The Sexual Misconduct Campus Climate Survey is being conducted by Benedictine University. The purpose of the study is to provide information about the behaviors and perceptions that current students have related to Benedictine University. You will be asked to complete a questionnaire concerning: relationships, sexual experiences, experiences with dating violence, and perceptions about safety at Benedictine University during the last 12 months. The questionnaire should take approximately 15-20 minutes to complete. All of the information provided in the questionnaire will be anonymous.
If you complete the entire questionnaire, you will have the opportunity to register for a raffle drawing to win spirit wear from the Campus Store and gift cards.
Illinois law (110 ILCS 155/35) requires Benedictine University to conduct the Sexual Misconduct Campus Climate Survey annually; however, your participation is voluntary and may be withdrawn at any time without penalty or prejudice. If you have any additional questions concerning this survey or you wish to report an instance of sexual or gender-based harassment, dating or domestic violence, sexual assault/violence, or stalking, you may contact Dr. Elaine Davies, Title IX Coordinator, [email protected] or 630-829-6495. You can find Dr. Davies in Kindlon 310. You are not required to answer any questions in the survey and you can choose to skip a question or select a “prefer not to respond” option.
Potential risks and/or discomforts you could experience during this study include upsetting or distressing thoughts or feelings when answering questions related to sexual assault victimization and potential traumatic life events. If you feel upset during or after the study, you can contact Shirin Ahmed, Licensed Professional Counselor at [email protected] or call 630-829-1800. The Counseling Center office is located in the lower level of the Krasa Student Center, room 010. In addition, if you feel these topics will cause a trigger of a past negative situation, do not take the survey. The survey is not meant to cause anyone significant distress.
The Sexual Misconduct Campus Climate Survey is an important tool Benedictine University uses for understanding and addressing sexual harassment and sexual misconduct on campus. Student participation in the survey will help us to be more aware of the issues we need to address, and will help us craft the tools needed to address them. Your responses will be combined with those of other students and reported in summary form only.
FAQ
How long does the survey take?
The survey takes about 15-20 minutes to complete. You can choose to skip or not answer any question, and you may stop your participation at any time.
Can I take the survey from my smartphone or other mobile device?
Yes, the survey is optimized for smaller screens. Click the link in your Benedictine email to start the survey.
If I am interrupted while take the survey, will my answers be saved?
Yes, as long as you do not completely close out of the survey. If you completely close out, only responses entered prior to where you closed out will be saved.
Can I reenter the survey to continue if I had to close out before finishing?
No, once you close out of the survey you cannot reenter the survey
Who created the survey questions?
The survey questions were created by the Illinois State Task Force and were provided to all institutions of higher education within Illinois. All institutions are required to administer the survey to students exactly how it appears with the exception of a few modifiable questions.
Is the survey required and am I allowed to skip a question?
Participation is voluntary and you can skip any question or answer prefer not to respond.
What demographic information is collected in the survey?
Questions about our age, gender identity, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, citizenship, and if you have a disability. Other questions are related to your University experience such as year you enrolled, participation in student organizations, living situation and whether you are an online student. Again, your participation is completely voluntary and you may skip any questions.
What types of questions are on the survey?
You will be asked to complete questions concerning: relationships, sexual experiences, experiences with dating violence, and perceptions about safety at Benedictine University during the last 12 months.
If the survey questions make me feel uncomfortable, what should I do?
Potential risks and/or discomforts you could experience during this study include upsetting or distressing thoughts or feelings when answering questions related to sexual assault victimization and potential traumatic life events. If you feel upset during or after the study, you can contact the Counseling Center office at 630-829-1800. They are located in the lower level of the Krasa Student Center, room 010. In addition, if you feel these topics will cause a trigger of a past negative situation, do not take the survey. The survey is not meant to cause anyone significant distress.
Is the survey anonymous?
Yes, your responses to the questions will remain anonymous.
Will my professors or university leadership be able to see my responses?
No, the survey data does not contain any personally identifiable information; thus, we will not know which questions were answered and by whom.
How will be data be used?
Data will be collected and analyzed by the Emergency Preparedness Manager, assisted by the Title IX Coordinator. A complied report will be published on the Title IX webpage in aggregate only. This aggregate data will be sent to the Illinois Board of Higher Education per state law. Upon completion of the survey, you will be redirected to a Formstack form to enter your name, ID, email and phone number for the incentive drawing. No information related to the survey will be known or connected to this drawing form.
Can my responses be used in a sexual misconduct or Title IX investigation?
No, we will not know who completed the survey. The state law prohibits an institution from using or attempting to use any information collected through this survey to identify or contact any individual student on campus, nor shall the results of the survey be used as the basis for any type of investigation or disciplinary or legal proceeding. If you have any additional questions concerning this survey or you wish to report an instance of sexual or gender-based harassment, dating or domestic violence, sexual assault/violence, or stalking, you may contact Dr. Elaine Davies, Title IX Coordinator, [email protected] or 630-829-6495. You can find Dr. Davies in Kindlon 310.
Where will the results be published?
A summary of the aggregate results will be submitted to the Illinois Board of Higher Education for publication comparing other institutions. Also, campus results are required to be published on our website.
How often will the survey be administered?
Per state law, the survey will be administered annually during the spring semester and results will be published by July 1 each year.
What is the purpose of the survey?
The purpose of the study is to provide information about the behaviors and perceptions that current students have related to Benedictine University. This survey is an important tool Benedictine University uses for understanding and addressing sexual harassment and sexual misconduct on campus. Student participation in the survey will help us to be more aware of the issues we need to address, and will help us craft the tools needed to address them.
When does the survey open/close?
The survey will open to students February 24 and close on April 11.
Who do I contact if I have questions about the survey?
If you would like to schedule an appointment to speak with someone about the Sexual Misconduct Campus Climate Survey, please email [email protected].
To report an instance of sexual or gender harassment, dating or domestic violence, sexual assault/violence, or stalking, please email us directly at [email protected] or contact the Benedictine University Title IX Coordinator, Dr. Elaine Davies at (630) 829-6495, or use the Title IX Report Form.
Please note, if you disclose that you experienced a sexual misconduct in your email, via phone, or through the Title IX Report Form, we are obligated to report this to the Title IX Coordinator.
Confidential Resources Benedictine University is proud to partner with several outstanding local organizations who offer confidential support. Please visit this link to discover the variety of ways, the Title IX Team works with local entities to assist survivors of gender-based violence.
Drawing Rules
Eligibility
The prize drawing is open only to students enrolled at Benedictine University and have a valid ben.edu email address.
How to participate in the drawing
No purchase is necessary to enter or to win this drawing. Only those that submit a completed survey will be eligible to win. Only one entry per person will be entered into the prize drawing. Survey must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. April 11, 2025. All eligible entries have an equal opportunity to win.
Prizes
Prizes consist to Amazon gift cards and spirit wear from the Campus Store.
Winner selection
The week following the close of the survey (April 11), prize winners will be selected in a random drawing from all eligible entries received. Each winner will be contacted via email and/or phone.
Acceptance of rules
Your entry for a prize drawing constitutes your acceptance and agreement of the rules.
Policy Against Sex-Based Discrimination, Harassment, Sexual Assault and Misconduct, Other Forms of Sexual Violence, Dating and Domestic Violence and Stalking
Federal and state laws prohibit discrimination in education. This policy addresses the University’s responsibilities under Title IX and the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013, Illinois Preventing Sexual Violence in Higher Education Act (110 ILCS 115/1), and other applicable state and federal laws. Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex (gender) in educational programs and activities and programs that receive federal assistance. Similarly, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 section 304 requires that universities have procedures in place to respond to matters of sexual assault, relationship (dating) violence and stalking. In administering its affairs, the Benedictine University does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, military or veteran status, marital status, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. The laws applicable to Benedictine University include constitutional and statutory protections of the University’s rights as a religiously sponsored institution.
This policy establishes procedures for reporting and responding to incidents of sexual misconduct; and sets forth available resources to individuals reporting sexual misconduct; and for individuals accused or responding to allegations of sexual misconduct.
Report: Any person may report sex discrimination or sexual harassment (including sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking) in person, by mail, by telephone, or by electronic mail, using the contact information listed for the Title IX Coordinator, or by the University’s Title IX Report Form; or by any other means that results in the Title IX Coordinator receiving the person’s verbal or written report. Such a report may be made at any time (including during non-business hours) by using the telephone number or electronic mail address, or by mail to the office of the Title IX Coordinator, or by accessing the University’s Title IX Report Form.
Title IX Training: Benedictine University’s Title IX Coordinator is participating in the Association of Title IX Administrators training.
To report to the Title IX Coordinator, or to file a Formal Complaint, contact:
Elaine Davies, Benedictine University Title IX Coordinator, (630) 829-6495, [email protected]
For the Lisle Campus – Office for Civil Rights, Chicago Office, U.S. Department of Education, John C. Kluczynski, Federal Building, 230 S. Dearborn Street, 37th Floor, Chicago, IL 60604, Telephone: (312) 730-1560, Fax: (312) 730-1576, Email: [email protected]
For the Mesa Campus – Office for Civil Rights, Denver Office, U.S. Department of Education, Cesar E. Chavez, Memorial Building, 1244 Speer Boulevard, Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204-3582, Telephone: (303) 844-5695, Fax: (303) 844-4303, Email: [email protected]
