The 2021 Academy Climate and Networking Study (ACNS)–United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) Executive Report describes the statistical and study methodology employed on the 2021 ACNS and provides topline findings for the USMMA. The Office of People Analytics (OPA), in conjunction with the Department of Defense's (DoD) Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office (SAPRO), conducted the 2021 ACNS to provide actionable insights to inform prevention efforts at the Academies through a mixed-methods approach comprising an online survey and virtual focus groups. Results are designed to equip the Academies to continue to enhance and refine their prevention efforts in three ways. First, these findings will allow the Academies to better identify students who are likely to be highly influential in order to leverage these students in prevention efforts. Next, these findings highlight norms on campus that can contribute to risk of violence and harm; targeting these norms is a promising intervention avenue. Finally, these findings highlight ways to engage students that are more likely to be effective.
The 2021 ACNS used a mixed-methods approach, employing both a web-based survey and virtually administered focus groups. The survey fielded online from February 22, 2021, to March 15, 2021; the focus groups were conducted virtually from April 2, 2021, through April 9, 2021. The Health and Resilience (H&R) Research Division of OPA has been conducting congressionally mandated gender relations surveys and focus groups since 2005; USMMA, within the Department of Transportation (DOT), is not required to participate in the assessments. However, USMMA officials requested that they be included, beginning in 2012, to evaluate and improve their programs addressing sexual assault and sexual harassment.