Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is this project? What are the aims?
a. The Catalyzing a Data Infrastructure to Support LGBTQ Inclusion in STEMM project seeks to build the capacity of postsecondary institutions to effectively and ethically collect and use sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) data to close opportunity and achievement gaps for LGBTQ students and scholars.
b. The project seeks to better understand the current challenges and opportunities that higher education leaders face related to the collection and use of SOGI data; To identify federal and state legal opportunities and challenges to collecting and using SOGI data, and; To develop best practice guides for effective and ethical SOGI data collection and use.
2. How many questionnaires are part of this study?
a. There are two questionnaires: an inventory assessment and perception-based survey.
3. What issues do the questionnaires address?
a. The inventory assessment addresses how SOGI data collection and use at universities relates to undergraduate student and employee retention in STEM and other disciplines. The perception-based survey examines attitudes and possible challenges regarding SOGI data collection, management, and use among leaders at colleges and universities.
4. What is the difference between the inventory assessment and perception-based survey?
a. The primary purpose of the inventory assessment is to determine the role and context of sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) data collection, management, and use at colleges and universities. In particular, we are interested in how SOGI data collection relates to undergraduate student and employee retention in STEM and other disciplines. The inventory assessment will be completed by administrators on behalf of their institution.
b. The primary purpose of the perception-based survey is to examine perceptions regarding sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) data collection, management, and use among leaders at colleges and universities. The perception-based survey will be completed by administrators to individually provide their own perspectives.
5. Why have I been asked to complete the inventory assessment?
a. You have been invited to complete the inventory assessment because we believe you are best suited to respond on behalf of your institution. If needed, we encourage you to reach out to your colleagues to receive support in completing the inventory assessment.
6. Can I have colleagues at my institution help me complete the inventory assessment?
a. Yes, please consult with your colleagues to provide the most accurate information for your institution.
7. Why do you need names of administrators for the perception-based survey?
a. We are looking for recommended leaders at your institution with an important perspective on SOGI data collection, management, and use.
8. How will my institution benefit from completing these questionnaires?
a. All institutions participating in the inventory assessment will receive a detailed report overviewing national results from the inventory assessment. In addition, your institution will be entered into a drawing for a free consulting session with principal investigators from QTPiE: Queer and Trans People in Education. All respondents for the perception-based survey will be entered into a drawing for an invitation to attend an in-person convening with the American Association for the Advancement of Science concerning data infrastructures to support LGBTQ inclusion.
9. Can I complete the inventory assessment in pieces, or do I have to complete it all at once?
a. The inventory assessment can be started and completed at different times. Your answers will be saved between sessions.
10. Can you provide PDF copies of the questionnaires?
a. Yes, please email Dr. Jason C. Garvey to request PDF copies.
11. Who do I contact for questions regarding the two questionnaires?
a. Please email Dr. Jason C. Garvey with any additional questions.
12. How long does it take to complete the inventory assessment and perception-based survey?
a. The inventory assessment will take approximately 30 minutes and the perception-based survey will take approximately 10 minutes.
13. Are there incentives to complete the two questionnaires?
a. All institutions participating in the inventory assessment will receive a detailed report overviewing national results from the inventory assessment. In addition, your institution will be entered into a drawing for a free consulting session with principal investigators from QTPiE: Queer and Trans People in Education. Drs. Jason C. Garvey and Mario I. Suárez are national experts in policies and practices to support queer and trans people in education and will offer two-hour consulting sessions to five institutional recipients.
b. All respondents for the perception-based survey will be entered into a drawing for an invitation to attend an in-person convening with the American Association for the Advancement of Science concerning data infrastructures to support LGBTQ inclusion. Ten recipients will be randomly selected for this prize, including travel and lodging for the convening.
14. Are the questionnaires approved by an institutional review board?
a. Yes, they are approved by the Institutional Review Board at University of Vermont (UVM).