2. 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
General Capstone Information.................................................................................................................................................................3
Capstone Policies...........................................................................................................................................................................................6
Required Capstone Steps............................................................................................................................................................................9
Deadlines and Timelines.............................................................................................................................................................................17
Other Capstone Resources.........................................................................................................................................................................19
Appendix A – Statement of Responsibility Release and Waiver of Liability........................................................................25
Appendix B –International Capstone ProjectLogistics Portfolio.............................................................................................28
Appendix C –Request for Determination Form................................................................................................................................29
Appendix D – The Clinton SchoolIRB Guide......................................................................................................................................32
Appendix E – WorkLog Template..........................................................................................................................................................37
Appendix F – Press Release Example....................................................................................................................................................38
Appendix G - Final Paper Information Page Template..................................................................................................................40
Appendix H - Capstone Information forPotential Partners........................................................................................................41
Appendix I - Projected Capstone Budget Template........................................................................................................................43
Appendix J - Optional Community Partner/Student Agreement Template.........................................................................44
Appendix K - Web Resources....................................................................................................................................................................45
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General Capstone Information
The Capstone is the culminating field course at the University of Arkansas of Public Service (UACS), designed to
provide students with an opportunity to demonstrate their expertise. This course employs an independent study
format overseen by a UACS faculty member (referred to as “capstone advisor”). It is a three-credit hour course
taken during a student’s final year in the program. The Capstone places students in a professional context outside
the UACS, in which they must:
● apply the knowledge, skills, and values from the UACS program to a real worldproblem or challenge;
● understand, engage, and seek to transform complex systems;
● and produce a “deliverable” that exemplifies, in its product, the knowledge, skills and values of the UACS
curriculum.
As the primary requirement of the course, students select capstone projects either from those submitted by
community partners or from opportunities they create forthemselves. These projects can be completed anywhere
in the world. Capstone projects begin at various times throughout the year depending on students’ course load.
Student Responsibilities
As an independent study-type course, the Capstone is a student driven and student centered activity and muchof
the responsibility for its success lies with the individual student. In order to be successful, we highly recommend
that you communicate proactively and frequently about yourcapstone progress and needs, use your UACS
resources (faculty,staff,alumni, partners) to help you, and carefully choose and execute a projectthat aligns
closely with your future career goals. The more effectively and frequently youcommunicate, the more successful
your projectand experience is likely to be.
Your responsibilities include finding an appropriate masters-level capstone project; identifying a capstone advisor
whowill support yourproject; thoroughly planning the project;being fully committed to the success of your
project; maintaining a proactiveand professional relationship with the school and everyoneinvolvedwith your
project work;communicating with the school regularly; applying concepts fromUACS courses to your capstone
workwhenever applicable; completing a high quality, sustainable public service projectthat meets the
expectations established in yourplanning; producing final project deliverables that exemplifies the UACS
curriculum; and, describing and critically assessing project results through a final capstone presentation.
Professional communication and behavior is imperative forthese projects. You are expected to communicate with
your capstone advisor, your community partners, and the school on a regular basis; request regular feedbackon
your projectwork;make adjustments to project workbased on that feedback;communicate proactively and
immediately if problems arise; and seek approval of any information released to the press about the project. In
addition, youare expected to adhere to the policies and expectations of the UACS and any community
organizations youwork withregarding dress codes, the use of technology,how and when youcommunicate with
the press, when confidentiality must be maintained, and other policies. Not adhering to these standards or any
additional professional standards could lead to a grade reduction.
In addition, regular and proactivecommunication with yourcapstone advisor is necessary. S/he will ensure that
you are meeting the UACS expectations on your project selection, yourproject workand your assignments. S/he is
also available to help you when you are struggling with yourproject. It is expected that you will communicate
proactively and immediately about any challenges youare encountering, request regular feedbackon your project
workand make adjustments to that work based on that feedback. Yourcapstone advisor willbe available to help
you troubleshoot the challenges you encounter; will give youfeedback on yourcapstone assignments and project
work;will determine the quality of yourproject work;and, will assign your final capstone grade.
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CapstoneHours
Youare required to complete a minimum of 250 contacthours on your capstone project. This is the minimum
requirement and most capstone projects will require more than the minimum forcompletion. Contact hours
include workaccomplished towards meeting the goals and objectivesset for yourcapstone project.These hours do
not include the time youspend attending capstone prep sessions or other activities required by the UACS unless
they are directly related to yourcapstone project. Examples of tasks that are not included in yourcontact hours are
time spent on finding your capstone project, planning the project, communicating with the UACS, and presenting to
the school about your project. No capstone contacthours may be counted until after you are enrolled in the
capstone course and the approval of your capstone project and project planning documents are on file with your
capstone advisor and the Officeof Field Service Education.
ProcessofIdentifyingaCapstoneAdvisor
As youentered the UACS program you were matched with a faculty mentor. Forthe capstone, you may stay with
your faculty mentor whowill automatically become yourcapstone advisor or you can change to someone new if
they are a better fit for yourcapstone goals. If youwant to stay with your current faculty mentor, you do not need
to do anything besides enroll in your mentor’s capstone course section. If youwould like to make a change, youset
up times to meet with other potential capstone advisors. At the meetings, you and the faculty members talk about
your capstone interests/goals. If someone is a good fitwith your capstone, you may ask him/her to become your
capstone advisor. The faculty member can agree to become youradvisor or let youknow that he/she is unable to
do so.
If the faculty member agrees to be your capstone advisor, yousend a change of advisor notice to the UACS
Registrar. It includes information about who your new capstone advisor is. Youcopy your current faculty mentor
and yournew capstone advisor on that email. The Registrar then sends the change of advisor confirmationto your
new capstone advisor, yourformer faculty mentor, the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs,and the Officeof Field
Service Education.When youenroll in the capstone course, you enroll in your newly identified capstone advisor’s
course section.
Grading
Your capstone advisor will assign your final grade after all capstone requirements are complete. You willnot
receive grades on interim assignments in the capstone. Your performance throughout your workwillbe evaluated.
Your grade willreflect the quality of yourproject work,how wellyou communicate yourlearning and application,
and yourprofessional behavior. Youare responsible formeeting deadlines and submitting quality workfor the
completion of interim and final capstone tasks/documents (including draft materials) that are agreed upon during
project planning. If youdo not create a product of value, behave professionally, and/or meet obligations for your
capstone work, yourcapstone advisor willmake a grade deduction and/or assign a failing grade.
A = Workis consistently excellent
B = Workconsistently meets expectations
C = Workis completed
D = Work is completed but it did not alwaysmeet expectations
F = Work is not complete and/or it consistently did not meet expectations
AcademicIntegrity
Youmust write all presented written work.The UACS handbook states:
Plagiarism includes (butis not limited to) adopting or appropriating for one’s ownuse and/or
incorporating in one’s ownwork, withoutacknowledgement, passages, parts of passages, tables,
photographs, models, figures, illustrations from the writings or worksof others; thus presenting such as a
product of one’s own mind. Any student whoplagiarizes may be subject to any or all of the following
sanctions: receiving a zero on the written work;receiving a reduced grade forthe course in which the
5. 5
plagiarism occurred;being suspended from registering for one or more semester(s); being required to
enroll in a short course on graduate level writing; being required to comply withany other appropriate
remedy as proposed by the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs;and/or being dismissed from UACS.
Student Accommodation
The UACS handbook states:
The UACS is committed to providing equal opportunity for participation in all programs, services and
activities and a learning environment that is supportive of all students. As part of that commitment, CSPS
stands ready to provide reasonable accommodations forstudents withdisabilities when appropriate. Any
student who desires to report a disability issue, who has questions or concerns regarding a disability issue,
or who desires accommodation fora disability should contactthe Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, or
the UALR Disability Resource Center at (501) 569-3143. More information about the services offered by
the Center can be found at http://ualr.edu/disability/. Please inform the Center staff that you are enrolled
at the UACS.
6. 6
Capstone Policies
CourseEnrollment
1. Students must satisfactorily complete their first year of core courses and the International Public Service
Projectto enroll in the capstone course. Any incompletes in these core courses must be resolved before
enrolling in the capstone course.
2. Students who plan to enroll must attend the required preparation meetings offeredin the previous
academic year.
3. Students will have a maximum of three consecutivesemesters to complete the capstone from the semester
in which they enroll in the capstone course. Semesters include a fall semester, a spring semester and a
summer semester (all UALR summer terms make up the summer semester). An “IP” (in progress) willbe
placed on the transcript until the capstone is complete and a grade is awarded. If a student does not
satisfactorily make progress on the capstone during those three semesters, a “NC” (no credit) on the
capstone course willbe awarded and tuition for the course will be forfeited.
4. Students are permitted to withdraw fromthe capstone course by the appropriate University of Arkansas at
Little Rock deadlines during their first semester of enrollment. A “W” (withdrawal) willbe placed on their
transcript and tuition forthe course will be forfeited.
5. Students’ capstone advisors must approve capstone projects before capstone contacthours can begin. If a
student does not receive approval fora capstone project before the end of the first semester of enrollment,
the student willbe given a “NC” (no credit) on the capstone course and tuition forthe course willbe
forfeited.
6. If a student re-enrolls forthe capstone course after receiving a withdrawalor no credit, the student must
find a new capstone project and will have three semesters fromre-enrollment to complete this new
capstone project. A new grade willbe placed on the student’s transcript in addition to the “W” or“NC”.
7. No hours willcount towards capstone contact hours until students are enrolled in the capstone course.
However,students can identify their capstone projects and engage in project planning before enrolling in
the capstone course.
ConcurrentDegreePrograms
1. The JD concurrentprogram says: “Astudent may not receivecredit in both programs for courses that cover
the same or substantially equivalent material.” Therefore, your MPS capstone project workcannot also
count fora JDcourse.
2. The MPH concurrentprogram was set up to allow the activity that generates the MPHintegration projectto
also be used forthe MPS capstone project.
3. The MBA program allows students in the concurrentprogram to use the MPS capstone in fulfilling the
requirements forthe MBA degree.
Federal Laws
1. Capstone project workmust align with the Fair Labor Standards Act. Students who complete a capstone
project withoutanticipation of compensation for public agencies and non-profit organizations are
considered volunteers and align withthe Act. Students who complete capstone projects at for-profit
organizations and/or withcompensation must follow all U.S. Department of Labor Lawsregarding wages
and hours.
2. Students with disabilities willbe accommodated in the capstone pursuant to federal and state law. Any
student with a disability whoneeds accommodation must inform their capstone advisor at the beginning of
the course.
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Personal Responsibility
1. The UACS does not assume responsibility forhealth/accident insurance, housing, transportation or any
other personal needs of students that may occurin connection to the capstone.
2. In addition, the UACS does not assume responsibility forany injuries suffered or sustained by students
while the students are working on their capstone project.
Institutional ReviewBoard
1. Anytime students talk to anyone in a systematic way or analyze raw data, they are required to submit a
Request for Determination and all associated paperwork to the University at Little Rock’s (UALR’s)
Institutional Review Board (IRB).
2. Capstone students are responsible forcompleting the necessary IRB paperwork, obtaining the required
signatures, submitting those forms and all associated paperwork to UALRand managing the IRB process.
3. Capstone students are also responsible for ensuring that they do not complete any capstone project work
where they talk to anyone in a systematic way or analyze raw data, until a determination from UALR’s IRB
is made.
Writingaboutthe Project
1. As stated in the sixth edition of the PublicationManualof the AmericanPsychologicalAssociation,authors
“are responsible foradequately protecting the confidentiality of research participants, clients-patients,
organizations, third partiers, or others who were the source of information presented in the paper” (p. 20).
Media
1. Capstone advisors, any community partners overseeing project work, and the UACS Directorof
Communications must approve all information released to any media outlets about the project.
2. Students will always inform their capstone advisor and the UACS Director of Communications if the media
contacts them about the project before responding to that request.
3. UACS and any community partners overseeing project work willbe acknowledged fortheir contributions
to the project in any information released to the media.
DistributionofResults
1. At the end of each project, the capstone advisor and any community partners overseeing project workcan
determine if the projectresults warrant a wider distribution. If everyoneagrees that they do, all previously
named parties and the student must agree to how, when and in what form that distribution will occur.This
includes public presentations, conference presentations and publication.
2. An individual student cannot choose to distribute the workmore widely unless all aforementioned parties
approve that distribution.
ConferencePresentations
1. Whenever possible a UACS representative (student, advisor and/or field services staff member) and a
representative of any community partners overseeing project work will co-present.
2. Individuals withthe most expertise on the topic will be given first priority to be co-presenters.
3. All parties will always inform one another if they are invited to present on the project.
4. Co-presenters must be actively involvedin planning the presentation.
5. Regardless of the co-presenters, UACS, the student(s) who did the projectwork and any organizations that
oversaw the project work willbe acknowledged at every presentation.
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PublishingProjectResults
1. To the extent feasible, there should alwaysbe at least one UACS representative (student, advisor and/or
field services staff member) and individuals from any community organizations that oversaw project work
whoco-author.
2. Individuals withthe most expertise on the topic will be given first priority to be co-authors.
3. Eachparty will always inform all other parties if they are planning to write about the project.
4. The number of co-authorswill depend on the publication. If the publication’s guidelines limit the number of
authors, those individuals who have contributed the most to the article will be listed. Co-authors must be
actively involvedin the development of the article.
5. Regardless of the co-authors, UACS, the student(s) who did the projectwork and any organizations that
oversaw the project workwillbe acknowledged in every article.
6. In the case where capstone projects involveworkingwithin an existing research study or program,
publication of results, including manuscript authorship, willfollow the established protocolof the research
program but will include at least acknowledgment of the student who contributed to the project workand
UACS.
ViolationsofProcedures/Policies
1. If a violationof these procedures/policies occurs,the individual may be subject to any of the following
sanctions: a reduced capstone grade; failing the capstone course; being suspended from registering for one
or more semester(s); removal from the UACS.
The student’s capstone advisor and the Directorof Field Service Educationmust approve any exception to these
policies.
9. 9
Required Capstone Steps
This is a list of the capstone steps you must complete forthe capstone course. It is important to remember that
capstone advisors are supervising a number of capstone projects and teaching other courses. They typically donot
have the ability to immediately review yourassignments submitted and that should not be an expectation that you
have for them. Allowing one weekfor a response to small requests and two weeks forthe review of larger
documents is reasonable but it may take longer especially if yousubmit a poorly written draft of a document.
Step One – ProjectTopicApproval
Description
This assignment ensures that your capstone project meets the established criteria making it a masters-level, public
service capstone project. This includes:
applying the knowledge, skills, and values fromthe UACS program to a real world problem or challenge;
understanding, engaging, and seeking to transform complex systems;
and producing a deliverable that exemplifies, in its product, the knowledge, skills and values of the UACS
curriculum.
Process
Youshould submit your projecttopic approval as soon as youbelieve youhave a capstone project identified to
your capstone advisor and copy the Officeof Field Service Education.Your capstone advisor will either approve
your projecttopic or return it to you forrevisions. To complete this step, the final approved document along with
an email approval fromyour capstone advisor must be on file with the Officeof Field Service Education. This step
must be complete before you begin projectplanning. It is important to be carefulabout the level of commitment
you give to a project until you have confirmation fromyour capstone advisor that the project meets the school’s
expectations.
AssignmentDetails
This should be a concise document. Content forthis assignment is determined in consultation withyour capstone
advisor but may include:
o A description of your proposed capstone project.
o A description about how yourcapstone project meets the capstone criteria including:
a. Why your project is public service.
b. The knowledge, skills and values from the UACS curriculum that youbelieve you will utilize in this
project.
c. How you will understand, engage and seek to transform complex systems through your project.
d. What your deliverables will be.
Step Two – ProjectDetails
Description
Submit project details to UACS so that we can respond appropriately during emergency situations.
Process
Submit these details to yourcapstone advisor and copy the Officeof Field ServiceEducation. These details must be
submitted before you are on-site workingon yourcapstone in any capacity.
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AssignmentDetails
The followinginformation is required:
1. Student Information
a. Name
b. Your contactphone numbers (include any cellphone, home phone, and/or workphone numbers)
c. When do you plan to begin and end your capstone project work?
d. What is youraddress during the capstone?
2. Health Emergency Information
a. Emergency contact’sname
b. Emergency contact’srelationship to you
c. Emergency contact’sphone numbers
d. Emergency contact’semail address
e. Does your health insurance have a preferred emergency provider (e.g., Baptist Health, UAMS, St.
Francis Hospital)?
f. What health issues do you have that may affectthe completion yourcapstone?
3. Partner(s) Information (if relevant)
a. Partner organization(s) information
i. Name
ii. Address (for yourproject)
iii. Address for organization headquarters (if different than project location)
iv. Web Site
v. Type (e.g., non-profit, government agency, foundation, public, private)
vi. Overall focusof organization (e.g., advocacy,serviceprovider, research)
vii. Primary population(s) served by the organization (e.g., youth, immigrant)
viii. Region(s) served by the organization (e.g., Little Rock,Central Arkansas, Arkansas, the
Southeast part of the US, Northern Uganda, etc.)
ix. Is this the first time the UACS has workedwith the organization?
b. Site Supervisor Information (if relevant)
i. Name
ii. Title
iii. Phone Number(s)
iv. Email Address
v. Is this a UACS alum?
4. Statement of Responsibility Release and Waiverof Responsibility forParticipation in a Capstone Project.
a. An electronically signed version of this document must be submitted. See Appendix A forthe
statement.
5. International Capstone ProjectLogistics Portfolio.
a. This is required for students whocomplete international capstone projects. See Appendix B for
required information.
Step Three– ProjectProposal
Description
This step is meant to ensure that your project methodology meets the community’s needs and aligns with best
practices.
Process
Submit yourproject proposal to yourcapstone advisor and copy the Officeof Field ServiceEducation. Your
capstone advisor willeither approve it or return it to youfor revisions. To complete this step, the final approved
11. 11
document along with an email approval from yourcapstone advisor must be on file with the Officeof Field Service
Education. These assignments must be complete before youcan count any capstone contacthours.
AssignmentDetails
This document should be as concise as possible while still conveyingall required information. All sections of this
paper should flow easily together. Include appropriate headers and sub-headers as well as section introductions
and conclusions where needed. Someone whoknows nothing about yourproject should be able to understand
your projectbased on this paper. It should be in APA format.
Specific content for this paper is determined in consultation with your capstone advisor but may include:
Title Page
Paper Introduction
ProjectDescription - This section clearly describes your project, how it facilitates social change, and what
the results willbe. This includes a description of your project;the connectionof yourproject to any larger
social issues; why your project needs to be accomplished; relevant information about any organizations
that will be working with you;project goals; expected outcomes, deliverables and impact; and any
additional background information necessary forfull understanding of yourproject.
Literature Review - This section given the necessary context for yourproject by explaining how this project
expands upon any previous project workand research accomplished.
ProjectMethodology - This section explains how you willaccomplish your projectusing appropriate
methods.
Paper Conclusion
References
Appendices
o WorkPlan - The work plan includes the specific activities youwill complete to accomplish your
project; the deadlines forthe completion of those activities;and the resources needed to
complete each activity.
o Any additional materials necessary forunderstanding your project
Supplemental Documents
o Press Release Description: This is a description of your project that can be used in UACS press
releases. This description can be no longer than 100 words. The description needs to include
the full name of any major organizations that are partnering with you on your project. It also
needs to include permission to release from any partner organizations.
Step Four– Institutional ReviewBoard
Description
Capstone students must follow the guidelines established in the Belmont Report1 forthe ethical treatment of
human subjects during research. Human subjects research is defined as talking to people in a systematic way or
reviewing raw data for a field project. You cannot start any part of your human subjects research, including the
recruitment of human subjects, until you receivea decision from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock’s
(UALR’s) Institutional Review Board (IRB)2 about that research.
It is yourresponsibility to obtain a decision from the IRB before you start any human subjects research. Youalso
must notify the IRB of any significant modifications you make in yourresearch protocolafter you have received a
1 The Belmont Report can be found at http://www.hhs.gov/ohrp/humansubjects/guidance/belmont.html
2 If yourproject requires you to submit to a different Institutional Review Board system, please confirm that with
your faculty advisor. Onceconfirmed, youmay go through that institution’s process rather than the UALRprocess.
Be sure to submit all of the required documents for that system’s requirements to yourfaculty advisor and to
Canvas.
12. 12
decision from the IRB. If you do not, there are serious repercussions that will vary depending on the severity of the
offense. They could range from obtaining a lower grade in capstone to failing the course to removal fromthe
Clinton School.
Process
Yousubmit your Request for Determination to yourcapstone advisor and copy the Officeof Field Service
Education. Yourcapstone advisor willeither approve your Request or return it to you forrevisions. Onceit is
approved, he/she willsign it and attach his/her CITI training document. Youmust then submit it to irb@ualr.edu
and copy yourcapstone advisor as wellas the Officeof Field Service Education.Once youreceive a final notice
about the decision of the IRB regarding yourRequest for Determination, send it to your capstone advisor and the
Officeof Field Service Education.
AssignmentDetails
See Appendix C forthe version of UALR’s Request forDetermination form that is required for the UACS IRB
process. See Appendix D forthe expectations about how to complete the Request forDetermination.
Step Five– CapstoneContactHours
Description
Once yourplanning assignments are on file and you are enrolled in the capstone course, youmay begin counting
capstone contact hours. You enroll in the 3-credit capstone course once, at the beginning of yourcapstone project
work.Students should workto complete the capstone in twosemesters. Once youare enrolled, you do not enroll in
the capstone course again. You willreceive an “InProgress (IP)” notationon your diploma until you complete the
capstone. After all capstone steps are completed, the IP will be changed to the grade you earn.
Process
While completing capstone contacthours, youare required to submit worklogs every twoweeks. Beyond this
required activity,we recommend that youspeak regularly with your capstone advisor and any community
partners involved in your projectwork to update them about yourproject progress. Regular communication is one
of the main keys to success foryour capstone project. Talk with them at the beginning of yourcapstone to
determine if you should schedule in-person meetings, phone conversations or submit written reports in addition to
the required work logs. Also discuss how frequently they wouldlike for youto communicate. Items that are
recommended to discuss include:
● The progress youare making on yourproject.
● Requesting any resources and support youneed to accomplish your goals, objectives and key deliverables.
● Asking foradvice and feedbackon your project work.
● Discussing challenges you are encountering and potential resources for more effectively handling those
challenges.
● Upcoming events or deadlines foryour capstone.
● Where you have significantly deviated from yourwork plan and how you might adjust yourworkplan to
accommodate that.
● What youare learning and applying are also good topics to discuss regularly with your advisor.
Finally, please contactyour capstone advisor immediately if problems develop in your project so they can help you
with them.
Eachindividual should also determine ways to demonstrate what they are achieving in their projectto their
capstone advisor. Options might include inviting yourcapstone advisor to project-related meetings, events or
training sessions when appropriate. When awarding your grade, yourcapstone advisor willconsider observations
from these activities, the quality of your submitted work,your professionalism throughout yourinteractions, and
feedbackobtained from any community partners involvedin yourproject work.
13. 13
AssignmentDetails
See Appendix E fora worklog template. Include the following:
the project activities accomplished during the time since the last worklog was submitted;
the date that each activity wasaccomplished;
how much time each activity took to accomplish;
the total amount of time spent on the project during that time period;
the total amount of time spent on the project since it was started.
Only hours working directly on your capstone project should be included. Other workforthe same organization
that is separate from your capstone and/or hours towards yourUACS assignments should not be included.
Step Six – Press Release
Description
This helps disseminate the results of your workto the larger community.
Process
Youare required to submit a press release during the last twoweeks of yourcapstone project work.Write the
process release. Send it to your capstone advisor and any relevant community partners for approval. Onceyou
receive approval, send the press release to the Director of Communications and copy your capstone advisor, the
Officeof Field Service Education, and the relevant community partners.
AssignmentDetails
See the press release example in Appendix F. This press release must describe something resulting from your
capstone project. The press release should:
Include a compelling headline, contactinformation forthe person who will be the press contact(name and
phone number), at least one relevant quote from a project stakeholder (cannot be an individual from the
Clinton School),and an acknowledgement of both UACS and any project partners for their contributions to
the project.
Be under 800 words.
Include a compelling headline
Follow the exact formatof the press release example in Appendix F.
Follow guidelines fora press release: third person voice, inverted pyramid design (e.g., most important
information is first and least important information is last), transitions are only used when absolutely
necessary, etc.
Step Seven– DraftofFinal Documents
Description
Your final paper and deliverables show the results of your capstone project work.Yourcapstone advisor will look
for whatyou accomplished, your analysis of that work, and how well youapplied the skills and knowledge you
learned at the UACS through your work.
Process
14. 14
Submit an excellent draft of your final documents to yourcapstone advisor and copy the Officeof Field Service
Education. Yourfaculty advisor will review the documents and provide youfeedback. Youwill be asked to revise
your final documents until they are presentable.
AssignmentDetails
Final documents should be concise, easy to read, and high quality. They will be available to project stakeholders,
future students, faculty/staff and the public.
Your final paper should be submitted in APA format. All sections of your final paper should flow easily together.
Include appropriate headers and sub-headers as wellas section introductions and conclusions where needed.
Someone whoknows nothing about your projectshould understand yourpaper. Specific content for the final paper
is determined in consultation with yourcapstone advisor but may include:
Title Page
Information Page - Details can be found in Appendix G
Acknowledgements
Abstract - Follow the requirements found in the APA Manual
The Paper Introduction, ProjectDescription, Literature Review, and ProjectMethodology - include from
your projectproposal. Revise these sections to accurately reflectyour final project work.
Results – This section summarizes the workyou accomplished including any data collected.Also include
any analysis of the data or conclusions drawn.
Discussion – This section is where you examine you workand discuss any weaknesses, biases or
limitations. Answer any of the followingquestions that are relevant:
o What were the weaknesses in your work?
o What are the limitations of yourwork/conclusions?
o Were there any biases that may have affectedyourresults? What were they? How might they have
affectedthe work?
o Were there any best practices or lessons learned from the work?
o What future workshould be done in this area?
o How does this workinform the work of those completing similar workin the future?
Paper Conclusion
References
Appendix
Supplemental Materials
o Any additional deliverables that have been agreed upon withyour capstone advisor are also
submitted. You don'tneed to have additional deliverables unless your faculty advisor and/or
project require them.
Step Eight– CapstonePresentation
Description
The presentation is the time to publicly show whatyou accomplished and learned through yourcapstone
experience.
Procedure for Scheduling Capstone Presentations
1. Student finishes all capstone projectwork and submits all required assignments including the final capstone
paper.
2. Faculty advisor reviews the student’s capstone projectwork, assignments and final capstone paper.
a. If approved forpresenting, the advisor sends notificationto the student and the Field Service Officethat
the presentation can be scheduled.
15. 15
b. If not approved, the advisor sends feedbackto the student about workthat still needs to be
accomplished.
c. If not approved by the three-semester deadline, the student receives “NoCredit” on the capstone and
must start the capstone over.
3. Once approved, the student schedules his/her presentation.
a. If scheduled at the end of a semester, the presentation must be scheduled during a blockedday/time
that works forboth the student and the student’s faculty advisor. If times are no longer available that
workfor the student and advisor, the presentation is not held until the beginning of the next semester.
Students should workfar ahead of the three-semester deadline because if a presentation cannot be
scheduled, the three-semester deadline is still in place.
b. If scheduled earlier in the semester, the student identifies a day/time that works forthe student, the
faculty advisor and the Field ServiceOffice. Once the student identifies a presentation day/time,
he/she notifies the Field Service Officewhoreserves that time on the calendar and reserves a room.
Presentations will be held no earlier than 7 business days fromthe day they are scheduled.
4. Once scheduled, the Field Service Officesends a confirmation of the capstone presentation date, time and
location to the student and faculty advisor.
5. The student submits his/her executive summary and AV needs to the Field Service Officeat least 6 business
days before his/her presentation.
6. The Fields Service Officeadvertises and sets up the presentation.
7. The student makes his/her capstone presentation.
CapstonePresentationAssignments
Capstone Abstract and Presentation Details: Email the followingto your capstone advisor and the Officeof Field
Service Educationat least 6 days prior to yourpresentation: (1) your projectabstract, (2) your AV needs, (3)
anything else you need in preparation.
Presentation: Each presentation time is 45 minutes. You are asked to prepare a 30-minute presentation and leave
15 minutes forquestions. It is recommended that you present in person, but if that is not an option, a conference
call can be organized with the Officeof Field ServiceEducation. Specific content for this presentation is determined
in consultation withyour capstone advisor but may include a summary of yourproject, the method you used to
complete it, and your results.
AdditionalDetailsaboutCapstonePresentations
During the last month of each semester, the Field Service Officesends to capstone students and faculty advisors the
blockeddates and times for presentations for the end of the next semester.
The presentations will be open to the public with limited seating (RSVP required). UACS faculty members willbe
able to ask questions first since they are evaluating youon your presentation. If time allows,questions fromthe
audience may be asked.
A student who would like to make his/her presentation private needs to discuss that with his/her faculty advisor.
The faculty advisor makes the decision about if it will be allowed and communicates that decision to the Field
Service Office.Rare exceptions to a public presentation will be made. Typically they are only granted if a student
needs it as an accommodationor if the results discussed must be kept confidential.
As long as youhave made adequate progress on your capstone, youwould still be eligible to walkat
commencement even if you have not presented on yourcapstone. The program will indicate that you are still
completing the requirements of the degree.
Step Nine– Final Documents
16. 16
Description
These willbe the versions that are made available to those whowant to know more about yourproject in the
future.
Process
The student submits the final version of his/her documents with edits required by the faculty advisor to the Field
Service Office(copyinghis/her faculty advisor) at least 2 business days before capstone grades change forms are
due. These must be print-ready final products.
Step Ten– CapstoneGrade
Your capstone grade will be posted at the end of the semester in which youcomplete your capstone. If you must
have a certain graduation date on yourdiploma, be sure you have completed all of these capstone steps by the
completion deadline for that semester (see the Capstone Deadlines section of this manual).
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Deadlines and Timelines
The expectation is that students will complete their capstone in two semesters. These deadlines are ultimate
deadlines. Students should workwellahead of them. We recommend that youworkfar ahead of the deadlines
noted in case you encounter any problems along the way.
CapstoneDeadlines
December 4, 2015
Deadline forstudents enrolled in the Fall 2015 capstone course to have projects approved.
Deadline to fully complete all capstone requirements fora December 2015 graduation date.
March 18, 2016
Deadline to finish all capstone workand submit high quality capstone final reports/deliverables. Meeting
this deadline will allow you to complete the capstone by May 2015 commencement and have a May 2015
graduation date.
April 29, 2016
Deadline forstudents enrolled in the Spring 2015 capstone course to have projects approved.
Deadline to fully complete all capstone requirements fora May 2015 graduation date.
July 10, 2016
Deadline to finish all capstone workand submit high quality capstone final reports/deliverables foran
August 2016 graduation date.
July 31, 2016
Deadline forstudents enrolled in the Summer 2015 course to have projects approved.
Deadline to fully complete all capstone requirements foran August 2015 graduation date.
December 4, 2016
Deadline forstudents enrolled in the Fall 2015 capstone course to have projects approved.
Deadline to fully complete all capstone requirements fora December 2015 graduation date.
RecommendedTimelines
To Start Project in Fall Semester
February – May Search for potential capstone projects. Enroll in the fall capstone class.
May Submit project topic approval.
September Submit project plan. Start project work.Begin to submit projectupdates.
January Complete capstone project.
February Submit final paper/ deliverables drafts and final.
April Hold capstone presentation.
To Start Project in Spring Semester
September – October Search for potential capstone projects. Enroll in the spring capstone class. Submit
project topic approval.
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November Submit project plan.
January Start projectwork. Begin to submit project updates.
March Finish project work.Submit final paper/deliverables drafts and final.
April Hold capstone presentation.
To Start Project in SummerSemester
January – April Search for potential capstone projects. Enroll in the summer capstone class.
Submit project topic approval.
May Submit project plan.
June Start projectwork. Begin to submit project updates.
October Finish project work.Submit final paper/deliverables draft and final.
November Hold capstone presentation.
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Other Capstone Resources
Finding a Capstone Project
The capstone is an opportunity to gain the experience youneed to be most effectivein the public service career of
your choice.If you are still uncertain about the direction youare headed, it is recommended that you allocatetime
during the semester before the capstone discerning your direction. Regular meetings on this topic with a
classmate, your faculty mentor and/or the field services staff members might help youin this process. The more
certain you are about the direction you are going, the more likely that your capstone project will be the right step
on your path.
Once youhave determined some direction, the school provides a number of resources for you to find a good
capstone project. Projectideas are accepted throughout the year and made available to you.Lists are available of
UACS alumni and where they are employed. Yourfaculty mentor and the Assistant Directorof Field Service
Education are available to help you discern what you want to lookfor and who might make good contacts foryou.
Evenwith these resources, finding a good project willusually take a great deal of time and effortespecially if you
are seeking a project outside of Arkansas. Make sure you allocate plenty of time to make contact withindividuals
that might have opportunities for you.If the project topic approval deadline is looming, we recommend that you
select a projectfrom the list of ideas that were submitted to the UACS. These projects are more likely to solidify
quickly because the organizations are familiar with the school and have expressed a desire to have a student work
with them.
When you communicate withindividuals who have project ideas be sure to include an updated resume and a
description of the types of workyou wouldlike to accomplish foryour capstone. For individuals that are
unfamiliar withthe UACS capstone, youshould also include information about the capstone (see Appendix H).
Informational Interviewing
One way to find potential capstone projects is to use your networkeffectively by setting up informational
interviews with individuals workingin public service careers that interest you.Informational interviews are
typically no longer than 30 minutes. You can conductthem in person or by phone. Ask people you know well to
connectyou to individuals to interview. Ask your faculty mentor, capstone advisor, friends, relatives, fellow
students, alumni, present or former co-workers,formersupervisors, neighbors, public speakers, UACS volunteers,
professional organization contacts, present or former faculty members and others.
Call or e-mail the individual to request an interview. Let them know in the e-mail whoreferred you. Prepare for the
interview as you would any interview by researching the individual/organization and preparing a list of questions
for them. Be sure to have your resume and information about the capstone available during the interview. Before
leaving the interview, ask the individual if they have names of others whomight be helpful in your quest. Follow up
the interview with a thank-you note.
Youmay definitely use these interviews to discuss the capstone and if they have ideas for potential capstone-like
opportunities; however,you should never ask fora job at an informational interview.
Informational interviewing questions when seeking a capstone project could include:
● What are yourpriorities over the next year? What about the organization’s priorities?
● What current challenges are youfacing in yourjob?
● What are the current challenges for this organization?
● If you could have someone workingwith youto help you overthe next six months, what type of work
would youlike for him/her to accomplish?
● Are there other needs of the organization that couldbe met with the help of a public service graduate
student over the next six months? Or year?
20. 20
● Have you or yourorganization hosted graduate students working on projects for youin the past through an
internship-like experience? If yes, what type of workdid they accomplish foryou?
● How would you describe the organization’s leadership and how they lead?
● How would you describe how yousupervise others and yourexpectations forindividuals that workfor
you?
● What skills or training do you seek in someone that wouldwork withyou and/or this organization on your
challenges and priorities?
● With the information youhave about my education, skills and experience, couldI help you withany of your
current needs? What other opportunities should I research further?
● Who do youknow that I should talk to next? When I call him/her, may I use your name?
EvaluatingPotential Projects
Here are some things to consider as you determine if the project you are considering is a good fit for a capstone
project. Remember that the UACS is preparing youto be a professional in public service and yourproject should
require youto work in the field to meet an identified community need. Your capstone advisor must approve your
capstone project proposal so it is highly recommended that youcommunicate with him/her throughout the
process.
Is it public service?
How will your capstone project give youthe opportunity to engage in public service by engaging those whoare
marginalized and working on social issues that affectpositive social change? Projectsshould be driven by
community needs and have long-term impact.
Will it be challenging?
The capstone is the culminating academic and field experience. Capstone projects focuson a social issue where
problems are typically systemic and require the involvementof many people and organizations. They also allow for
an immersive experience with an opportunity to exercise discretion in decision-making that extends beyond the
mere execution of routine tasks. The projects must be masters-level workthat is substantive and challenging.
Do youhave theskills andwill youuse them?
The capstone allowsyou the opportunity to demonstrate a mastery of the UACS curriculum by applying the
knowledge and skill set youhave acquired at the School. Applying your UACS skills and knowledge to your project
is paramount to this experience. UACS students are trained to workon projects such as:
● developing and implementing an action plan to tackle a problem and evaluate the impact;
● facilitating public discussions on social issues;
● conducting a needs assessment to study a problem and then develop and implement appropriate solutions;
● building or strengthening partnerships, coalitions and/or teams;
● designing and conductingsurveys, interviews and/or focus groups to collectinformation about a problem
and recommend solutions;
● mobilizing people to take action on social issues;
● researching best practices; and,
● engaging marginalized populations.
In addition, youwill want to determine if you have all of the additional skills required to complete the project.
Consider asking the followingquestions:
● What qualifications are necessary in order to accomplish this project?
● Does an individual working on this project need to have previous experience in specific types of work? If
yes, what experience wouldthat be?
● What training, if any, will the your partner organizations provide to prepare youfor yourwork?
21. 21
Will this projectrequireenoughcontact hours?
Students are required to engage in a minimum of 250 contacthours with their capstone project, but it is expected
that most projects will demand more than the minimum requirement.
Will youhave theresourcesandsupportyouneed?
Making sure that youhave the followingwill help ensure that youcan accomplish your capstone project.
Organizational support - You will want todetermine if yourproject aligns with organization/community priorities.
Asking the followingquestions can help you determine this:
● Is the projecta priority forthe potential partner organizations and/or the community?
● Is this the right time forthis project or are there other priorities that need to be tackled before this project
is a priority?
● Will the project be supported by project stakeholders?
● Do youand the potential project partners have a fairly clear idea of what you want accomplished through
the project that is reasonable in the time allotted and supportable?
● Are the resources needed to support this project available at this time?
A primary community partner - An individual whois workingin the field can be very helpful by providing
supervision, mentoring and feedback.That individual can help:
● Orient you to the project, partner organization(s) and community.
● Hold regular meetings with you(in-person or by phone) to give feedbackabout projectprogress and your
performance.
● Providethe support you need to accomplish goals, objectives and key deliverables.
● Give adviceand guidance when a problem with the project is encountered.
● Ensure you are meeting project expectations.
● Inform youof any developments that may affect yourproject work.
Resources - The UACS does not provide financial support for most capstone projects (see the Capstone Fellowship
details in this manual for details on the one partial funding option that exists). These are some of the resources that
could be needed to accomplish a project.If youneed these expenses to be covered, youwill need to develop a plan
to obtain them. You can talk withyour community organizations about their ability to coverthese expenses. You
can also discuss other potential funding sources withcommunity organizations or the school and develop a plan to
request funds.
● Travel related to the project (mileage, lodging, parking and meals)
● Adequate workspace, officesupplies and access to officeequipment (e.g., telephone, fax, internet access,
printer, copier)
● Accident and liability insurance coverage(the same coverage is recommended as what would be purchased
for a volunteer)
● Project-relatedsupplies
○ Printing and mailings (e.g., invitations, thank younotes, signs)
○ Meeting supplies (e.g., room rental, refreshments, A/V equipment, flip charts)
○ Technical expertise (e.g., web site designer, legal advisor, database developer, graphic designer).
○ Incentives forcompleting surveys
● Project-relatedtrainings/conferences and travel expenses associated withattending
● Stipends
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CapstoneFellowships
These highly competitivefellowships are awarded to high performing students with demonstrated financial need
whopropose outstanding capstone projects in high need organizations/areas located outside the Little Rock
metropolitan area. Upto $2,000 may be awarded by the UACS for capstone projects that meet the criteria.
AwardCriteria
1. Awardees willhave proven professional and academic excellence at the Clinton School as wellas
demonstrated need.
2. Qualifying projects willbe excellent projects that align closely withthe applicant’s professional public
service career goals.
3. The capstone projectis not an opportunity that can be foundin the Little Rock metropolitan area. We are
looking to help fund projects such as those in high-need areas (like the Delta), with organization types that
do not exist in the Little Rock area (such as with national policy organizations in Washington, DC), or
international projects that are helping you pursue your international public service career goals.
4. These projects are in organizations/area that are unable to offset the expenses incurred because of limited
funding availability.
ApplicationDeadlines
July 15 - For students who willenroll in the capstone during the upcoming fall semester
November 15 - For students whowill enroll in the capstone during the upcoming spring or summer semesters
ApplicationRequirements
Send the following application materials to the Assistant Director of Field Service Education.
1. A copy of yourcapstone project topic approval document withthe email confirming that your projectis
approved from your capstone advisor. Any additional information you wouldlike to provide about your
capstone project is welcome.
2. A statement about how your capstone project meets the criteria for the fellowship outlined above.
3. A projected capstone budget (see Appendix I).Include a detailed description about any funding any
partners organizations have committed tosupport you in your capstone workincluding project support,
pay, travel reimbursement, housing, etc.
4. A statement about why you have financial need. Include a detailed description of any funding youhave
already received from outside scholarships or fellowships to support your capstone work and why you
have need beyond that.
5. A letter from any partners organizations that talk about the need forthe project, their support of it,
detailing any funding they are providing forthe capstone (both monetarily and in-kind), detailing any
additional support that is needed, and describing why funding is not available for those expenses.
Process
A faculty committee will review applicants’ total performance at the Clinton School and willask forfeedback from
Clinton Schoolfaculty and staff about that performance. The committee willalso confirmyour financial need with
UALR and youracademic qualifications with the Clinton School’s Registrar.
If a fellowshipis awarded, funding will not be processed until after a student is enrolled in the capstone course and
started their fellowship-approvedcapstone project.
23. 23
Site Orientation
Unlike in the practicum, yourcommunity partners are not always familiar with what youneed to complete your
project work.Therefore, as you solidify a project, youshould request the following that are relevant to your
project:
● An introduction to and tour of any partner organizations and the communities where they work.
● A time to meet relevant organizational staff members and stakeholders.
● Important dates for the project (important meetings, trainings, deadlines for specific action items, etc.).
● Potential risks youare taking by completing this project and how you should handle the situations you
encounter including any emergency contact phone number(s) for any major community partners. See the
Risk Management section of this manual.
● Workdetails including:
○ Regular meetings – day, time, location,frequency.
○ Officeetiquette/expectations – use of technology,dress code, etc.
○ Communication expectations - when and how to communicate (phone, email, times of day, etc.).
● Other topics including:
○ Any issues of confidentiality with the project.
○ Procedure forcommunicating with press about the project.
○ Any relevant officeemergency closing policies.
○ Safety procedures (fire alarm locations, staff alarm codes, etc.).
○ List of dates (holidays, etc.)when organizations are closed.
We have also created a community partner/student agreement template for youto use if youwould find it helpful.
See Appendix J.
RiskManagement
Determining any risks involvedin yourproject workand how to most effectively handle problems encountered is
required for yourown well-being in yourproject work.During yourproject planning process and throughout your
project work,youshould discuss any potential risks as well as what is recommended with yourcapstone advisorto
avoid and/or minimize those risks. If you are concerned about your emotional, physicalor personal health because
of your project work,youare required to immediately communicate with yourcapstone advisor.
Questions to Ask BeforeYou Start
This list is not exhaustive. Youmay think of other questions that pertain more directly to the nature of your
project.
Personal Risks -
Is the locationof yourproject work:
● In a high crime area?
● In a high traffic area?
● In a remote, rural area?
● In an unsafe political environment?
● Will aspects of the project be fulfilledin private homes or other unsupervised locations?
Will yoube interacting withany individuals who are:
● Prone to violent behavior?
● Prone to erratic behavior?
● Prone to make sexual overtures or other kinds of inappropriate advances or remarks?
● Prone to manipulate, panhandle or in any other way exploit?
Will yoube workingwith any organizations that are subject to retaliatory violence or vandalism as a result of:
● The population served?
24. 24
● The particular philosophical or political position held by the organizations?
Emotional / PsychologicalRisks - Is there a possibility that youwill:
● Encounter random verbal abuse?
● Encounter harassment?
● Encounter situations of extreme human suffering?
PhysicalRisks - Is there a possibility that you will:
● Be engaged in physical labor that requires lifting heavy objects or climbing scaffolds?
● Be engaged in athletic or ropes training activity?
● Handle equipment typically used in construction, maintenance or landscaping that might require safety
training?
● Be required to drive a vehicleas a part of yourwork?
● Travel in out of door areas where youmight encounter unsafe road or trail conditions, poisonous
insects or snakes, uncovered ground wells or mines, or wildlife?
● Be engaged in work that requires lifting or moving adults?
● Be exposed to persons withinfectious diseases?
● Be exposed to bodily fluids?
● Be exposed to toxic materials of any kind?
Working with Children - Is there a possibility that you might:
● Be accused of sexual harassment, child molestation, physicalor mental abuse?
● Discuss confidentialinformation about a child?
What recommendations does yourcapstone advisor and any community partners whoare workingwith you offer
about any of these potential risks?
Troubleshooting Capstone Problems
If you experience a personal, psychologicalor physicalproblem during your capstone, please observe the following
procedures:
1. If needed, handle the situation immediately withtrained emergency personnel (e.g., call an ambulance,
seek medical treatment, call the police).
2. First point of contact: Yourcapstone advisor
3. Second point of contact: If yourcapstone advisor is not available, contactthe Directorof Field Service
Education or the Assistant Directorat (501) 683-5200.
4. At night in cases of emergencies that relate to your capstone, please callMarie Lindquist’s cellphone at
(901) 634-4248.
If you experience any issues with your projectand/or community members involved withyour work,please
observe the followingprocedures:
1. Communicate immediately to clarify expectations and clear up any miscommunication.
2. If you are not comfortableaddressing the problem and/or the problem persists after youaddress it, contact
your capstone advisor to help determine a course of action.
3. Please keep written documentation of problems youencounter that include specific details. That willassist
the school with determining whatneeds to occur.
Web Resources
Included in Appendix K is a list of outstanding resources foundby faculty and students relevant to UACS fieldwork.
These may be useful for youas you create yourproject plan and execute your projectwork.Please let the Officeof
Field Service Education know if additional resources should be added tothis list.
25. 25
Appendix A – Statement of Responsibility Release and Waiver of Liability
UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS CLINTON SCHOOL OF PUBLIC SERVICE
STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITY RELEASE and WAIVER OF
LIABILITY
FOR PARTICIPATION IN A CAPSTONE PROJECT
Student: __________________________________
Location of Study: _____________________________________
I am a student at the University of Arkansas UACS of Public Service ("University"). As a requirement of the Masters
of Public Service ("MPS") degree, I will participate in a Capstone Project ("Capstone").
1. AcknowledgmentandAcceptanceofRisk:I acknowledge that the “Capstone” and location I have selected in
order to fulfill a requirement of the MPS degree is not under the controlof the University and that the
University can neither accept nor assume responsibility formy welfare, or forany injuries, claims, or losses
arising from my participation in, travel to and from,the Program site. I understand and acknowledge that
there are inherent risks involvedwhich are beyond the controlof the University and the University cannot
guarantee my safety or security. I acknowledge and agree that neither the University, nor its Board of
Trustees, agents and employees, nor any cooperating institution, assumes any responsibility fordamages to or
loss of my property, personal illness or injury, or death to me while I participate in the Program. I freely
assume any risks associated with or arising out of traveling, studying and living in the United States or abroad.
If overseas, I acknowledge that I am advised to monitor the United States Department of State website
(http://www.travel.state.gov)forupdates and information concerning travel to my particular destination
and fortravel abroad generally. I further acknowledge that I will review any United States Department of
State travel advisories, warnings, or other information provided to me by the University and that I freely
assume any and all risks, which may arise, concern,or relate to the conditions contained in any advisory
statements, warnings, or other information I am provided. I understand that I am free to seek out any
additional information I may desire before I choose to travel, study and live at the Capstone site. I agree that,
as a condition of participating in the Program, my decision to travel, study and live inside or outside of the
continental United States is solely my choiceand that I voluntarily assume any and all related risks concerning
such activities, including the risk of needing additional information upon whichto make an informed choice
about whether to participate in this particular Capstone site.
2. ProgramChanges: Iunderstand and agree that although the University willattempt to maintain the
“Capstone” as described and represented, it reserves the right to change the Program, including the itinerary,
travel arrangements, or accommodations, at any time if it appears that the educational goals are compromised
or if information is receivedthat the program is inappropriate or unsafe. Further neither the University, its
Board members, employees, or agents shall be responsible or liable for any expenses or losses that I may
sustain because of these changes.
3. Removal fromCapstone: Iunderstand and agree that the University reserves the right to remove me from
the “Capstone” at any time if my actions or general behavior, in the judgment of the University,is determined to
reflectnegatively on either the host institution or the University.
4. Waiver, ReleaseandHoldHarmless:Iunderstand and agree that although the University has counseled and
emphasized the importance of safety while participating in the Program, there are unavoidable risks in travel
and, in particular, in travel overseas. I do hereby forever and absolutely waive and release any and all claims
against the University,its Board members, agents, employees and any tour organizer or arranger employed by
26. 26
the University, arising out of or relating to my participation in the “Capstone”, including but not limited to,
claims for any injury, loss, damage or accident, delay or expense resulting from the use of any vehicle, any
strikes, war, civilunrest, political instability, acts of terrorism, crime, violence, weather, sickness, disease,
quarantine, governmental restrictions or regulations, or arising fromany act or omission, or any steamship,
airline, railroad, bus company, taxi service, hotel, restaurant, school, university, or other firm, agency, company,
individual, or any other related entity. I also release the University, its Board members, employees and agents
and agree to indemnify and hold them harmless with regard to any financial obligations or liabilities that I may
personally incur, or any damage or injury to the person or property of others that I may cause while
participating in the “Capstone”.
5. Local Laws andProhibitionofIllegal Drugs: Iunderstand and agree that breaches of the local law of the
Program community or country will be referred to and handled by the appropriate law enforcement
authorities. Regardless of the laws of any state or foreign country,I further agree that the use of illegal drugs in
any form, as governed by the laws of the State of Arkansas and the United States of America, will not be
tolerated and may be grounds forimmediate removal from the “Capstone” site and loss of all course credit. I
understand that while I am a visitor at the “Capstone” site, I willbe subject to the laws of the “Capstone” state
or country.
6. IndependentTravel andOperationofVehicles: Iunderstand and agree that prior to the start of the
“Capstone”, during free time within the period of the Program and after the Program's ending date, I may elect
to travel independently at my own expense. I understand that poor road conditions, different traffic laws and
regulations and varying insurance requirements can make driving motor vehicles in certain program countries
extremely hazardous and is not recommended by the University. If I rent or operate a vehiclewhile
participating in the Program, I agree that such activity is totally voluntarily on my part.
7. Consentto Medical Treatment: In the event I suffer injury or illness while participating in the “Capstone”, I
hereby authorize a representative of the University,at my expense, to secure necessary treatment, including,
but not limited to, the administration of an anesthetic and surgery and such medication as may be prescribed.
It is further agreed that if my condition so requires, I may be required to return to the United State if studying
abroad. I further assume any and all risks associated with or arising from any such medical treatment and
agree to waiveany and all claims, whichI may assert against the University, its Board members,
representatives, or agents forsuch medical treatment.
8. Fees: In the event the University, its agents, or employees loan any monies to me, or incur expenses or my
behalf, I agree to make immediate repayment upon my return. If I fail to make any such repayment upon my
return, I agree that any such debt or obligation shall be subject to collectionin accordancewith all University
policies and procedures, state and Federal laws.
9. DisclaimerofUniversity-WideAdministrativeMemorandum835.1: By executing this Release and Waiver
of Liability, I hereby acknowledge and agree that my participation in the “Capstone” does not constitute any
officialrepresentation of the University as set forth in University-WideAdministrative Memorandum 835.1 and
that a copy of the foregoing referenced memorandum willbe provided to me upon request.
10. Severability: Iagree that should any provision or aspect of this Agreement be found to be unenforceable, all
remaining provisions shall remain in full forceand effect.
11. Governing:Law: I agree that if there is any dispute concerning my participation in the Program or the
interpretation of this Agreement, any such disagreement shall be determined in accordance withthe laws of
the State of Arkansas.
12. EntireAgreementand Modification: Theterms and conditions of this Agreement represent my complete
understanding of the parties with regard to my participation in the “Capstone” and supersedes any previous or
27. 27
contemporaneous understandings I may have had with the University on this subject, whether written or oral
and cannot be changed or amended in any way without the written concurrenceof both the University and me.
13. IndependentAnalysisandBindingAuthority:IHAVE CAREFULLY READTHIS STATEMENTOF
RESPONSIBILITY,RELEASE ANDWAIVEROFLIABILITY. AND FULLY UNDERSTANDITSCONTENTS. I
FURTHERACKNOWLEDGE AND AGREE THAT I HAVE HAD AN OPPORTUNITYTOCONSULTWITHCOUNSEL
OF MY CHOICE PRIORTO EXECUTINGTHISSTATEMENTOFRESPONSIBILITY,RELEASE ANDWAIVEROF
LIABILITY and ACKNOWLEDGE AND AGREE THAT THIS AGREEMENTSHALL BE BINDING UPONMY
SURVIVORS, HEIRS,SUCCESSORS and ASSIGNS. I AM AWARE THAT THIS STATEMENTOFRESPONSIBILITY,
RELEASE AND WAIVEROF LIABILITY ISA RELEASE OF LIABILITY,INCLUDING,BUTNOTLIMITEDTO,
LIABILITY FORNEGLIGENCE and A HOLDHARMLESS AGREEMENTand I SIGN IT OFMY OWNFREE WILL.
14. Other Releases:This Statement of Responsibility, Release and Waiver of Liability is in addition to and does not
revokeor modify,any other agreement or release whichI may execute in connection withthe “Capstone”.
15. AssurancesandConsent:IHAVE READALL OFTHE ABOVE INFORMATIONAND CONSENTTO ALL OFTHE
FOREGOINGPROVISIONS.
I state that I am over the age of eighteen (18) years and am competent to execute this Agreement.
Electronic Signature:
Date:
28. 28
Appendix B - International Capstone Project Logistics Portfolio
The followingmust be submitted to yourcapstone advisor and the Officeof Field Service Education before you
leave the U.S. foran international capstone project:
A scanned image of yourpassport and visa (if required).
Proof of the purchase of travel health insurance for the duration of yourtrip. This also must include proof
that the health insurance includes required elements (i.e., yourtravel health insurance must cover
emergency medical evacuationand repatriation of remains). Also include, yourtravel health insurance
hotline phone number.
The IRB requirements for yourdestination country.
Travel risk assessment and mitigation information:
o Has yourdestination country had a State Department TravelWarning issued since May 1st, 2008?
If yes, send the Travel Warning.
o Has yourdestination country had a State Department TravelAlert issued since May 1st, 2008?
If yes, send the Travel Alert.
o Briefly discuss the level of risk associated with each of the followingrisk factors in your destination
country:
Civil Unrest-
Petty Crime (Muggings/ Robbery)-
Kidnap/ Abduction-
Cultural (customs, dress, religion, political tension)-
Language Barrier-
Legal Differences-
Deadly Animals-
Unsanitary Food-
Access to Clean Water-
Extremes of Temperature-
Natural Danger (Monsoon, Typhoon, Avalanche, Earthquake, Volcano)-
o Whichvaccinations/ prophylaxis does the CDC recommend fortravelers heading to your
destination country? Providea list. Also include specific details about whatyou have done to
prepare for exposure to these diseases.
o Please list a doctor and hospital operating in yourproject area. It may be helpful to use this link:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/emergencies/emergencies_1195.html
o Please list the address and contactnumber foryour nation of citizenship’s closest embassy or
consulate.
All flight itineraries associated withyour capstone project.
A scanned image of the State Department Smart Traveler Registration Confirmation. See:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/registration/registration_4789.html
A confirmation email from the Director of Information Technology stating that yourcomputer has been
checkedand is ready to go.
29. 29
Appendix C - Request for Determination Form
IRB Protocol #:
Request for Determination
The UALR Institutional Review Board must review Clinton School field projects that involve human subject research. No
human subjects research can begin until you have received approval from the IRB. Complete this form to request a
determination. This form must be typed.
Note: UALR policy requires that all researchers successfully complete training in the protection of human subjects in
research.* With this form, include documentation of the successful completion of CITI training for all individuals
involved in conducting the research.
Principal Investigator: Email:
Department: Phone:
FacultyAdvisor:
(if PI is a student)
Email:
Department: Phone:
ProjectTitle:
Sponsor(if externallyfunded):
AnticipatedStart Date: AnticipatedEndDate:
This project qualifies for exemption(s): 1 2 3 4 5 6
(See last page)
Descriptionofhumansubjects:
Areany subjectsunder18years ofage? Yes No
Areany subjectsconfinedina correctional ordetentionfacility Yes No
Arepersonal records(medical,academic,etc.) usedwithout
written consent? Yes No
Arepersonal records(medical,academic,etc.) directlyor
indirectlyidentifiable? Yes No
Aredata (quantitative orqualitative)fromsubjectsusedwithout
written consent? Yes No
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Aredata (quantitative orqualitative)directlyorindirectlyidentifiable? Yes No
Is pregnancya prerequisiteforservingasasubject? Yes No
Is any ofthe researchconductedat a locationotherthanUALR? Yes No
If yes, where:
Abstract:Provide the information listed below. Use additional pages if necessary.
1. State the purpose of the project or research.
2. State briefly how the human subjects will be recruited.
3. State briefly what the subjects will be required to do.
4. Describe the nature of the data to be obtained.
5. Describe how anonymity or confidentiality will be maintained or if it will not be maintained.
6. Attach letter(s) of consent, questionnaires, survey forms, recruitment materials, scripts, interview questions and
other related documents
Principal Investigator: I certify that the information provided above is correct and that this research project will be
conducted in accordance with federal regulations and UALR IRB policies and procedures on research with human subjects.
Signature: Date:
Signature of Faculty Advisor: Date:
(if PI is a student)
For questions about the UALR IRB process, please contact:
Institutional Review Board
Office of Research and Sponsored Programs
Ottenheimer Library 504
501-569-8657
Send ONE COPY of this form and all supporting documents with original signatures to irb@ualr.edu. Electronic
submissions are accepted.
* The UALR policy on training in the protection of human subjects can be found at:
http://www.ualr.edu/orsp/irb.shtml.
Submit this form at least two weeks prior to the next scheduled IRB meeting to assure review at that meeting. A decision
memo can be expected within ten working days after the scheduled meeting.
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LIST OF EXEMPT CATEGORIES
[As listed in Code of Federal Regulations, Title 45, Part 46.101(b)]
1. Educational Research Conducted in Educational Settings: Research conducted in established or commonly accepted
educational settings, involving normal educational practices, such as
a. research on regular and special education instructional strategies, or
b. research on the effectiveness of or the comparison among instructional techniques, curricula, or classroom
management methods.
2. Survey/Interview/Observational Research: Research involving the use of educational tests (cognitive, diagnostic,
aptitude, achievement), survey procedures, interview procedures, or observation of public behavior unless
a. information obtained is recorded in such a manner that human subjects can be identified, directly or through
identifiers linked to the subjects; and
b. any disclosure of the human subjects' responses outside the research could reasonably place the subjects at
risk of criminal or civil liability or be damaging to the subjects' financial standing, employability, or
reputation.
3. Survey/Interview Research Not Exempted in (2) Above: Research involving the use of educational tests (cognitive,
diagnostic, aptitude, achievement), survey procedures, interview procedures, or observation of public behavior that is
not exempt under paragraph (b)(2) of this section, if
a. human subjects are elected or appointed public officials or candidates for public office; or
b. federal statute(s) require(s) without exception that the confidentiality of the personally identifiable
information will be maintained throughout the research and thereafter.
4. Secondary Use of Existing Data: Research involving the collection or study of existing data, documents, records,
pathological specimens, or diagnostic specimens, if these sources are publicly available or if the information is
recorded by the investigator in such a manner that subjects cannot be identified, directly or through identifiers linked
to the subjects.
5. Evaluation and Demonstration Projects of Federal Programs: Research and demonstration projects that are conducted
by or subject to the approval of department or agency heads, and that are designed to study, evaluate, or otherwise
examine
a. public benefit or service programs;
b. procedures for obtaining benefits or services under those programs;
c. possible changes in or alternatives to those programs or procedures; or
d. possible changes in methods or levels of payment for benefits or services under those programs.
6. Taste and Food Quality Studies: Taste and food quality evaluation and consumer acceptance studies,
a. if wholesome foods without additives are consumed; or
b. if a food is consumed that contains a food ingredient at or below the level and for a use found to be safe, or
agricultural chemical or environmental contaminant at or below the level found to be safe by the Food and
Drug Administration (FDA) or approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the Food Safety
and Inspection Service of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).
LIMITATIONS TO EXEMPT CATEGORIES
Exemption 2 does not apply to the following types of research involving children: surveys, interviews, and observations of
public behavior when the investigator is a participant in the activities being observed.
Research involving prisoners, pregnant women, people not competent to provide informed consent, or fetuses cannot be
exempt.
Research involving use of personal records such as health care information, drug and alcohol treatment records,
psychiatric treatment records, educational records, and other records protected by the Federal Privacy Act and other
federal and state laws cannot be exempt.
32. 32
Appendix D - The Clinton School IRB Guide
All field projects at the Clinton School require that students follow the guidelines established in the Belmont
Report3 for the ethical treatment of human subjects. That means that anytime youtalk to people in a systematic
way or review raw data collected fromhuman subjects (this is called “human subjects research” in this section), a
Request for Determination must be submitted to the University of Arkansas at Little Rock’s (UALR’s) Institutional
Review Board (IRB).4 You cannot start any part of your human subjects research (including the recruitment of
human subjects) until youreceive a decision fromthe IRB. In addition, the response received from the IRB along
with all documents submitted to the IRB when seeking their approval must be on file withyour faculty advisorand
the Officeof Field Service Educationbefore human subjects research begins.
It is yourresponsibility to obtain a decision from the IRB beforeyou start any human subjects research. Youalso
must notify them of any significant modifications you make in yourresearch protocolafter you have received
approval from the IRB. If youdo not, there are serious repercussions that willvary depending on the severity of the
offense. They could range from obtaining a lower grade to removal from the Clinton School.
RequestforDeterminationForm
Make sure you use the Request forDetermination form modified by the Clinton School.5 The Clinton School’s form
can be found on the Canvas course site.
General InformationontheRequestforDeterminationForm
Only one student is listed as the Principal Investigator (PI).If youhave a team project, select the one person who
will have this responsibility.6 Include that individual’s Clinton School email address and direct phone number.
Your faculty advisoris the contacton the form as long as they are CITItrained.7 Their specific email address,
department and direct phone number are included.8
Writingthe Abstract forthe RequestforDetermination:
When writing the abstract, write each section in a cohesive way.The more clear and conciseyou are, the better.
Remove all repetition and avoid using Clinton Schooljargon that will not be understood by an outside audience.
Section 1:State the purpose ofthe research
Here are some questions to answer in a cohesiveway within Section 1:
What is the human subjects research?
3 The Belmont Report can be found at http://www.hhs.gov/ohrp/humansubjects/guidance/belmont.html
4 If yourproject requires you to submit to a different Institutional Review Board system, please confirm that with
your faculty advisor. Onceconfirmed, youmay go through that institution’s process rather than the UALRprocess.
Be sure to submit all of the required documents for that system’s requirements to yourfaculty advisor and to
Canvas.
5 Do not use the Request for Review form found on UALR’s website. It is not the correctversion forthe Clinton
School’s process.
6 For team projects, this responsibility includes being the communicationliaison between the team and the IRB.
The responsibility does NOTinclude developing and implementing the human subjects research protocol;a role
accomplished by the team as a whole.
7 For students whohave faculty advisors that are not CITItrained, Marie Lindquist is listed as the faculty advisorin
all parts of the paperwork. Currently, Marie serves as the IRB faculty advisor forDean Rutherford's and DonErnst's
students.
8 You do not include the general Clinton Schoolphone number.
33. 33
What community organizations are working on this projectand in what role?
What exactly do youhope to discoverthrough yourresearch?
Why is yourhuman subjects research being done?
What types of individuals and/or groups of people are yougoing to be talking to? Do they have any
common characteristics? If yes, whatare they?
Approximately how many people will be participating (e.g., interviewed, surveyed, etc.)?
If working with already collectedraw data:
i. How was that data collected?
ii. From whom?
iii. By whom?
All of the followinginformation needs to be included in this section:
1. A brief description of the human subjects research9 part of your project.
2. A description of the relationship you have withany community organizations involvedin that human subjects
research.
a. When working with a community organization that has asked for the human subjects research to be
accomplished, be sure to state that relationship clearly.Example:
i. Arkansas Legal Aid asked us to survey low-income Arkansans about their legal needs.
3. A description of your human subjects.
a. Examples:
i. We will be surveying the first 100 African American females from Pulaski County whoagree to
participate.
ii. We will contactall 53 Little Rocksmall business owners that are members of the Sustainability
Consortium. We will interview everyone whoagrees to participate.
4. The names of any researchers involvedin your project.
a. If you are workingon a team project,include all team members’ names. Example:
i. The team of students completing this project includes [insert names here].
b. The names of anyone whowill workwith your raw data (i.e., taking notes, typing up the interview
notes, finding themes) must be included.10
c. A CITI training completion document must be attached to the Request forDetermination for anyone
named.
5. If relevant11, include a description of any conflictsof interest12 that might exist relevant to your project and
how you will manage those conflictsof interest during your research.
Section 2:State briefly howthe humansubjectswill berecruited
Include the following information in this section:
1. A description of your recruitment methods. How will youget yourhuman subjects to participate?
a. Examples:
i. We will stand outside of supermarkets around Little Rock and ask people entering and exiting if
they wouldcomplete our survey.
ii. Using the contactinformation collected by DHS, interviewees will be contacted by email to
participate in the study.
9 Human subjects research for the Request for Determination is defined as anytime you talk to people in a
systematic way or review raw data collected from human subjects.
10 You do not include your faculty advisor since he/she is already listed on the first page of the Request form.
11 You only include information about conflictsof interest if there are any. Youdo not include anything about
conflictsof interest if you don’t have any.
12 Conflicts of interest to consider include recruiting participants whoare your students, employees, colleagues,
and/or subordinates. It also includes if you might receive some type of financial benefit because of the research.
More information about conflictsof interest in research can be found at
http://www.research.umn.edu/irb/guidance/coi.html#.VDWPJvl4rYg
34. 34
2. Answer these questions only if they are relevant to yourhuman subjects research:
a. Does the recruiting methodology unfairly identify only certain groups? If yes, in what ways and what is
the justification for that?
b. If working with already collectedraw data, how were the human subjects recruited to participate?
c. What procedures have youput in place to ensure that youare not coerciveor unduly influencing your
participants?13
i. Undueinfluenceoccursthrough an offerof an excessive or inappropriate reward or other
overture in order to obtain compliance. For example, an investigator might promise psychology
students extra credit if they participate in the human subjects research. If that is the only way a
student can earn extra credit, then the investigator is unduly influencing potential subjects. If,
however,she offerscomparable non-human subjects research alternatives for earning extra
credit, the possibility of undue influence is minimized.
ii. Undue influence can also be subtle. For example, students might feel pressure to participate in
human subjects research if everyoneelse in the class is doing so.
iii. Coercionis when one person intentionally presents an overt or implicit threat of harm to
another in order to obtain compliance. For example, an investigator might tell a prospective
subject that he or she will lose access to needed health services if he or she does not participate
in the human subjects research.
d. If you plan to provide incentives to participants, what are they? How are you ensuring that they are
being fairly distributed and not coerciveor unduly influencing participants?
e. Does exclusion fromthe research keep any population from receiving equal benefits fromthe proposed
human subjects research? If yes, how is that justified?
Section 3:State briefly whatthe subjectswill berequiredto do.
Include the following in this section:
1. A description of what the human subjects are agreeing to do. Willparticipants be asked to participate in an
interview or focusgroup or participate in something else in a face-to-facemanner? Willthey be asked to
complete a survey or something else in written or electronic form?What is being asked of them? How long will
everything take?
a. Examples:
i. Participants will be asked to reserve one hour of time for us to interview them. During the
interview, wewill ask 10 open-ended questions.
ii. Participants will be asked to complete a survey that contains 20 questions. The survey should
take approximately 20 minutes to complete.
2. Describe the consent/assent process.
a. Examples:
i. Participants will access our electronic survey that begins with a description of our project and
then asks them to provide their consent to participate.
ii. Participants will be given a consent form at the beginning of the interview. They willbe given
time to review the formand decide if they would like to sign it and participate in the interview.
3. A description of how youare ensuring that participation is voluntary14 or a justification if it not voluntary.
Include a description of any issues that might appear to make participation not voluntary and the procedures
you have put into place to ensure that it is.
4. A description of the risks (psychological,physical,social, legal or economic) associated with participating.15 In
what waysis the level of risk appropriate for the potential benefit to the participants? In what wayshave you
minimized risks as much as possible? How have youinformed participants of the risks involved?
13 Information for this section came from:http://answers.hhs.gov/ohrp/questions/7250
14 If youhave a compelling reason for why participation should not be voluntary foryour project, discuss this with
your faculty advisor and how to develop protocolsappropriate for that.
15 There are always risks that are associated with participating and it is important to think about all of them. See
the examples found at this website for ideas: http://www.uwsuper.edu/irb/risks.cfm
35. 35
5. A description about procedures forparticipants who withdraw early from the study. Are there any penalties to
a participant for withdrawing fromthe study at any time? If yes, whatare they? If no, be sure that is made clear
in this section.
6. Include only if relevant to yourresearch:
a. There are twoprocedures that are commonly referred to as deception: providing false information to
subjects and withholding information fromsubjects until their participation in the human subjects
research is completed.16 If you plan to use either procedure, talk to your faculty advisor and include the
scientific justification for either method on your Request forDetermination.17
b. If working with already collectedraw data,
i. Did human subjects participate in a consent/assent process if one was needed?
ii. Was participation voluntary?
iii. Were participants notified of the risks that might be involved?
iv. Was deception used in some way?If yes, how was it used and how were participants notified of
that use?
Section 4:Describethe natureof the data to be obtained.
1. Specifically describe the types of information youare gathering from participants.
a. Example:
i. Participants will be asked about their experience workingwith ex-offenders and the services
that ex-offenders need.
b. In this section it is NOThelpful to use terms such as “qualitative” or “quantitative”.You need tobe more
specific than that.
2. Specifically describe any sensitive private information youare collecting(i.e., income, religious preference,
sexual behavior, illegal behavior, political beliefs, health information, and activities in countries withpolitical
violence,police states, etc.).
3. If working with already collectedraw data, describe the information that was gathered from participants.
Section 5:Describehowanonymityorconfidentialitywill bemaintainedor if it will not bemaintained.
Include the following in this section:
1. Describe if participation, data and reports of that data will be anonymous, confidential or neither anonymous
nor confidential. Include the processes youwill use. Include:
a. Once youhave collected yoursigned consent/assent forms, who willkeep them? Where? In what form?
For how long? Who willhave access tothem?
b. Describe how youwill record the information you are gathering (i.e., taking notes, using a voice
recorder and then transcribing the recordings, obtaining written information from the participants).
c. Describe how youwill keep your data during and after your research. Accordingto UALR’s IRB, human
subject research records (i.e., data, consent/assent forms) must be kept forat least three years after a
project is complete. Who will keep those records? In what form? In what location? For how long? Who
will have access to it? Example:
i. Our data is owned by (insert partner organization name here). It will be kept electronically on
Google Drive whichis password protected. If willbe kept for at least three years. It willonly be
available to the researchers, faculty advisor, and projectsupervisor.
d. If relevant to yourproject also include the following:
i. Describe the protocolsyou willuse to ensure anonymity and/or confidentiality of participants.
16 Revised from:Harvard University.(June 2013). QUICK TIPSfor Completing the Application Form.
http://www.fas.harvard.edu/~human subjects research/hum_sub/index.html#forms
17 Regardless of whether subjects are actively deceived or information is withheld until participation is complete,
the consent process and form should not be deceptive in any way. There may be legitimate reasons for
withholding information from subjects until the debriefing session, but the consent form itself must neither
deceive nor mislead subjects.
36. 36
ii. Describe the protocolsyou willfollow to ensure that no identifying information is included in
your data. Anonymity and confidentiality are more ensured if identifiers (names, organization
affiliation, etc.)are removed. Describe when and how in the process youwill strip identifiers
(erase, blackout, delete in transcription).
iii. If your report(s) will be anonymous and/or confidential and if youdid not remove identifiers
from yourdata, describe when and how youwill remove identifiers when writing your
report(s).
iv. If you are collectingsensitive private information (income, religious preference, sexual
behavior, illegal behavior, political beliefs, health information, and activities in countries with
political violence,police states, etc.), describe the procedures youwill use.18 Examples:
1. Use a key code and keep the key in a secure location separate from the data.
2. Use a courier service(UPS,DHL, FedEx) to ship yourdata home from abroad if there is a
possibility that data might be confiscatedat customs.
3. Encryptdata on laptops.
v. If working with already collectedraw data, what protocolswere put into place regarding
anonymity, confidentiality,or neither anonymity nor confidentiality?What procedures will you
use with yourdata and reports that follow those protocols?
Section 6:Attach letter(s) ofconsent,questionnaires,surveyforms,interviewquestionsorotherrelateddocuments.
Include anything related to the recruitment of participants, the consent/assent process, and the process of data
collection.This includes:
1. Include your exact data/information collectiontools (surveys,interview protocolsand questions, etc.).
Examples:
a. If you plan to conductan on-line survey, submit a copy of the exact survey designed in the on-line tool19
you plan to use. Include the introduction to the survey as well.
b. If you plan to conductinterviews, submit your exact interview questions along with any introductory
and concluding information youwill share with participants.
2. Include your exact recruitment and outreach materials (posters, press releases, email templates, etc.).Include
anything that you willuse to encourage people to participate in your project. Be sure to include in these
materials the purpose of your project, the benefits of participating, the time commitment required, and the
name and specific contactinformation forthe individual who is the contactforquestions. Examples:
a. Include the email template(s) of the emails youplan to send that ask people to participate in your
interviews.
b. Include the poster you willhang at the local community center to invite people to participate.
c. If you will attend certain meetings or events to recruit, include a list of whichmeetings/events and
what willyou say about your project to recruit participants.
d. If you will go door-to-door,include a list of the neighborhoods where you will canvas and what you will
say to those that answer the door.
3. Include your specific consent and assent forms.
4. Include the introductory information to yourdata collectionmethods (i.e., the script of what you willsay before
a focus group begins, the introductory information to your survey)
Informedconsentand assentprocesses20
18 Revised from:Harvard University.(June 2013). QUICK TIPSfor Completing the Application Form.
http://www.fas.harvard.edu/~human subjects research/hum_sub/index.html#forms
19 The school has a SurveyMonkey accountthat students can use for any on-line surveys. Email Marie forthe details
if youwant to use it.
20 An exception to the consent process can be made forvery brief interactions with subjects in public places (i.e.
giving people a candy bar in exchange foranonymous data like making quick ratings or answering a page worthof
questions about non-sensitive issues) where subjects readily grasp what is being asked of them withminimal
explanation. If youwould like to develop a procedure forthis, discuss it with yourfaculty advisor.
