Reports of sexual misconduct went up 33 percent at the University of Michigan from July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015, according to the university's annual report on student sexual misconduct.
Under the umbrella of the 172 reports of sexual misconduct, there were 97 reports of sexual assault, 43 reports of sexual harassment, 17 reports of stalking and seven reports of retaliation. Fifteen reports fell into the "other" category. There was an increase in all reports except stalking, which remained the same from the previous year.
"We believe that one reason for the increase in reported incidents is a reflection of extensive education efforts and increased awareness of sexual misconduct matters, including what constitutes sexual misconduct and how to report concerns," the university said in the report released by the Office for Institutional Equity (OIE).
According to the university, a sexual misconduct report can be made "by a person who experienced sexual misconduct, who witnessed it, who heard about it, or who otherwise has knowledge of possible sexual misconduct."
The OIE followed up on all 172 reports. Twenty-nine cases were investigated, 66 were sent to the review panel and 79 cases were addressed by the university in some other way.
Seventy-eight of the reported incidents were determined that they did not fall under the university's policy for sexual misconduct.
Of the 66 cases reviewed, nine involved the complainant not wanting an investigation, 55 were closed, one was closed after the complainant's request and another was investigated.
Of the 29 cases investigated, nearly 50 percent, or 16 cases, involved claims of sexual assault with penetration, nine were claims of sexual assault with no penetration, five were sexual harassment claims and three were stalking claims.
After investigating, the university found 10 cases violated the policy, 17 did not violate it and two were pending as of Oct. 1, 2015.
The sanctions for those who committed the alleged sexual misconduct range from permanent separation from the university to temporary separation and disciplinary probation.
Three people at the university were permanently banned after the investigation, two were temporarily separated and four received disciplinary probation.
You can read the entire report below.
University of Michigan annual report on student sexual misconduct
