NORC at the University of Chicago is conducting this research study. NORC is a non-profit corporation affiliated with the University of Chicago that conducts survey research in the public interest for government agencies, educational institutions, private foundations, non-profit organizations, and private corporations. 

Overall, the risks primarily revolve around psychological discomfort, social consequences, and confidentiality concerns. These risks are not trivial given the polarized environment surrounding current issues in academia, but they are manageable with proper protections in place.

• Psychological Risks: Faculty members participating in the survey may experience discomfort or stress when answering questions that require them to reflect on or take a position regarding current issues in higher education. These issues may be personally or politically charged, and participants may fear how their responses could be interpreted or used.
• Social Risks: Although the survey is anonymized, there remains a risk that participants may feel their responses could be identifiable, leading to concerns about how their colleagues or institutions might react if their views became known. This could create anxiety about potential social repercussions or professional consequences.
• Legal Risks: While unlikely, there is a small chance that data collected during the survey could be subpoenaed or otherwise used in legal proceedings, especially if current issues become involved in litigation at participants’ institutions. This could expose participants to legal scrutiny based on their views or responses.
• Confidentiality Risks: There is a risk that survey responses could be compromised, especially if adequate data protection measures are not in place. If anonymity is somehow breached, participants could face professional or reputational harm, particularly in cases where their views on current issues are controversial within their institution.

To minimize risks to participants, several strategies are being implemented to protect confidentiality, reduce psychological stress, and mitigate social or legal harms.

1. Anonymization: We will ensure complete anonymization of survey responses by avoiding collection in the survey of any identifying information (e.g., names). We will use randomized record ID numbers for participants instead of any identifying details. Although we collect demographic data, we will ensure that it is generalized in analysis to avoid identifying individuals from small groups.
2. Data Encryption: The survey platform itself, Qualtrics, is approved by NORC for use such as this project’s. Once the survey data are collected, NORC will protect the confidentiality of survey responses by using secure, encrypted data storage systems. Survey data will subsequently be stored on password-protected servers with access limited to authorized researchers only.
3. Separate Consent Forms: The Qualtrics platform separates respondent identities in the consent approval process from survey responses to further ensure anonymity. When participants “sign” a consent, it is not linked to their survey responses in any way. That is, proceeding into the survey is proof that the consent has been “signed”.
4. Clear Instructions: The survey’s consent statement provides clear instructions to participants on how the data will be used, how their responses will remain anonymous, and the measures in place to protect their privacy. This will help reduce psychological stress by reassuring participants that their views will not be traced back to them.
5. Voluntary Participation and Withdrawal: Our recruitment materials and informed consent page emphasize that participation is voluntary and participants can choose a “prefer not to say” option or entirely skip most questions or exit the survey at any time. This will reduce pressure or discomfort participants may feel when responding to sensitive topic questions.
6. Aggregate Data Reporting: Survey results will be reported only in aggregate forms, avoiding any individual-level data that could indirectly identify participants. For example, no data will be presented in a way that could identify individuals based on their department or specific role at the institution.

By implementing these strategies, we have earned NORC IRB authorization to significantly reduce the potential risks for participants, ensuring that their identities, privacy, and well-being are protected throughout the study.