UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State will launch its fourth University-wide Sexual Misconduct Climate Survey to assess student perceptions, experiences, and awareness of campus resources related to sexual assault and harassment. The survey, conducted by the Coalition to Address Relationship and Sexual Violence (CARSV), will help guide the University’s ongoing efforts to prevent sexual misconduct and support those affected by it.
The survey will be open from March 31 to April 21, 2025.
Survey Distribution
A random sample of students at the Abington, Altoona, Berks, Erie, Harrisburg and University Park campuses will be invited to participate. At all other campuses, all degree-seeking students will receive an invitation. While Penn State encourages full participation and promotes the survey broadly, participation is voluntary.
All responses are anonymous, and participants' names cannot be linked to their answers unless consent is given. Students who complete the survey will be entered for a $50 Sheetz gift card.
Survey Purpose and Updates
The survey will ask students about their personal experiences, perceptions, knowledge of campus resources, and bystander behavior related to sexual misconduct. It aims to provide insight into key areas, such as:
- The prevalence of sexual misconduct on campus
- Student comfort in reporting incidents
- The role of alcohol in incidents of sexual misconduct
- Awareness and use of available support services
Since its last administration, Penn State has continued to refine the survey based on student, faculty, and staff feedback to ensure it captures meaningful and actionable data. The survey insights have led to the Relationship Violence Outreach, Intervention, and Community Education Center (R-VOICE) strengthening its efforts to support students affected by interpersonal violence by expanding outreach and updating educational materials. In 2023, R-VOICE took significant steps in growing their prevention education team by hiring a program coordinator focused on peer education and men’s engagement. This role enhances their ability to educate and engage more students in prevention efforts, fostering a safer and more informed campus community.
How the data will be used
Penn State is committed to using the survey findings to inform campus-wide initiatives addressing sexual misconduct. The University takes this data seriously and will use it to:
- Strengthen prevention programs and educational outreach
- Enhance support services for those impacted by sexual misconduct
- Ensure policies are responsive to student needs
Results from the 2025 survey will be released in Fall 2025, and Penn State will share key findings with the University community while respecting participant anonymity.
Background and additional information
The Sexual Misconduct Climate Survey was established as part of an ongoing initiative to address and prevent sexual misconduct across all Penn State campuses. The survey is conducted every three years and was previously administered in 2015, 2018 and 2022.
Penn State’s broader efforts to foster a safe, supportive and inclusive campus environment include:
- A comprehensive review of policies and procedures
- Increased training for employees
- Enhanced education and awareness programs for students and parents
- A bystander intervention program
- Increased resources for Title IX initiatives
For more information about the 2025 Sexual Misconduct Climate Survey, visit the survey website.
Individuals in need of resources related to sexual misconduct at Penn State are encouraged to visit titleIX.psu.edu.