Date of Award

4-2003

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Department

Sociology

First Advisor

Dr. Zoann Snyder

Second Advisor

Dr. Susan Carringella-MacDonald

Third Advisor

Dr. Charles Crawford

Access Setting

Masters Thesis-Open Access

Abstract

A college or university is not a place where crime is expected. Crime was not recognized as a discrete campus problem until recently. Information on this topic is limited and difficult to obtain. The purpose of my research is to measure the amount of crime on the campus of Western Michigan University (WMU). My research is focused on the crimes of rape, sexual assault and theft. The victims I study are students and resident hall assistants. My research method includes a self-report survey from a sample of 300 students and resident hall assistants enrolled at WMU.

I provide statistics from WMU Department of Public Safety Annual Security Report and compare them with my finding. This study revisits empirical research from Mary Koss and Robin Warshaw on sexual assault and concludes that sexual assault on the campus of WMU is much more prevalent than suggested in official statistics. I also examine crime prevention strategies on the campus of WMU. This research will provide students with information regarding campus crime rates and crime prevention strategies that may ultimately help prevent crime.

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