The following are frequently asked questions about the IUP Survey of Community Attitudes about Sexual Violence:
The survey committee determined that the survey's goal should be to collect information that would be specific to IUP and that would allow officials to make decisions about programming and prevention efforts on campus. After assessing various survey models, including the MIT and Rutgers surveys, the committee decided to utilize MIT's survey as a template and customize the questions and workflow of the instrument to meet IUP's needs. The survey was also piloted by students to verify the language and question sequence made sense.
The survey is funded by the Grant and sponsored by the IUP Haven Project and the Social Equity and Title IX Office.
The survey collects information about students' experiences related to inappropriate sexual behaviors while attending IUP. These behaviors include non-consensual sexual contact (in many cases considered sexual assault), non-consensual sexual penetration (commonly called rape), intimate partner violence, stalking, and sexual harassment. The survey asks students about their knowledge of these issues, their awareness of related IUP policies and procedures, and their experiences (if applicable) with the student conduct system.
IUP is committed to creating and fostering a safe, healthy, and nondiscriminatory environment for students. Gathering student perspectives on their experiences related to sexual violence helps campus officials understand what currently works and what needs to be improved. Relating to this subject, improvement occurs when the university openly solicits candid and confidential feedback from all critical stakeholders—you, the students—and acts upon this feedback. This will improve understanding about how to prevent sexual violence and assist all students.
Some of the questions in the survey use explicit language—including anatomical names of male parts and specific behaviors—to ask about sexual situations. This language may be upsetting to some people. This approach to questions is consistent with national surveys on this topic and is designed to get the best possible data. Participants may skip any question they do not want to answer or stop participation at any time.
Yes. Your responses are important in assessing the overall climate.
Yes. You are part of the IUP campus community, and your responses are important in assessing the overall climate.
Yes. The purpose of the survey is to get candid feedback. Once submitted, your responses will be confidential. Data from the survey will be reported in the aggregate and not by individual responses. Students will not be asked to provide their names or identification within the survey.
Understanding the beliefs, attitudes, perceptions, and experiences of IUP students is vital to how the university functions. IUP needs to hear from students in order to address concerns and reinforce successes. Additionally, the more students who complete the survey, the more accurate the picture of the campus climate the survey will provide.
On April 12, 2022, students will receive an e-mail invitation to participate in the survey. Once students follow the survey link in the e-mail, they will directly enter the survey.
A student may take the survey at any time, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on any computer or mobile device. Internet access is required.
Because of a large table within the survey, the use of a computer is recommended over the use of a mobile device.
Yes. You can come back to the survey at any time before the close of the survey period. Simply follow the link in the original e-mail.
Contact Jessica Miller, Counseling Center and Haven Project, at J.E.Seacrist@iup.edu.
The results from the survey will provide IUP with climate, prevalence, and student perception information, allowing for benchmarking and planning. The survey data will be used to explore new ways to support student success and assist the university in fulfilling its mission. A summary of the survey results will be shared with the IUP community.
Once a student has completed the survey, they will be offered an opportunity to exit the survey and enter into a drawing for an Amazon gift card.
Is there someone I can contact with additional questions about the Survey of Community Attitudes about Sexual Violence?
Should any questions, concerns, or suggestions arise regarding the survey and/or the survey process, please contact Jessica Miller, Counseling Center and Haven Project, at J.E.Seacrist@iup.edu.
You can contact IUP's Counseling Center at 724-357-2621 or the Haven Project at 724-357-3947.
For 24-hour assistance, contact the Alice Paul House at 724-349-4444.
In addition, campus resources are provided on each page of the survey.