MADISON, Wis. -- A survey of more than 13,000 University of Wisconsin System students and employees found a high rate of sexual assaults on and off campuses.

More than 280 people who took the voluntary survey at 13 two-year colleges and four universities -- Stevens Point, Oshkosh, La Crosse and Milwaukee -- reported being sexually assaulted. The majority of them say they didn't report their assault.

Consultant Sue Rankin, who was hired to conduct the survey, said the rate of sexual assault is alarming but not unique to Wisconsin. She said her research has shown similar rates on other campuses, particularly those with high levels of drinking.

Rankin said most of the assaults occur within the first six weeks of a female student's freshman year.

Regent Judith Crain, of Green Bay, said the number of assaults is "terribly disturbing."

Although UW-Madison wasn't one of the universities in the survey, sexual assault prevention advocates said they are still concerned.

Alexandra Cruickshank, of Promoting Awareness Victim Empowerment, said the number of victims could be much higher because so many sexual assaults go unreported.

"It's a big number. I think it's really disappointing," Cruickshank said. "Every once in a while, there's an outcry (about sexual assault), and nothing seems to be changing."

PAVE also said it's important to note that the victims aren't all women. The group said that paradigm needs to shift because men are also victims of sexual assault.