and programs to combat the crimes. Also, the sample was selected to address concerns on diversity of experience and potential biases, thus representing the student body as closely as possible.
The survey is not meant to be answered only by those who have experienced sexual misconduct; rather, it was designed so that any student selected can respond as needed. All responses collected from the survey will be recorded and reported in aggregate, with no names attached to the data.
The process takes 25 to 35 minutes, and all participants who complete it will be sent a $10 gift card, with the opportunity to win one of fifteen $100 gift cards. For more information, visit https://www.emich.edu/climatesurvey/.
