The University of Alberta must improve the support it offers sexual assault victims, says Steven Dew, provost and vice-president (academic).

"We want a safe, secure and supportive environment for faculty, staff and students," Dew said Monday following the release of a report aimed at improving the campus's response to sexual assault.

The Sexual Violence Review Group, set up in November 2014, examined the activities, supports and services the U of A provides to prevent, educate about and respond to sexual assault.

"The thing that this report clarifies for us is the need to believe and support the survivors and worry a little bit less about making sure we are going straight to a disciplinary process," Dew said.

It's also important the university's investigation of sexual assault reports is effective and timely, "so that we are not leaving people dangling for a resolution for extended periods of time," he said.

Current policies are not well co-ordinated, he said.

People on campus must know what supports exist in case of a sexual assault and there needs to be clear communication lines following a report, Dew said.

"There exist robust protections for any student accused of sexual assault under the Code of Student Behaviour," the report said. "While the robust protections for accused students are crucial and will be maintained, they must be balanced with support for the survivors."

Image | campus sexual assault

Caption: Some studies have suggested one in five female undergrads will face some sort of sexual assault while at university or college. (CBC)

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The report identifies 46 recommendations and is seen as a first step in capturing a full picture of the university's response when a sexual assault is reported.

Many of the recommendations will be implemented this year, Dew said. The university will strike a task force to look at how to implement the more complex recommendations.

The report said one of the first priorities is the creation of a stand-alone sexual assault policy and a set of procedures to clearly outline expected behaviour, practices and standards for the university community.

The report includes a table indicating 13 sexual assaults occurred on campus in 2013, and seven in 2014.

Since sexual assault is typically under-reported, the document states it should be assumed that formal reports represent a small proportion of actual incidents.

"This is a big problem, a problem that will take decades to solve completely because it's really about changing society," Dew said. "We can start with the campus here and what we're able to influence."