Consent Form

INTRODUCTION

You are invited to be a participant in a research study about Drew University's campus climate survey for diversity. The survey is being sent to all students, faculty, staff and administrators. We ask that you read this document and ask any questions you may have before agreeing to be in the study. The study is being conducted by Carlos Yordan, Special Assistant to the Provost on Diversity and Associate Professor of Political Science, and it is funded by a generous grant of the Jesse duPont Ball Fund. The Diversity Survey Task Force, established in October 2009, has closely worked with Dr. Yordan to design this survey instrument.

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study is to evaluate Drew University's campus climate for diversity. Climate is a broad term used to describe the set of attitudes, behaviors and values that define a community. This survey assesses the attitudes of students, staff, faculty and administrators regarding diversity-related issues and it appraises individual's opinions regarding Drew University's ability to create a climate that promotes inclusion, equity and respect for difference.

DURATION

The length of time you will be involved with this study is around 25 minutes.

PROCEDURES

If you agree to be in this study, we will ask you to do the following things: To reflect on your personal experiences at Drew University and complete a questionnaire that includes a series of questions dealing with diversity-related issues. If you do not feel like it, you do not have to answer all the questions.

RISKS/BENEFITS

This study has the following risks: Some of the questions may be personal and might cause some discomfort. You may stop taking the survey if you find any question disturbing or you may skip that question. Please contact the Center for Counseling and Psychological Services at x3398 if your participation raises issues that you would like to discuss with a professional..

The benefits of participation are: Your participation will help us assess Drew University's current climate for diversity and it will enable us to consider ways to enhance the learning, residential, and working environment.

CONFIDENTIALITY

The researcher has taken all reasonable measures to protect your identity and responses. For example, the data is SSL encrypted, it is stored on a password protected database, and IP addresses are not collected. However, e-mail and the internet are not 100% secure, so it is also suggested that you clear the computer's cache and browser history to protect your privacy after completing the survey.

Results will only be presented in an aggregated form and respondent identities will not be revealed in any publication or presentation of this survey's results. Access to the survey's responses will be tightly restricted to Carlos Yordan and members of the Diversity Survey Task Force. Copies of the survey's aggregate responses will reside in the Provost's Office.

VOLUNTARY NATURE OF THE STUDY

Your decision whether or not to participate will not affect your current or future relations with Drew University. If you decide to participate in this study, you are free to withdraw from the study at any time without affecting those relationships and without penalty.

CONTACTS AND QUESTIONS

At the conclusion of the study you will find a debriefing form, explaining the goals of the research and its methods.

The researcher conducting this study is Carlos Yordan. If you have questions, you may contact the researcher at x3365 or via e-mail: cyordan@drew.edu. You can also contact the members of the Diversity Survey Task Force:

Sarah Ashley, Instructional Technology Specialist, x3244
Marc Boglioli, Assistant Professor of Anthropology, x3363
Melanie Johnson-DeBaufre, Associate Professor of New Testament and Early Christianity, x3823
Frank Merckx, Associate Dean of Campus Life and Student Affairs, x3391

If you have questions or concerns regarding this study and would like to speak with someone other than the researcher, you may contact the Institutional Review Board chair, Jessica Lakin, at x3263 or via e-mail: jlakin@drew.edu.