The latest findings from the Cornell Survey of Sexual Assault and Related Misconduct indicate a concerning rise in the number of students reporting nonconsensual sexual contact. Conducted in accordance with New York state law, the survey highlights significant trends in sexual misconduct and harassment across Cornell”s campuses.
This year”s survey, administered to a random sample of 6,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students during the spring semester, revealed that 15% of respondents reported experiencing nonconsensual sexual contact since their enrollment at Cornell, an increase from 11% in 2023. However, the participation rate plummeted to 15% (926 respondents), a drastic decline of 60% compared to previous years (36% in 2023 and 38% in 2021).
“Sexual misconduct of any kind cannot and will not be tolerated in the Cornell community, and it is always concerning when we see these numbers rising,” stated Ryan Lombardi, vice president for student and campus life and co-chair of the Cornell Coalition on Sexual Violence Prevention. “I”m grateful to the students who shared their experiences through this survey so we may maintain our commitment to addressing the prevalence with care and urgency.”
The survey”s results revealed that 35% of undergraduate women reported experiencing nonconsensual sexual contact throughout their time at Cornell, a sharp increase from 23% in 2023. Additionally, nearly half of all respondents (49%) experienced sexual or gender-based harassment, an uptick from 45% in the previous survey. Reports of stalking behavior, which encompasses unwanted communications and physical presence, rose to 17% in 2025 from 13% in 2023.
Interestingly, the percentage of respondents identifying as transgender, gender nonconforming, questioning, or nonbinary increased to 6% in 2025 from 2% in 2021. Yet, the rate of nonconsensual sexual contact reported by these students has declined, from 19% in 2021 to 13% in 2023, and now stands at 11% in 2025.
Due to a significant number of respondents choosing not to answer key demographic questions or to provide details about the incidents of misconduct, researchers caution that the accuracy of the estimates of nonconsensual sexual behavior may not be as reliable as in past surveys. Consequently, officials recommend interpreting the 2025 data with heightened caution.
“When more students take the time to complete campus surveys in full, we gain a clearer understanding of how campus concerns, such as violence and related misconduct, affect our community,” explained Laura Weiss, program director of the Sexual Harassment and Assault – Response and Education (SHARE) Office. “Comprehensive data allows us to strengthen prevention efforts, guide meaningful change, and provide the right resources and care for those who have been impacted.”
The university continues to adapt survey questions to align with national reporting trends, using the results to refine its programs and support services. While each institution tailors its surveys to meet specific needs, Cornell”s findings are generally consistent with those from other campuses nationwide, according to university officials.
“Seeing these results strengthens our resolve to continue to adjust and adapt methods to address these issues and change our campus culture for the better,” Lombardi noted. “With the development and administration of sexual violence prevention programs and initiatives like the recently formed Presidential Task Force on Campus Sexual Assault, there are frameworks in place to support and unify efforts across campus.”
Despite an increase in awareness of available support services, including the SHARE office and the newly established Cornell Office of Civil Rights, many students reported that their negative experiences felt “not serious enough” to warrant reporting through official channels. Among those who indicated they had experienced nonconsensual sexual contact, only 23% sought help from a formal resource, which marks an improvement from 11% in 2023 but remains lower than desired.
“I encourage all students to become familiar with the resources here and with the work being done in the context of our sexual violence prevention initiatives,” Lombardi urged. “We are working across the Cornell community to cultivate a more supportive campus and promote healthy relationships, and to ensure we have clear, coordinated, and consistent responses to incidents and accountability for offenders.”
Cornell”s Sexual Violence Framework emphasizes encouraging bystanders to intervene and creating healthier social environments. The framework, along with support programs, educates the community and guides responses to sexual assault, including coordinated victim support and enforcement of university policies and applicable laws. Most of these resources are centralized on the SHARE website, which offers a comprehensive overview and quick access to educational materials, victim advocacy resources, emergency services, confidential support, healthcare, and reporting options.
As co-chairs of the Cornell Coalition on Sexual Violence Prevention, Lombardi and Christine Lovely, vice president and chief human resources officer, will continue to review the survey results to identify ways to enhance or expand Cornell”s existing education, intervention, and prevention strategies.
