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Why is Boston College conducting a Sexual Misconduct Climate Survey?

• The Sexual Misconduct Climate Survey is designed to measure our campus climate regarding sexual harassment and sexual violence (sexual assault, intimate partner violence, and stalking).Ìý
• Our University is dedicated to fostering a caring community. Every member of the Boston College community has a right to an education free from discrimination, and Boston College is committed to ensuring that all students have the opportunity to fully benefit from the school’s programs and activities. This qualitative and quantitative research effort will allow us to better understand the experiences of our community. Gathering data about our student’s experiences, as well as our community’s perception(s) and knowledge around these issues will better inform our efforts to end sexual harassment and violence at Boston College.
• The Sexual Misconduct Climate Survey complies with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts 2021 Campus Sexual Assault Law (chapter 337 of the Acts of 2020), which is specifically focused on campus responses to sexual violence.
  

What happens as a part of the Assessment?

• In December 2024, we developed the survey and submitted for IRB proposal.Ìý
• In February 2025, we will administer the campus-wide survey.Ìý
• This Spring and Summer, we will conduct data analysis and begin to develop the report.
• Results will be presented in the Fall of 2025.
  

How are the questions developed?

• Boston College’s survey instrument was developed by the Administrator-Researcher Campus Climate Collaborative (ARC3), comprised of leading researchers in sexual harassment and violence, Title IX administrators, and student affairs professionals.ÌýAdditionally, the survey instrument used by Boston College has been modified to ensure compliance with the requirements outlined in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Task Force guidance. The ARC3 Survey was developed in response to the White House Task Force to Protect Students from Sexual Assault.
• A committee of administrators from Boston College is working to ensure the survey fully represents our campus and our community. The results will help Boston College better understand the campus climate related to sexual misconduct, which is essential to maintaining a safe environment.
• The survey questions gather a comprehensive picture of a campus climate about sexual violence issues.Ìý

Will everyone receive an invitation to participate?

• The survey will be administered to all students at Boston College. Climate exists in micro-climates, so creating opportunities to maximize participation is important as well as maximizing opportunities to reach minority populations. This includes undergraduates, graduate students, as well as students who are also employees.

What is the response rate goal?

• The target participants in the survey are all students at Boston College. Every response matters and is valuable in providing the most beneficial feedback and results.

What will be included in the final summary reports?

• The consultant, Rankin Climate, will provide a final executive summary and a comprehensive data visualization dashboard.Ìý
• Per the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Taskforce guidelines, a summary of findings will be published and shared with our community.

What will be done with the data?

• The purpose of conducting the survey is to assess student’s campus climate regarding sexual hara