INFORMED CONSENT FORM

Exploring Student Experiences at Broward College

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

You are invited to be a participant in a research study about the experiences that students encounter at Broward College. You were selected as a possible participant because you are a current student at Broward College.

We ask that you read this document carefully and ask any questions you may have before agreeing to be in the study. In order to participate you must be at least 18 years of age.

The purpose of this study is to explore the academic experiences that students at Broward College face. Specifically, we are interested in exploring how a variety of factors, including campus climate and relationships with faculty, impact student success.

DURATION OF THE STUDY

Your participation will require one 20-30 minute session. This session will be conducted online and will involve filling out a set of surveys. 

PROCEDURES

If you agree to be in this study, we will ask you to complete a number of online surveys related to topics including campus climate, faculty-student interaction, faculty validation, sense of belonging, intent to persist, and utilization of campus resources. You will also be asked to provide basic demographic information.

RISKS/BENEFITS

The following risks may be associated with your participation in this study: You may experience mild distress when filling out some of the surveys, as they will ask you to report on your own habits and thoughts, but the stress should be minimal and no more than you would experience in your normal academic life.

The following benefits may be associated with your participation in this study: The surveys will provide you with the opportunity to reflect on your experience at Broward College. More generally, this study will be the foundation for future work aimed at promoting academic success for first-generation college students at BC.

CONFIDENTIALITY

The records of this study will be kept private. The only identifying information you will be asked to provide is your student ID number. The data will be stored electronically and will only be accessible to members of the research team.

In any report that is published or presented, we will not include any information that will make it possible to identify a participant. Research records will be retained for a period of at least 36 months after study completion.

RIGHT TO DECLINE OR WITHDRAW

Your participation in this study is voluntary.  You are free to participate in the study or withdraw your consent at any time during the study.  Your decision whether or not to participate will not affect your current or future relations with Broward College or any of its representatives.  If you decide to participate in this study, you are free to withdraw from the study at any time without any consequences or effect on those relationships.

CONTACT INFORMATION

The researcher(s) conducting this study are Dr. Nathalie Franco and Dr. Noelle Crooks. You may ask any questions you have right now.  If you have questions later, you may contact the researchers by email at nfranco1@broward.edu or ncrooks@broward.edu. Additionally, you may contact the researchers by phone at 954-201-6591 or at 954-201-6641.

If you have questions or concerns regarding this study and your rights as a research participant, you may contact Dr. Todd E. Bernhardt, Interim IRB Chair, Broward College, phone 954-201-2275, e- mail tbernhar@broward.edu.