Penn is among 28 schools across the United States surveying students about sexual assault as part of a project sponsored by the Association of American Universities (AAU).

The confidential and anonymous survey is designed to provide data on campus sexual assault and sexual harassment, and to assess the campus climate in these areas. The survey results, which will be published in September, will help colleges and universities learn more about the campus climate and best practices of addressing the issue.

Each Penn undergraduate, graduate, and professional student received an email with an individualized, customized link to the survey that only the student can use. Weekly reminders are being sent to students to encourage them to complete the survey, which is expected to take no more than 30 minutes, by the Thursday, April 23 deadline. Faculty and staff who work closely with students are asked to encourage them to complete the survey.

Founded in 1900, the AAU is a group of 62 research universities in the United States and Canada. Penn President Amy Gutmann currently serves as chair of the Board of Directors.

The survey is being administered by Westat, an independent national research firm with extensive survey experience.