Week 7

Think Lightbulb.pngSite Authorization & Research Action Plan

In order to collect data or utilize archival data collected at GCU, faculty members must obtain Site Authorization.  As part of this module, you will complete the authorization process.  You will also submit an Action Plan for your project in which you address the practical considerations, timing, funding needs and other issues that you will need to complete your project.

Objectives:

After successful completion of this module, faculty will be able to:
  • Submit proof of completion of the Site Authorization process.
  • Submit an Action Plan that addresses practical considerations, timing, funding and other issues that are needed to complete the project.

Site Authorization Overview

passport.jpgThis week’s task is to complete Site Authorization through GCU. Any research activity that takes place with faculty and/or students at GCU, whether online or on campus, must first get authorization. . The Site Authorization Application requires that you describe the purpose and scope of the research, duration of the study, target population, impact on GCU operations and resources, data use and potential benefit to the University. Site authorization applications are evaluated on three main criteria: ethical considerations, operational impact and fit with GCU mission and vision, and research design. Depending on the research topic and study design, executive level approval for site authorization may be required. It is also imperative that you obtain prior approval for your study from assistant/associate dean or dean of your college. Site approval is not a guarantee, so it is important to plan accordingly. To begin the process, you will need a copy of your research proposal from Week 6.  Use the following link to access the application:  Site Authorization Application. Most of the required responses can be easily copy/pasted into the Site Authorization form from your research proposal.  Once you receive GCU’s Site Authorization, you will need to save a copy of the approval letter to submit in  next week’s step of preparing for IRB approval. Please realize that Site Authorization could take between 2-3 weeks.

Site Authorization (7 Steps)

stepping_stones.jpg1.  Does your research require site authorization? Only research that requires access to data at GCU requires site authorization. This includes access to emails (surveys), contact with GCU faculty, staff, or students, and authority to use archival data and/or GCU database information for publication purposes. If you do not need access to GCU data, you ARE NOT REQUIRED TO SUBMIT A SITE AUTHORIZATION APPLICATION.

2.  Reflection: Are there any issues that might reduce the chance of receiving site authorization (i.e., ethical considerations, operational impact and fit with GCU mission and vision, and research design)?

3.  Not Guaranteed: Even if you meet the approval criteria, site authorization approval is not guaranteed, so you should be thinking about alternative sites to collect data just in case you are not approved.

4.  Gather Information: You will need some information and documents to complete the site authorization application. These include such items as a summary of study objectives and rationale, a brief description of methodology, requested sample size and characteristics, start date, and copies of surveys or interview protocols.

5.  Complete the Application: You can complete the application at the following link: Site Authorization Application

6.  Patience: After submission, your application is forwarded to the Site Authorization Committee. Your application will be reviewed, and a decision will be made. The decision will be emailed to you within 2-3 weeks. If approved, the approval email will include information on next steps for obtaining access to data.

7.  Access to Data: For approved candidates, access to data (via email, archival, or in person) is facilitated by CIRT. Even if approved, candidates are not authorized to contact departments or potential participants directly. CIRT acts as an intermediary to facilitate contact, such as sending out email blasts or providing the candidate with contact information for specific departments.

Action Plan

Use your Research Proposal from Week 6 to begin to develop an Action Plan for your project.  Create an outline or bulletted list that addresses the following:

  • Practical considerations related to your project such as assessment tools that may need to be developed, classroom implementations, collaborations, data collection methods and so forth.  In other words, what needs to be done before you can begin your research project?
  • Timing: What is the time frame for  the project?
  • Funding Needs: Is funding needed to conduct your research?  If so, what are potential sources of funding? Develop a plan for applying for funding if necessary. CIRT offers some funding opportunities (to pay for supplies and research expenses) that you may want to explore: RESEARCH GRANTS.
  • What other issues, if any,  need to be addressed?

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Think Gears.pngAssignment:

For Week 7:

1. Please submit a statement or screenshot to verify that you have completed your application for Site Authorization (if required for your research design).

2.  Submit your Action Plan as described in the module.


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