Overview
You are being asked to participate in a voluntary research study that is being conducted by the Education Justice Project (EJP) of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). The purpose of this study is to learn more about the experiences of formerly incarcerated people on our campus, whether as a student or staff member, or as a prospective student or staff member. Participating in this study will provide us information that can help us advocate for UIUC to become a more welcoming campus for individuals who have experienced incarceration. We plan to use what we learn to identify supports that would be useful to formerly incarcerated students at UIUC and to help us advocate for better campus policies overall. Thank you for being part of the process.
This online survey presents no more than minimal risk. Taking this study may evoke some sad or painful memories. You may stop taking the survey at any time.
Will my study-related information be kept confidential?
This survey is anonymous. If you do not provide your name, no one will be able to associate you with the answers that you provide below. However, please bear in mind that, even if you choose not to disclose your name, people who are familiar with your story may recognize you.
If you would like for us to know who you are, you can provide your contact information. That will allow us to follow up with an interview, if you wish to be interviewed, or simply to clarify any of your comments.
You also have the choice of having any comments of yours that we use in publications or presentations identified with your first name and last initial, if you wish.
If you provide your name or any identifying information, we will use all reasonable efforts to keep your personal information confidential, but we cannot guarantee absolute confidentiality. When required by law or university policy, identifying information may be seen or copied by: a) The Institutional Review Board that approves research studies; b) The Office for Protection of Research Subjects and other university departments that oversee human subjects research; and c) University and state auditors responsible for oversight of research.
Will I be reimbursed for any expenses or paid for my participation in this research?
You will not be offered payment for participating in this online survey. However, if you decide to participate in an interview or focus group, we will provide a $25 gift card. If the interview lasts longer than an hour, we will provide a $50 gift card.
If you would prefer to participate in a focus group or interview, please email ejpstudy@educationjustice.net or call 217-300-5150 for more information.
Can I withdraw or be removed from the study?
If you decide to participate, you are free to withdraw your consent and discontinue participation at any time. Your participation in this research is voluntary. Your decision whether or not to participate, or to withdraw after beginning participation, will not affect your current or future dealings with UIUC.
Will data collected from me be used for any other research?
Any information that you provide in this survey will not be used or distributed for future use, even if identifiers are removed.
What are my rights as a research subject?
If you have any questions about your rights as a research subject, including concerns, complaints, or to offer input, you may call the Office for the Protection of Research Subjects (OPRS) at 217-333-2670 or email OPRS at irb@illinois.edu. If you would like to complete a brief survey to provide OPRS feedback about your experiences as a research participant, please follow the link here: https://redcap.healthinstitute.illinois.edu/surveys/?s=47X9T4NE4X
You will have the option to provide feedback anonymously or you may provide your name and contact information for follow-up purposes.
Who should I contact if I have questions?
Contact the Principal Investigator, Rebecca Ginsburg, EJP Director, at 217-265-6737 or rginsbur@illinois.edu if you have any questions about this study or your part in it, or if you have concerns or complaints about the research.