Miami Student Health Survey

Between February 28th and March 18th, 2020, almost 4,000 Miami students responded to the Miami Student Health Survey (MSHS), which is designed to provide insights into common challenges to student success so that the university can enhance services and support.

Data processing and analysis is ongoing, and the results will inform the work of many offices, including but not limited to: Office of Student Wellness; Student Counseling Service; Student Health; and Miami’s sexual and interpersonal violence prevention, education, and response efforts. All Oxford full-time undergraduates (N = 15,536) received an email invitation with a link to the online survey. Thanks to gracious faculty partners, some students completed the survey in class.

Preliminary Highlights

Sexual Misconduct

  • Since entering Miami, over 31% of women and about 15% of men report being a victim/survivor of some form of sexual misconduct on or away from campus (ranging from unwanted sexual contact to rape)
  • Victim/survivors report to campus authorities about 7% of the time, with the most common reason being that they “did not think that the incident was serious enough," with the next most common being "did not want any action taken," and "did not need any assistance." Of those giving a reason for not reporting, less than 6% indicated they "did not know how to contact" or report the incident.
  • Over 92% of respondents report being at least a “little” knowledgeable about where to make a report of sexual misconduct, and almost 94% report knowing where to get help if needed
  • Students (87%) indicate they have received training on the prevention of sexual misconduct, and almost 64% believe the training was at least "somewhat useful"
  • About 90% believe that Miami is at least "somewhat likely" to take seriously reports received about sexual assault

Alcohol Use

  • About 30% of students indicate that they are non-drinkers (abstain and/or have not had a drink in the last month)
  • About half of Miami students report that they “binged” on alcohol in the last 30 days
  • About 42% of those taking the survey report that they have attended Late Night Miami (alcohol-free) programming, and those attending rate the programs highly (4.0+ on a five-point scale)

Mental Health

  • 23.6% of respondents report that they have used Miami’s student counseling service
  • Almost all students (>95%) responding to the survey indicate that they at least "somewhat agree" that they would willingly accept someone as a friend who has received mental health treatment
  • Most students (~78%) report knowing where to go on campus for professional help for mental or emotional health
  • Although ~28% of respondents disagree that they feel a sense of belonging at Miami, most (88%) agree that they have a group of friends with whom they feel connected, accepted, and supported