The 2015 Survey Academy Gender Relations Focus Group study is part of an assessment cycle at the Military Service Academies (MSAs) starting in 2005 that consists of alternating surveys and focus groups: the surveys provide valid statistical information about incidence rates and students’ perception on a host of issues; the focus groups provide deeper insights into the dynamics behind the numbers. USMMA, within the Department
of Transportation (DOT), is not required to participate in the assessments codified by U.S. Code 10. However, USMMA officials requested that they be included, beginning in 2012, to evaluate and improve their programs addressing sexual assault and sexual harassment. Themes provided in this report are qualitative in nature and cannot be generalized to the full population of USMMA students, faculty and staff. Themes should be considered as the attitudes and opinions of focus group participants only and not the opinions of all USMMA students, faculty and staff.