The University of Pennsylvania is among 28 schools across the United States that will survey its students about sexual misconduct as part of a project sponsored by the Association of American Universities.

The confidential and anonymous survey is designed to provide data on campus sexual assault and sexual harassment and to assess campus climate in these areas.

The survey results, which will be published this fall, will help colleges and universities learn more about the campus climate and best practices in addressing the issue.

Each Penn undergraduate, graduate and professional student will receive an email with a unique link to the survey.  All students will be encouraged to complete the survey, which will be available between April 2 and 23 and is expected to take 20 to 30 minutes.

Founded in 1900, the AAU is a group of 62 universities in the U.S. and Canada. Penn President Amy Gutmann currently serves as chair of the Board of Directors.

The survey is being administered by Westat, an independent national research firm with extensive survey experience.