The University of Hawaii’s first “Student Climate Survey on Sexual Harassment and Gender-based Violence” was conducted last January and February — several months before the #MeToo movement exploded. So, it’s possible that if the survey went out today, participation and responses pertaining to awareness would be higher.

Still, the results released on Monday serve as an excellent opportunity to continue a much-needed conversation. It’s also encouraging that the online survey, which is slated to be administered every two years, establishes a baseline to student perceptions.

The discussion at the flagship campus was set in motion four years ago, when the U.S. Department of Education listed UH-Manoa among 55 colleges under investigation for possible federal law (Title IX) violation tied to handling of sexual assault complaints. Culpability is unclear as the investigation is still underway. However, the UH has stepped up efforts to comply with Title IX, which requires schools that receive federal funds to not discriminate on the basis of gender.

While sexual harassment and sexual violence are not mentioned in the 45-year-old Civil Rights-era legislation, it’s understood — with backing from court rulings and Education Department directives — that the federal law requires schools to address both matters.

At UH-Manoa, a stand-alone Title IX office that receives on-campus complaints was established about three years ago. Among other strides: an updated policy that includes an affirmative consent standard; increased training for first responders, faculty, staff, administrators and students; and work with domestic violence service providers.

That slightly more than 6,300 students (about 14 percent of the 10-campus system’s enrollment) took time to complete the 125-question student climate survey indicates that the problem is of front-and-center importance. Among the findings:

>> About 9 percent of respondents say they have been sexually harassed, and 6 percent experienced unwanted sexual contact on or off campus.

>> About 19 percent of those with “partnered relationships” had experienced intimate-partner abuse, including efforts to control their activities or social life and threats of harm.

Jennifer Rose, director of the systemwide Office of Institutional Equity, said the survey defined sexual harassment and sexual assault as a “range of behaviors that are nonconsensual or unwanted,” from remarks about physical appearance to “threats of force to get someone to engage in sexual behavior.” The survey should spur further discussion about how students define of those terms.

Given the recent #MeToo scrutiny, it’s almost a relief that 58 percent of respondents felt there was “little/no problem” with sexual assault or harassment at the university. More than 90 percent indicated that they had not experienced sexual harassment.

However, it’s particularly deplorable that of the nearly 1 in 10 students who did experience sexual harassment, 34 percent identified a faculty member or staff as the offender.

Graduate students were twice as likely as undergrads to point to such offenders. And for grad teaching assistants and researchers, the problem can be compounded by a workplace power dynamic in which faculty or staff hold sway over academic and career trajectories. In this area, the UH must work hard to weed out offenders and hold them accountable.

The university must also continue to build a climate in which every victim feels OK about an reporting an offense — only 1 in 6 who experienced nonconsensual sexual contact, sexual harassment, stalking or dating violence said they contacted UH officials or resources. It’s heartening, though, that among whose who did seek help, 96 percent of those who reported being sexually harassed found the campus response to be “very” or “extremely” useful.

At the core of these ongoing UH and #MeToo conversations is the issue of respect. Let’s hope this survey helps the university system further its efforts toward achieving and maintaining safe and respectful campus environments that are free from sex discrimination and gender-based violence.