IRB USE ONLY

FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY

Date Recd:
___________
Institutional Review Board for Protection of Human Subjects
IRB Study #:
___________
Category:
___________
DIRECTIONS: Complete items on this application according to instructions and definitions

Application for Research

Review

found in the corresponding instruction manual. All applications must be submitted via email
with signatures to IRB@ferris.edu. All investigator signatures must be included; typed
signatures are NOT acceptable.
All Investigators must have completed the appropriate CITI training modules. Attach your CITI
training certificate with your application.

PROJECT TITLE: Assessment of full-time faculty holistic advising vs. part-time faculty
holistic advising.

I. INVESTIGATOR INFORMATION
Principal Investigator/
Sandy Balkema, PhD
Project Faculty Advisor
Department & College
Dissertation Director DCCL Program; faculty, dept of Lang
& Lit, CAS
E-mail address
balkemas@ferris.edu
Telephone number
231-591-5631
Co-Investigator
Department & College
E-mail address
Telephone number
Student Researcher
Department & College
E-mail address
Telephone number
Check if this is:

Troy Boquette
DCCL Program
Troy.boquette@mcc.edu
989-598-2463
___ Masters Thesis __x_ Ed.D. or Ph.D. dissertation

Student Researcher
Department & College
E-mail address
Telephone number
Check if this is:

_____ Masters Thesis ____ Ed.D. or Ph.D. dissertation

Please list any additional investigators at the end of this application.

FSU IRB for human subjects research application 2

II. FUNDING
1. No Funding ______X_________________________________________
2. University Department or College: _______________________________
Fund (Deans Grant, Faculty Research Committee stipend, etc.) _______
3. External Agency or Fund (Specify) ________________________________
4. FSU Contracts and Grants app. # ______________________ if applicable
For funded research, a copy of the Grant Award (minus the budgetary information)
must be included. If the Grant has not been awarded at the time of IRB submission, a
statement must be added to the Abstract Section stating that an Addendum will be
submitted once the Grant has been awarded.
III. LEVEL OF REVIEW
Determination of review is made by the IRB. Investigators are encouraged to select a review
category.
1. Exempt: Please refer to the application instructions for additional information on
Exempt research.
_X_ My investigation is research in a Commonly Accepted Educational Setting. (1A)
__ My research uses an Anonymous Educational Test, Survey, or Interview. (1B or 1C)
__ My research collects data by Observation of Public Behavior without electronic
recording. (1D)
__ My research uses publicly available data and individuals will not be identified (1E) or
_X_ My research uses existing non-public data, records, or documents, individuals will not be
identified, and I have obtained permission from the following individual(s) or agency to
access the data: _Mott Community College._____. (1E)
__ My research is conducted by the approval of the Department of Health & Human Services
or is a taste & good quality food evaluation. (1F or 1G)
__ My research consists entirely of the components checked above.

2. Expedited Review: Specify category or categories: _______ __X__ (2A through 2I)
Please refer to the application instructions for additional information about the Expedited
Category.
3. Full Committee Review:
___ This proposal is submitted for FULL committee review.
4. Proposed start date for project: ___October 1st 2014_______________________
Please Note: You may not begin data collection without IRB approval.
The IRB meets once each month during the regular academic year. Limited reviews may be
expected between semesters, during final examination periods and university closures.
Researchers should submit a completed application to the IRB at least one month prior to
when they wish to collect data.

FSU IRB for human subjects research application 3

5. Has this proposal been reviewed or approved by any IRB at another institution?
____ No
university)

__X__ Yes (include one copy of IRB approval from that agency or

IRB approval in process at Mott Community College, Flint, MI.

IV. SUBJECT POPULATION
1. Special Target Populations:
Briefly describe the primary subject population. Who will be the primary participants?
Describe any exclusion criteria as well.
I am going to survey currently enrolled students at Mott Community College after they have
physically met with an Academic Advisor or Student Success Specialist/Academic Success
Specialist during the Winter enrollment first week. A survey will be deployed by email and
all subjects will have the opportunity to opt out at any time. I will exclude anyone that is
under 18 years old.
The study population may include (Check all that could apply):
*Use of special populations requires specific procedures to ensure rights & privacy
protections which must be described in the consent section.
* If data will be collected from public archives or other existing data records, please
indicate the subject population that you expect to be included in these records.
X pregnant women
neonates
X individuals with mental disabilities
minors/children
prisoners
X individuals with physical
human fetuses
non-English speakers disabilities
others whose life circumstances may interfere with their ability to freely consent to
participate in research
Data will be collected exclusively, from pre-existing records without direct contact with
human subjects (also complete item 4 below)
2. Estimated number of subjects (including controls) ___50 TO 200___________
3. Will this research be conducted with subjects who reside in another country or
live in a cultural context different from mainstream US society? __X__No ____Yes
If yes, will there be any corresponding complications in your ability to minimize risks to
subjects, maintain their confidentiality and/or assure their right to voluntary informed
consent as individuals? ____ No
____ Yes If yes, what are these
complications and how will you resolve them?

FSU IRB for human subjects research application 4

4. Subject Recruitment:
__X__ I will be using recruitment materials for my study and have attached copies
of these materials with this application (including script for verbal invitations, e-mail
invitations, flyers, advertisements, letters or other recruitment documentation).
SEE APPENDIX A.
____ I, the researcher, will not be recruiting subjects to participate in this study.
The research involves archival data from medical records.
The research involves archival data from school or educational records.

The research involves archival data from police or court records.

The research involves observation of public behavior, without electronic
recording.
The research involves collection of other public records or data without
identifying information of individual participants.
Specify: _______________________________________________
5. Prior association with one or more potential subjects.
____ I, the researcher, have no prior association or relationship with any prospective
subject.
__X__ I, the researcher, have a prior relationship with one or more prospective
subjects.
(Describe the relationship in sufficient detail to be evaluated for potential limitations on
freedom to decline participation or withdraw.)
I may have had contact with any one of the students because of my role at the college
as the Executive Dean of Student Services.
6. If someone will receive payment for recruiting the subjects, please explain the
amount of payment, who pays it and who receives it.
Will the research subjects be compensated? ____ No
__X__ Yes
(If yes, details concerning payment, including the amount and schedule of payments,
must be explained in the informed consent procedure.)
I will offer one gift card (random drawing) of $50.00 to students who complete the
survey.
7. Will the subjects incur additional financial costs as a result of their participation in
this study?
__X__ No
____ Yes. (If yes, include an explanation in the informed consent
procedure.)

FSU IRB for human subjects research application 5

V. RESEARCH PROCEDURE OUTLINE

1. Abstract: Please limit your response to 250 words.
This research study will evaluate the effectiveness of a new advising system developed
and implemented at Mott Community College over the past two years. Students are
currently randomly assigned to either a full-time advisor or a part-time faculty advisor. This
study will survey currently enrolled students, immediately following their contact with an
advisor, to identify the breadth of advising information, as well as the students perceptions
of the advising experience.
2. Procedure: Describe all activities to be used in collecting data from human subjects,
including specific activities that subjects will perform as part of the study, instruments used,
study location, duration of subject activities, etc. Copies of questionnaires, data collection
forms and other written materials to be provided to participants must be attached to the
application.
OVERVIEW OF THE RESEARCH: Approximately 2 years ago Mott Community College
hired 8 full-time faculty members (SSS/ACSS) to advise students. This was to
supplement the more than 40 part-time faculty members who were already advising
students. Recently, because of budget cuts, the part-time faculty members were cut to
15 hours per week. The research will indicate whether or not the move to full-time
faculty offers a more holistic approach to advising regarding career exploration, financial
planning, accurate program course registration, and life skills advice.
SUBJECTS: I am going to survey currently enrolled students at Mott Community College
after they have physically met with an Academic Advisor or Student Success
Specialist/Academic Success Specialist during the Winter enrollment first week. A
survey will be deployed by email and all subjects will have the opportunity to opt out at
any time. I will exclude anyone who is under 18 years old.
RECRUITMENT: Students check-in through a queuing system that records their personal
information before seeing an advisor or SSS/ACSS. The queuing database will filter the
students by the type of advisor each student saw and an email will be sent to them
asking them to participate in a survey. The students who complete the survey will be
entered in a drawing for a $50.00 gift card.
RESEARCH METHOD: The method to collect data will be a survey produced and
administered through SurveyMonkey. All data collected will be scrubbed of student
personal information for purposes of this research. If the students self select to be
entered into the $50 gift card drawing, they will provide their email address. This
contact information will be kept separate from any of the research data collected.
Survey is attached as APPENDIX B.
RESEARCH ANALYSIS: Analysis of the research data will be conducted using the IBM
SPSS software.

FSU IRB for human subjects research application 6

3. Benefits:
Describe any direct benefits to subjects, specifying direct and indirect benefits.
While there may be minimal benefit to the participants, their participation will identify
strengths and weaknesses in the advising system. This could help improve the
advising model in which they may benefit in the future.
Describe any benefits to the discipline/profession.
Since the full-time faculty model has been implemented at Mott Community College
there has been no research in its effectiveness or ineffectiveness. Community
Colleges and universities across the nation could benefit by seeing the results of this
comparison.
Describe any benefits to the community.
The entire MCC community can benefit from this study by seeing the results of the
research. Students may be better prepared by the holistic effectiveness or less
prepared by the ineffectiveness of this model. The broader community may benefit if
students are better prepared in terms of financial planning, career exploration,
accurate course registration, and life skills preparation.

4. Risks:
__X__ This research does NOT constitute risk to subjects beyond the minimal level.
____ This research constitutes risk that is beyond the minimal level.
Describe the risks, explain why you feel they exceed the minimal level and why
you believe the level of risk is warranted.
5. Protection of subjects' privacy: (Describe procedures for coding subjects identity;
secure storage of data including electronic questionnaires and e-mail, and other precautions
to ensure confidentiality or anonymity.)
To protect the subjects privacy, both the data and participant names will be kept confidential. By
using the Survey Monkey instrument, all links between the data and the individual respondents can be
easily obscured by recording procedures. For this study, only the aggregate data will be analyzed.
The original data files that contain the links between subjects and their individual responses will be
stored on a separate data flash drive and kept separate from all research information, stored in a
locked cabinet in the researchers home office. All of the raw materials related to this study will be
destroyed one year after the dissertation defense, following accepted practices for their secure
destruction.

_X___I certify that use of educational records complies with the Family Educational
Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), if applicable.
____ I certify that use of medical records complies with the Health Insurance
Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), if applicable.

FSU IRB for human subjects research application 7

6. Consent Procedures (all consent forms, study descriptions to participants, or other

consent procedures must be included)
____ Waiver of consent documentation. (Request to waive collection of participant
signature only).
____Waiver of consent elements. The IRB may waive or alter elements of consent
in some minimal risk studies/deception-research. If a waiver is requested, please
answer the following questions:

Why is this study considered to be minimal risk?

Why would explicit consent be impractical for this study?
Is the signed consent the only record linking subjects to research participation?
Does this research include any activity that would require consent in a nonresearch setting?

____ Parent/Guardian Permission and Assent. If enrolling children or persons of

diminished mental capacity, state how parents/guardians will provide permission,
whether the childs or other participants consent will also be obtained and if assent will
be written or oral. Provide a copy of the script or form to be used in attaining consent.
__X__ Informed Consent Procedure. Describe the consent process, including when
and how consent will be obtained, by who, how subjects will be informed of potential
risks and their right to withdraw, protection of privacy, contact information for research
questions and contact information for the IRB in case of complaints or concerns by
subjects. Copies of all forms should be attached in the same format that they will
be given to participants (Consent instructions are available on the IRB website).
See Appendix C for the Informed Consent information
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS
Each copy of the application must include the IRB application, the information required in
items above, and all relevant supporting documents including: consent forms, letters sent to
recruit participants, questionnaires completed by participants, and any other material that will
be presented, viewed or read to human subject participants.

Checklist: Reviews will not begin until the application is completed

_x_ Signed application form
_x_ CITI Training Modules Certificate of Completion (see Appendix D)
_x__ Consent form (or script for verbal consent) (See Appendix C)
_x__ Recruitment materials (advertisements, flyers and/or letters) (See Appendix A)
_x__ Questionnaires, surveys, interview questions to be completed by participants (See
Appendix B)
___ Stimulus Materials to be used with participants (Attach copies)
___One complete copy of the methods chapter of the research proposal (for
thesis/dissertations)

FSU IRB for human subjects research application 8

NUMBER OF COPIES: Please email one application including ALL investigator

signatures to: IRB@ferris.edu
Typed signatures are NOT acceptable. Applicants must either mail signatures to the
primary address below or scan and upload signatures into a PDF file and email them to
the IRB.
Contact Information:
Ms. Maureen McGonegal
Office of Academic Research
1201 S. State Street, CSS 310 H
Big Rapids, MI 49307
Phone: (231) 591-2553
Email: IRB@ferris.edu
Dr. Stephanie Thomson, Chair-Fall 2013
Ferris State University, Humanities Department
1009 Campus Drive, JOH 113
Big Rapids, MI 49307
(231) 591-3504
Email : IRB@ferris.edu

FSU IRB for human subjects research application 9

APPENDIX A- Recruitment email

Dear Student,
As you may know, Mott Community College recently made changes to the advising model
that we have traditionally employed at the college. You are receiving this email because you
recently visited the Academic Advising area at the college for services.
You are invited to complete a brief survey (4 questions) about your advising experience. Your
comments will help us to improve our services to you.
IF YOU COMPLETE THE SURVEY, YOU COULD WIN A $50.00 GIFT CARD TO THE
BOOKSTORE OR AMAZON.COM. At the conclusion of the survey, enter your email address
to be entered in the drawing.
Click on this link to begin the survey now: [URL here]
Thank you again for your assistance,
Troy Boquette
Executive Dean of Student Services
Mott Community College

FSU IRB for human subjects research application 10

APPENDIX B- SURVEY QUESTIONS

(The advising database will automatically separate students into A or B groups, based on
which type of advisor they talked with. Both groups will receive the same email request and
survey wording; however, the survey data will be gathered via two different SurveyMonkey
URLs.)
1. Which of the following topics did your advisor discuss with you?

My current / future career plans

My options for completing a degree or certificate
The process for transferring my Mott credits, if I decide to transfer
How to register for classes
Which classes I need to take this semester
Which classes I should take next semester
Ways to be more successful in college
Services that are available to me at Mott to help me succeed
Financial planning, financial aid, or ways to pay for college
Graduation information
I expected to discuss the following information that we did not talk about:
TEXT BOX here for responses

2. Please rate your satisfaction with the information you received about each of the following
(scale of 1-to-5, w/ NA option: Very Satisfied, Satisfied, Neutral, Dissatisfied, Extremely
Dissatisfied, Did not Discuss)

Degree and course options available at Mott

The registration process
How to succeed in my classes
The costs of attending college

3. On a scale of 1 to 5, please rate your agreement with the following statements (Strongly
Agree, Agree, Neutral, Disagree, Strongly Disagree)

The advisor was friendly and expressed interest in my educational plans.

The advisor had an excellent knowledge of Mott courses, programs, and services.
Following the advising session, I feel more comfortable about my educational plans.
The advisor seemed rushed or disinterested in my questions.
I would recommend this advisor to other students.
The advisor was unable to answer my questions about Mott programs and courses.
Overall, I was very satisfied with the advising session.
I feel confused about my future education plans.
I think if I saw a different advisor, I would have better information about my educational
plans.

FSU IRB for human subjects research application 11

4. If you have additional comments about the advising session, please feel free to add them
in the comment box below.
TEXT BOX here for responses

Thank you for your time in responding to this survey!

If you would like to be entered in the drawing for the $50 gift card, please click Next and
submit your email address where requested.

FSU IRB for human subjects research application 12

APPENDIX C Informed Consent Statement. This statement will be on the front page of the
online survey.
Thank you for agreeing to participate in this research study.
This survey is being conducted to gather information regarding the effectiveness of the
Academic Advisor/Student Success Specialist/Academic Success Specialist that you recently
visited.
By clicking Next, you are providing your consent to participate in a research project
conducted by Troy Boquette, Executive Dean of Student Services at Mott Community
College, for his doctoral research at Ferris State University and to improve services at MCC.
Please read the following statements before continuing:
I understand that my participation in this survey is voluntary. I may withdraw and
discontinue participation at any time.
I understand that I have ten (10) calendar days to complete this survey.
I understand that my responses are anonymous, that my name will not be connected
to any of the information, and that my confidentiality as a participant in this study will
remain secure.
I understand that faculty and administrators at MCC will not be informed of the
individual answers that I give on the survey nor will they have access to my
information regarding the survey.
I understand that this research study has been reviewed and approved by the
Institutional Review Board (IRB) at Ferris State University and Mott Community
College.
I understand that if I choose to add my email address to this survey that I will be
entered in the drawing for the $50 gift card to the bookstore or
Amazon.com.
I understand that if I am under the age of 18 years old, I must not participate in this
survey.
I have read and understand my rights regarding my involvement in this survey.

FSU IRB for human subjects research application 13

APPENDIX D CITI completion certificates for Boquette and Balkema

FSU IRB for human subjects research application 14

FSU IRB for human subjects research application 15