The Association of American Universities released its Campus Climate Survey results this week. The results are upsetting: 13% of all respondents from Washington University indicated that they had experienced “penetration or sexual touching involving physical force, inability to consent or stop what was happening, or attempted penetration using physical force while attending the university,” compared to 10.9% who indicated the same in 2015. 27% of undergraduate women reported experiencing such events.

Before this survey, we knew that sexual assault was a problem on campus. Through the brave work of students around campus, particularly organizations like Title Mine, these issues have been brought to light over the course of the last few years.

This survey provides a chance to revisit the measures that the University has promised to put in place over the last few years and whether they will be effective. This coming Thursday evening, the University will be holding a listening session so that students can respond to the results of the survey. We commend the University for allowing for responses so swiftly. However, we also recommend that the University holds an additional listening session at a later date. Not much time was given between the announcement of the listening session and the session itself. Holding another session would give more students the chance to give their feedback on what the survey means.

At the session on Thursday, we would like the University to address what changes it has made in response to Title Mine’s concerns. The University promised to make multiple improvements to its Title IX processes, including increasing staffing, hiring a full-time investigator and creating a Title IX advisory committee. Most of these promises have been upheld and implemented so far, showing a commitment on the part of the University to fix the existing problems. Updates on how each of these measures is being implemented should be given at the event to address the concerns brought up by the survey.

Unfortunately, it is difficult to determine exactly how bad Wash. U.’s sexual assault problem is because of the low response rate on campus. There was only a 16.4 percent response rate to the survey. This is down from 22.5 percent in 2015. The University sent out multiple emails reminding students to fill out the survey, only for less than a fifth of students to complete it. These results are disappointing, as surveys such as this are imperative for growth and change on the Wash. U. campus. As a student body, our support should be known in more forms than one, and participating in surveys such as this is one way to show that support. Though the results are already extremely concerning, without more participation we will never know the true severity of the problem.

We understand that completing surveys like the Campus Climate Survey can be daunting, time-consuming and generally a lot to process. However, in order to create the best atmosphere for all students on campus, it is imperative that students take the time to fill out these surveys. The response rate to the Campus Climate Survey does not reflect the Washington University community’s enthusiasm for improving this institution. The Student Life Editorial Board encourages all students to participate in such opportunities when they arise, as they provide the chance to make our voices heard.

The next opportunity for students to engage their community is happening now. Student Financial Services has sent out their Student Expense Survey. The survey can provide the University insight into the costs of being a student and give them better information about how to assist students. We encourage all students to fill out this survey.