Sexual Misconduct Survey 2021

In April 2021, the campus community was invited to respond to The Sexual Misconduct Survey. The survey results, along with the survey instrument, frequently asked questions, and an action plan can be viewed here: 

2021 SEXUAL MISCONDUCT SURVEY

We remain committed to confronting sexual and gender-based harassment and misconduct on our campus, and in order to address those behaviors and the climates that perpetuate them, we must better understand our own challenges.  Engaging in regular climate surveys is one way that we can capture this information while preserving anonymity.

This survey marks the third time since 2015 that Dartmouth has surveyed the student population on the prevalence and attitudes regarding sexual assault, sexual harassment, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. Consistent with previous surveys, our student response rate from 2021 was high at 43%. This year, we extended the survey to our faculty and staff for the first time and their response rate was similarly high at 46%. This level of engagement demonstrates that even in the midst of a pandemic, this work continues to be highly important to our community. 

Compared with past results, we see that incidents of harm overall have decreased within the student community, but remain high within certain populations.   A noted improvement is a significant increase in student awareness of Dartmouth resources that could advise and assist if they or someone they knew was harmed. That bright spot is tempered by the confidence that students have in those resources to take their report seriously.

To view past surveys please go to: 

2017 Survey

2015 Survey

What is this survey?

The Sexual Misconduct Survey, or SMS, is a climate survey sent to all faculty, students, and staff to understand the prevalence of sexual and gender-based misconduct on our campus.  There are also questions about your knowledge of campus resources.

Is this new?  I don't remember doing this before.

The SMS was previously completed in 2015 and 2017, but only went to students.  This year, faculty and staff will be invited for the first time.  Moving forward, we will run this survey every other year.

Why should I complete the survey?

It's important to understand the experiences that the Dartmouth community has had with sexual and gender-based misconduct, even if they have chosen not to report to the Title IX Office.  The survey results will inform the practices of the Title IX Office, the Sexual Violence Prevention Project, and a number of other areas of campus committed to reducing sexual and gender-based harassment and violence.

What if I haven't experienced any sexual or gender-based misconduct?  Should I still fill it out?

Absolutely.  The more people within our community who complete the survey, the more accurate the results will be.

Is this really confidential?

Yes.  Nothing that you disclose in the survey will be attributed to your DartID in any way.  Your responses are voluntary and confidential. Responses will analyzed and reported in aggregate.

What happens to the information collected?

The data will be shared in aggregate with the community.  Please see the 2015 and 2017 reports linked above.

Does responding to the survey mean that I am making a report to the Title IX Office?

No.  Disclosures made in the survey are not considered reports to the Title IX Office. If you wish to meet with the Title IX Office to make a report or discuss your options, please email titleix@dartmouth.edu for an appointment.

How long will the survey take?

It should only take about 15 minutes of your time.

What's this I hear about an Amazon code?

Graduate and undergraduate students who complete the survey will receive a $10 Amazon gift code as appreciation for your time.

Will hourly employees be compensated for the time spent on the survey?

Yes.  Employees can take the survey at work and will be compensated for their time.

I don't have a computer.  Can I take the survey on my phone?

Yes.  The survey can be accessed on a mobile device.

Do I have to take this survey?

It is voluntary, but we hope you will consider the importance of sharing your experience with our office.  The best climate surveys have a wide variety of respondents with different experiences, so we hope you will take part!