Site Access Policy

Writing Program Site Access Policy

Last updated: May 7, 2019

Because Writing Program courses are required for all undergraduates, we receive many requests to distribute information to students in class and to access student information. Those interested in accessing Writing Program courses for data collection or distribution of information are asked to adhere to the following guidelines.

 

Research and Recruitment of Research Participants

The Writing Program is a valuable site of inquiry and research, and the program supports research relevant to writing, writing development, and writing instruction. Students and faculty interested in conducting research that takes place within or recruits students through Writing Program courses (English 106, 101A, 101, 107, 102, 108, 109H, 306, and 591) must receive Writing Program site authorization prior to submitting an IRB application and beginning data collection. This policy does not apply to WRITING PROGRAM instructors OR ADMINISTRATORS carrying out research on their writing classes IN THE WRITING PROGRAM, unless site authorization is required for IRB approval.

 

Requests for Writing Program Site Authorization will be reviewed by the Director or one of the Associate Directors. Notification of approval, queries, or requested revisions will be given within 2-3 weeks of the request. Site authorization will consider the following:

  1. To what extent is the research disruptive to students or instructors or taking time out of class?

  2. How does the research benefit the Writing Program and/or its teachers and students?

  3. Is the research about writing (including writing development and instruction)?

 

Individuals requesting site authorization should complete the online request form. The form will ask for:

  • A 500-word (maximum) summary of the study that includes the following details:

    • The goal(s) of the research

    • How the research benefits the Writing Program (if at all)

    • The research participants (who and how many)

    • How participants will be recruited

    • How long recruitment will take, if it is during a WP class

    • Any compensation that will be offered to participants

  • A completed (but not submitted) F200 IRB application form.

 

Distribution of Institutional Information and Surveys

Individuals and offices or departments on campus occasionally seek to distribute information, including surveys or questionnaires, to students enrolled in Writing Program courses. Requests to distribute such information, including surveys carried out for institutional research, will be reviewed by the Director or one of the Associate Directors. Notification of approval, queries, or requested revisions will be given within 2-3 weeks of the request. Site authorization will consider the following:

  1. To what extent is the research disruptive to students or instructors or taking time out of class?

  2. How does the research benefit the Writing Program and/or its teachers and students?

  3. Is the research about writing (including writing development and instruction)?

 

Individuals requesting site authorization should complete the online request form. The form will ask for:

  • A short (250-word maximum) summary of the request that includes the following details:

    • The goal(s) of the project

    • How many class sections, teachers, and students will be affected

    • How much class time will be taken for this project

    • How the project benefits the Writing Program (if at all)

    • Who will have access to the collected data and for what purposes

 

Collection of Student Information

Individuals and offices or departments on campus occasionally seek to collect information on students enrolled in Writing Program courses. Requests to collect student information are subject to the guidelines of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA). Such requests be reviewed by the Director or one of the Associate Directors. Notification of approval, queries, or requested revisions will be given within 2-3 weeks of the request. Site or data authorization will be granted based on the following criteria:

  1. Does the request for student information adhere to FERPA?

  2. Does the request take time out of class? Is it disruptive to students or instructors?

  3. How does the collection of this information benefit the Writing Program and/or its teachers and students?

 

Individuals requesting site authorization should complete the online request form. The form will ask for:

  • A short (250-word maximum) summary of the request that includes the following details:

    • The goal(s) of the project

    • How many class sections, teachers, and students will be affected

    • How much class time (if any) will be taken for this project

    • What kind of student information will be accessed and how

    • Who will have access to the collected data and for what purposes (if applicable)

    • How the project adheres to the guidelines for privacy laid out by FERPA

    • How the project benefits the Writing Program (if at all)