2019-20 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS:20) Pretesting

StratComm will locate potential participants by advertisements within organizations and education institutions, referrals and snowball sampling, and social media posts, and if needed, by calling from research company listings. In response to these outreach/contact methods and resources, potential participants will inform Stratcomm of their interest to participate in the study by calling or e-mailing the Stratcomm contact information found in the outreach/contact materials or following a link to the self-administered screener. Stratcomm will review the responses to the self-administered screeners of potential respondents to identify eligible participants. Potential respondents will then be notified if they were selected to participate in a focus group.

Sample Recruitment Advertisements

The advertisements will target individuals qualified for NPSAS:20, describing briefly the purpose of the testing and the opportunity for participants to contribute to the development of the survey protocol. The advertisements will identify the need for individuals who have attended a postsecondary institution at any time since July 2018, the time commitment of the focus group, and the incentive amount offered for participation.

Sample advertisements using a variety of methods are presented below. The main method will include direct e-mails/ letters sent to organizations with members who may qualify. The e-mail or letter will also include a flyer and an FAQ page. In addition, social media post language has been included for online advertisements. As part of the recruitment process, recruitment scripts, confirmation phone scripts and e-mails, survey invitation e-mails, and thank you e-mails may be used and are provided in this document.

Initial Contact Recruitment E-mail/Letter to Individuals

IF SENT AS E-MAIL–Subject: Paid Research Study Opportunity

<DATE>

Dear <NAME>,

StratComm is administering an important study on behalf of the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), and we need your help.

We are looking for individuals who have attended a postsecondary institution since July 2018 to participate in a voluntary 90-minute online focus group to provide feedback on the 2019-20 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS:20).

The focus groups will take place online where you will participate in a group discussion about the survey contacting materials. You must have access to a reliable internet connection on a laptop or desktop computer. You will receive a $50 check or Amazon e-gift card after completing the session as a ‘thank you’ for your time and effort.

By participating in this study, you will help us understand the most effective approaches for contacting thousands of other selected students located across the country!

If you are interested in participating, please use the following link and answer a few screening questions to determine your eligibility:

<INSERT LINK TO INTAKE/SCREENING FORM>]

We have included a flyer and a FAQ page with additional information about the study. Please call Taylor Groo at 508-907-7000 x238 or e-mail tgroo@stratcomminc.com with any questions regarding this project.

We look forward to speaking with you soon!

Sincerely,

StratComm <CONTACT PHONE>

ATTACHED: Flyer and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Recruitment E-mail/Letter to Organizations

IF SENT AS E-MAIL–Subject: Paid Research Study Opportunity

<DATE>

Dear <NAME>,

StratComm, a research company based in Natick, MA, is administering an important study on behalf of the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). [<IF SCHOOL OR EDUCATION ORGANIZATION> Because of your role in the educational community <IF OTHER ORGANIZATION> Because your organization plays an active role in the community], we need your help.]

We are looking for students who have attended a postsecondary institution since July 2018 to participate in a voluntary focus group session to provide feedback for the 2019-20 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS:20).

The focus group session will last no more than 90 minutes. During the session, participants will be asked to answer questions about how they prefer to be contacted for a survey as well as detailed questions about the content that should be included in any materials. The session will take place on <INSERT DATE AND TIME>.

The focus group session will take place online and all responses will be protected. NCES is required to follow strict procedures to protect personal information in the collection, reporting, and publication of data.^⁰

Participants will receive a $50 check or Amazon e-gift card after completing the session as a ‘thank you’ for their time and effort.

You can play a key role in making sure that a variety of voices will be heard to help us determine the most effective ways to contact students. The feedback provided during the focus group sessions will help maximize the representativeness of the 2019-20 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS:20) data collection.

We would like to ask for your assistance in letting your students know how they can be involved in this important study. We have included a flyer with a brief description of our study in the hope that you can post it for everyone to see. We have also included a FAQ page with additional information about the study.

We appreciate your consideration of this request and invite you to please call Taylor Groo at 508-907-7000 x238 or e-mail tgroo@stratcomminc.com so we can answer any questions you may have.

We look forward to speaking with you soon!

Sincerely,

StratComm <CONTACT PHONE>

ATTACHED: Flyer and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Recruitment Phone Script for Potential Participants/Respondents

(Script when calling potential participants from a compiled list)

Good morning/afternoon/evening. Is this the <LAST NAME FROM CALL LIST> household? My name is <CALLER NAME> and I am calling from StratComm, a Massachusetts research company. Our company is administering an important research study on behalf of the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), which is part of the U.S. Department of Education and we need your help.

We are recruiting individuals to participate in a voluntary online focus group to provide feedback about contacting materials used in our surveys. If you qualify and participate in the study, you will receive a $50 check or Amazon e-gift card as a ’thank you’ for your participation.

I’d like to tell you a little bit more about the study, but first, if now is a good time, can I ask you a few questions? (YES or NO and call back later)

[IF YES, ADMINISTER ELIGIBILITY SCREENING QUESTIONS (see Attachment II)]

Thank you. StratComm will facilitate a group discussion with about 10-20 people. We will ask questions about sample survey communications materials. The focus group session will take place online. Your participation and opinions will help NCES improve the way we contact students like you, which will help improve the representativeness of the 2019-20 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS:20).

The entire focus group session will last no more than 90 minutes and will take place on <INSERT DATE AND TIME>. The session will take place online and you can participate from anywhere as long as you have a reliable internet connection and access to a desktop or laptop computer and a phone.

All of the information you provide may be used only for statistical purposes and may not be disclosed, or used, in identifiable form for any other purpose except as required by law (20 U.S.C. §9573 and 6 U.S.C. §151).

Are you interested in participating in this research study?

If NO: Thank you for your time. Have a good <day/evening>.

If YES: Great, thank you very much. To ensure that we include a broad mix of individuals, I have a few brief screening questions to ask you. It should only take about 5 minutes of your time.

[RESUME ADMINISTERING ELIGIBILITY SCREENING QUESTIONS (see Attachment II)]

Web Survey Social Media Post

[CONTENT OF POST]

On behalf of the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), StratComm, a research company based in Natick, MA, is looking for students who have attended a postsecondary institution at any time since July 2018 to participate in an online focus group. Your feedback during the focus group discussion will help NCES improve the way we contact students like you, to improve the representativeness of the 2019-20 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS:20). If selected, you will receive a $50 check or Amazon e-gift card as a thank you for your input.

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO SIGN UP!

[CONTENT OF SHARED IMAGE & LINK]

[Image will be linked to study’s intake page hosted on the StratComm website]

General Flyer

Shape1 Shape2 Shape3

Have you attended a postsecondary institution since July 2018?

If so, we need your help!

You can participate in an important focus group for the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). We would like to hear your opinions.

If you participate in an online group discussion about various methods that may be used to contact college students selected for a large education study, you will receive a $50 check or Amazon e-gift card as a thank you for your input.

For more information or to register, please call us at 508-907-7000 x238 or go to the website below:

<LINK>

OMB Control No.: XXXX-XXX

Shape4

2019-20 National Postsecondary Student Aid

Study (NPSAS:20)

The purpose of this study is to evaluate and provide feedback on methods used to contact students participating in a U.S. Department of Education study. We are looking for individuals who have attended a postsecondary institution since July 2018 to participate in an online focus group.

You will participate in a 90-minute online group discussion about various methods we use to contact students. You will receive a $50 check or Amazon e-gift card at the end as a thank you.

Your participation and feedback will help improve the way we contact students like you, so we can ultimately improve the representativeness of the 2019-20 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS:20).

The information you provide will be used only for research purposes. You will be assigned a research ID number and your responses will not be linked to your name.

Please contact us today if you are interested in participating.

For more information or to register, please call us at <NUMBER>, or go to the website below:

<LINK>

Shape5

OMB# 1850-0666

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is this study about?

Where will the focus group take place?

The focus group will take place online. At the specified date and time, you will log in to a secure online platform. Technical assistance will be available if needed. You will need a reliable internet connection and access to a desktop or laptop computer and a telephone.

What will happen during the focus group?

The 90-minute focus group will include you and around 10-20 other participants. Participants will be asked questions about various contact methods and materials used to contact students included in our study. Focus group participants will type their responses in a chat window. We will start with generic questions about the types of contact methods and then move into more detailed questions about the content included in each contact. All responses provided in the focus group will be documented in a transcript that will be shared with our client.

How long will the whole session last?

We anticipate the entire session to last 90 minutes.

Will information be kept confidential?

You will be assigned a unique identifier (ID) and your name will not be linked to your answers. All of the information provided may be used only for statistical purposes and may not be disclosed, or used, in identifiable form for any other purpose except as required by law (20 U.S.C. §9573 and 6 U.S.C. §151). A full written transcript of the provided responses will be produced and used for analysis only. It will not connect your responses to your name or any other identifying information. Any and all personally identifying information will be destroyed after one year.]

Is there an incentive for participating?

Yes. You will receive a $50 check or Amazon e-gift card as a “thank you” for your participation.

What are the possible risks of being in the study?

There are no known risks to participating in this voluntary study.

Who can I contact with questions or for further information?

If you have any questions about the study, you can call Taylor Groo at 508-907-7000 x238 or e-mail tgroo@stratcomminc.com.

Can participation end early?

Participation in this study is completely voluntary. You have the right to refuse to answer particular questions. You may elect to stop answering the survey questions at any time.

Web Survey Invitation (Initial and Reminder) to Participate

IF SENT AS E-MAIL - Subject: Paid Research Study Opportunity

<DATE>

Dear <NAME>,

[<IF REMINDER E-MAIL> Recently, we invited you to participate in an online focus group session to provide feedback on contact materials used for a large education study. We’d still like to hear from you!]

StratComm, a research company based in Natick, MA, is administering an important study on behalf of the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

The feedback you provide during the online focus group discussion will help NCES improve the way we contact students like you, to improve the representativeness of the 2019-20 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS:20). All information you provide will be used only for research purposes and your responses will not be linked to your name.

The focus group will include 10-20 other students and will ask questions about various types of contact methods and the content that should be included in each. If you are eligible, and upon completion of the focus group, you will receive a $50 check or Amazon e-gift card as a thank you for your participation.

If you are interested in participating in this study,
please go to the website <SURVEY LINK>
and enter your unique ID: [abc123]

We have included a flyer and a FAQ page with additional information about the study.

We appreciate your consideration of this request and invite you to please call Taylor Groo at 508-907-7000 x238 or e-mail tgroo@stratcomminc.com so we can answer any questions you may have.

Sincerely,

StratComm, LLC

ATTACHED: Flyer and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Focus Group Confirmation E-mail for Participants

Subject: Confirmation for NCES Research Interview Study

<DATE>

Dear <NAME>:

Thank you for agreeing to participate in a focus group to provide feedback on sample contacting materials used on a large education study conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). The focus group session will last about 90 minutes.

This is confirmation that you are scheduled at the following location, date, and time:

LOCATION: Online

Login information will be emailed to you upon your acceptance into the study

DATE: <Day of Week>, <Month> <Day>, <Year>

TIME: XX:XX AM/PM <TIMEZONE>

GIFT CARD: You will receive $50 via <CHECK > or Amazon e-gift card after the conclusion of the session for your time and effort.

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS:

Before the session:

Please read the attached Consent Form. Before you can participate in this study, you must read the consent form and confirm your willingness to participate. Please do that now by visiting <web address for electronic Consent Form>.
Materials discussed during the focus group will be mailed to you in advance. Please make sure that you save them so they are available for reference during our discussion.
If you use eyeglasses for reading or watching TV, you should wear them during the study session.
Instructions to log in to the online session will be sent by email. If you do not receive these instructions, please contact me using the contact information provided below.

We look forward to speaking with you. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact:

Taylor Groo

StratComm

508-907-7000 x238, tgroo@stratcomminc.com

ATTACHED: Consent Form

Focus Group Confirmation Phone Script

(Parenthetical text is provided for reference and does not need to be read aloud)

Good morning/afternoon/evening. May I please speak to <NAME> about a focus group session to provide feedback on contact materials used for a study conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)?

Good morning/afternoon/evening. My name is <NAME> and I’m calling from StratComm about your scheduled focus group session that we are carrying out on behalf of the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), part of the U.S. Department of Education. We are pleased that you have agreed to participate in this study and help us improve our contacting materials. This is a reminder that we have scheduled your session for <TIME> on <DATE>.

The session will take place online and will last no more than 90 minutes.

Have you received an email with login instructions? <IF NO, COLLECT REMAIL INFORMATION>

(It looks like you have not yet read the consent form and acknowledged your interest in participating. Please refer back to the email you received and complete the consent form acknowledgement ASAP. If you do not complete the acknowledgment you cannot participate in the focus group session.)

During the online focus group, you will be asked questions about the various types of contact methods and questions about the content that should be included in the materials. All of the information you provide may be used only for statistical purposes and may not be disclosed, or used, in identifiable form for any other purpose except as required by law (20 U.S.C. §9573 and 6 U.S.C. §151).

After completing the session, you will receive a $50 check or Amazon e-gift card as a thank you for participating.

Do you have any questions at this time?

Again, your session is scheduled at <TIME> on <DATE>. Please log on 15 minutes before your scheduled time to check in and review our consent form. If you have any questions before then, please call Taylor Groo at 508-907-7000 x238 or e-mail tgroo@stratcomminc.com.

Thank you again for agreeing to be part of this very important study.

ILab Login Instructions for Focus Group Participants

Subject: Your Login Instructions for NCES Research Interview Study

<DATE>

Dear <NAME>:

Your session will be held on:<INSERT DAY>, <INSERT DATE AND TIME>

As early as 30 minutes before the start of the session please feel free to get to your computer and follow the connection instructions to make sure you have no problems connecting to the group. Also, remember to dial into the conference line, but to leave your phone on mute.

Logging On and Session Schedule

Please note that you will need two lines of communication for the session, a high-speed internet connection, and one voice line for the conference call.

Please plan to log onto the session no later than 10-15 minutes prior to the session start time in order to help ensure you are able to access the session and allow time to be sure everyone is set up properly. Please note that “Pop-Up Blockers” should be disabled to access the connectivity link.

1. To log on to the session, you will need your session URL link. First, you will click on the following link or type it into your web browser. (IMPORTANT – the URL is “GOWIQ” in lower case.)

URL: <INSERT URL>

IMPORTANT NOTE: Please use a specific browser such as IE Explorer or Google Chrome for a PC or Safari, Chrome or FireFox for a MAC. Other browsers may NOT be able to access some of the activities. IMPORTANT: if you are using Internet Explorer Version 11 (IE11), please add the base URL of www.gowiq.com to your compatibility view list. We also ask you to close other browser applications that might affect performance of the interactive system during this session.

2. Once you reach the login screen, you will be prompted for a user ID and password. For your session, please use the following id that has been assigned for your session use:

USER ID	PASSWORD
XXXXX	XXXX

Note that all user IDs and passwords are case sensitive. Everything is in lower case.

3. After you have logged onto the system, you will be taken to the ‘Session Gallery’. The session name available to you will then be displayed. Please click on the session name and you will be taken right to the agenda screen. This is exactly where you want to be. NOTE: The actual agenda will not be activated until approximately 2 hours prior to the session.

After you have logged onto the session, please join the conference call that has been set up. Remember to keep your phone on mute during the session.

Conference Call information is:

Dial in: XXXXX

Passcode: XXXX

Help Line information: During the log in process or at any time during the session, a staffed help line will be available to assist you should you encounter any problems. The help line may be reached at the following number and will be activated 30 minutes prior to the start of our session:

Help Line Access Available beginning <TIME>

Dial in: XXXX

Passcode: XXXX

Once we have completed the login process and everyone is on the conference call, the session will get started.

If you have any additional questions regarding the session or logging on details, please call me directly using the contact information provided below.

We look forward to speaking with you on<INSERT DAY>, <INSERT DATE AND TIME>.

Taylor Groo

StratComm

508-907-7000 x238, tgroo@stratcomminc.com

Thank You E-mail/Letter to Participants/Respondents

IF SENT AS E-MAIL - Subject: Thank you - NCES Survey Focus Group

<DATE>

Dear <Name>,

On behalf of the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), part of the U.S. Department of Education, StratComm would like to thank you for participating in the 2019-20 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS:20) Focus Group.

Your participation provided valuable feedback on contacting materials we may use to contact thousands of other students like you. Your open, candid, and insightful comments were very helpful. Your input, combined with input from other focus group respondents, is incredibly useful and informative, and is helping us develop the best possible contacting materials for NCES.

You will receive a $50 check or Amazon e-gift card to thank you for your participation. Please allow 2-3 days for delivery.

Again, thank you for your assistance.

Sincerely,

Taylor Groo

StratComm

508-907-7000 x238, tgroo@stratcomminc.com

Section II. Eligibility Screening Questions

All initial eligibility screening will be conducted through a self-administered online recruitment screener, or by telephone. The recruitment screener, a 3-5-minute online survey, will be used to determine whether individuals qualify to participate in the NPSAS:20 focus group. Potential respondents who contact StratComm via telephone or e-mail in response to the recruitment advertisements will have the choice to complete eligibility screening on the telephone with StratComm or receive an e-mail containing the online recruitment screener link.

Respondents who click the screener link provided in the targeted social media ads and/or e-mails will go directly to the online recruitment screener. The responses to the online recruitment screener questions will determine their eligibility for the project.

If the recruitment screener determines that potential respondents are eligible, eligible respondents will receive a confirmation e-mail and/or phone call with the date, time, and login information for the session they have been assigned (see Attachment I for focus group confirmation e-mail and phone script).

The introduction to the eligibility screener for the telephone agents when screening is conducted over the telephone can be found in “Recruitment Phone Script” in Attachment I. The script in the beginning of the screener is the text displayed on the online version. Likewise, the language for the last three questions has two versions, dependent on whether the survey would be viewed by the participant or read to them by a StratComm agent.

E-mail with Self-Screener to Interested Participants who Call StratComm

IF SENT AS E-MAIL - Subject: Paid Research Study Opportunity

<DATE>

Hello <NAME>,

Thank you for your interest in our study. StratComm is conducting a focus group of students enrolled in postsecondary education since July 2018 and would greatly value your opinions.

Eligible respondents who participate in a 90-minute online focus group will receive a $50 check or Amazon e-gift card as a thank you for their feedback. If you are interested, please click on the link below to take a brief survey to determine your eligibility.

Please do not share this e-mail or link as it is associated with your specific database entry.

Thank you,

<TITLE>

StratComm, LLC

Eligibility Screener (Self-Administered and Over the Telephone)

(See “Recruitment Phone Script” in Attachment I for language StratComm agents use when speaking to participants.)

Introduction to self-administered screener (on landing page):

Thank you for your interest. StratComm is carrying out an important research study on behalf of the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), which is part of the U.S. Department of Education, and we need your help.

We are recruiting individuals to participate in a voluntary online focus group session to provide feedback about survey contacting materials. Upon qualifying for this study, you will be asked to take part in an online focus group. The focus group will include a group discussion with 15-20 people. We will ask open-ended questions about sample study communication materials. The focus group session will be transcribed. The entire focus group session will last no more than 90 minutes. You will receive a $50 check or Amazon e-gift card after completing the session as a thank you.

Any information gathered during the focus group may be used only for statistical purposes and may not be disclosed, or used, in identifiable form for any other purpose except as required by law (20 U.S.C. §9573 and 6 U.S.C. §151).

Your participation and feedback will help us improve our contacting materials, so they are clear and can be easily understood and answered by thousands of other students across the country.

Are you interested in participating in this research study?

Yes  CONTINUE
No  THANK AND TERMINATE

Great, thank you very much. To ensure that we include a broad mix of individuals, please answer the following brief screening questions. It should take only about 5 minutes of your time.

To participate in the online focus group, you will need to have access to reliable internet on a desktop or laptop computer and a phone to dial into the conference line. Will you have this access?
- Yes
- No  THANK AND TERMINATE (Ineligible)
Were you attending high school or completing any high school requirements at any time between July 1, 2018 and today?
- Yes  THANK AND TERMINATE (Ineligible)
- No  CONTINUE
Did you attend a college, university, or trade school at any time between July 1, 2018 and today?
- Yes  CONTINUE
- No  THANK AND TERMINATE (Ineligible)
What is your age?

Under 18  THANK AND TERMINATE (Ineligible)
18-24
25-29
30-34
35-39
40-49
50-59
60 or older

What is the name of the college, university, or trade school you attended at any time between July 1, 2018 and today? (If more than one: What is the name of the school you consider to be your primary school?)

[NPSAS SCHOOL]
Which of the following are you working on at [NPSAS SCHOOL] in the 2018-2019 academic year (July 1, 2018 - June 30, 2019)?

Degrees

Associate’s degree (usually a 2-year degree)
Bachelor’s degree (usually a 4-year degree)
Master's degree
Doctoral degree--research/scholarship (for example, PhD, EdD, etc.)
Doctoral degree--professional practice (including: chiropractic, dentistry, law, medicine, optometry, pharmacy, podiatry, or veterinary medicine)

Certificates

Undergraduate certificate or diploma (usually less than 2 years), including those leading to a certification or license (example: cosmetology)
Post-baccalaureate certificate
Post-master's certificate

Classes only (not in a degree program)

Undergraduate level classes
Graduate level classes

Other than the degree or certificate you are working on at [NPSAS SCHOOL], have you earned any degrees or certificates since high school? (Only include degrees or certificates earned through a college, university, or trade school.)

Yes
No

Was [NPSAS SCHOOL] the first college, university, or trade school you attended after completing your high school requirements?

Yes
No

What is your current enrollment status?
- Full-time
- Part-time
Are you currently employed?

Yes  CONTINUE
No  CONTINUE

Are you of either Hispanic or Latino origin?

Yes
No
Prefer not to Answer

What is your race? (Select all that apply)

American Indian or Alaska Native
Asian
Black or African American
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
White
Prefer not to answer

What is your sex?

Male
Female
Prefer not to answer

What is your total annual income based on the following ranges?

Less than $20,000
$20,000 to $49,999
$50,000 to $99,999
$100,000 or more
Prefer not to answer

Are you currently using a GI Bill to pay for your education or associated costs?
- Yes
[IF SELF-ADMINISTERED]

We are holding online focus group sessions on <DATES and TIMES>. Are you available and interested in participating?

[IF TELEPHONE SCREENING]
[We are administering online focus group sessions on <DATES and TIMES >. Would you be interested in participating?

RECORD DATE AND TIME FOR THIS PARTICIPANT:

______________________________________________________________________________

[IF SELF-ADMINISTERED]
Thank you for your interest. If you qualify, StratComm will reach out to you to schedule your focus group session and provide additional instructions.

Can you please provide us with your preferred contact details?

[IF TELEPHONE SCREENING]
Thank you for your interest. If you qualify, we will follow up with you to schedule your focus group session. Could you please provide us with your contact information? (All required except “Alternate phone number”)]

RECORD FIRST NAME: _____________________________________

RECORD LAST NAME: _____________________________________

RECORD E-MAIL ADDRESS: _____________________________________

BEST PHONE NUMBER: _____________________________________

ALTERNATE PHONE NUMBER: _____________________________________

PHONE NUMBER TO SEND TEXT MESSAGE: ________________________________________

[Termination Language: Thank you for your expressed interest. Based on the requirements of this study, we are not able to include you in the study at this time. <IF TELEPHONE> Have a good <day/evening.>]

Section III. Consent to Participate in Research

Text For Online Consent Form

CONSENT FORM

FOR PARTICIPATION IN RESEARCH

Thank you for your interest in participating in the 2019-20 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS:20) focus groups. This consent form explains the research study. Please read it carefully. If you have any questions or concern, please call Taylor Groo at 508-907-7000 x238 or e-mail tgroo@stratcomminc.com so he can address any questions you may have.

What is this study about?

On behalf of the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), StratComm, a research company based in Natick, MA, is looking for students who have attended a postsecondary institution at any time since July 2018 to participate in an online focus group. The focus group will include questions about contact materials potentially used for the 2019-20 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS:20). Your feedback provided during the focus group discussion will help NCES improve the contact materials used for NPSAS:20 so they are easily understood by thousands of other individuals across the country.

Where will the focus group take place?

The focus group will take place online. At the specified date and time, you will log in to a secure online platform. Technical assistance will be available if needed. You will need a reliable internet connection, a phone connection, and access to a desktop or laptop computer.

What will happen during the focus group?

The focus group discussion will include between 15-20 other students like you. We will ask open-ended questions about various types of sample contact materials and ask each participant to enter their feedback in a chat window.

How long will the whole session last?

We anticipate the entire session will last 90 minutes.

Will information be kept confidential?

Your name will not be linked to your answers. All of the information provided may be used only for statistical purposes and may not be disclosed, or used, in identifiable form for any other purpose except as required by law (20 U.S.C. §9573 and 6 U.S.C. §151). A full written transcript will be produced and used for analysis only and not information will be destroyed after one year.

Is there an incentive for participating?

Yes. You will receive a $50 check or Amazon e-gift card as a thank you for your participation.

What are the possible risks of being in the study?

There are no known risks to participating in this voluntary study.

Who can I contact with questions or for further information?

If you have any questions about the study, you can call Taylor Groo at 508-907-7000 x238 or e-mail tgroo@stratcomminc.com.

Can participation end early?

Participation in this study is completely voluntary. You have the right to refuse to answer particular questions. You may elect to stop answering questions at any time.

____ Yes, I have read the informed consent and agree to participate in this study

____ I have read the informed consent and do NOT want to participate in this study

Online Landing Page - Screenshot

Thank you for taking the time to complete the 2019-20 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS:20). To begin the survey, please enter your unique ID. Your ID is located immediately below the link you used to locate this page.

The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), within the U.S. Department of Education, is authorized to conduct NPSAS:20 by the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002 (ESRA 2002, 20 U.S.C. §9543). EurekaFacts, with RTI International, is administering this voluntary survey on behalf of NCES. There are no penalties should you choose not to participate in this study. All of the information you provide may be used only for statistical purposes and may not be disclosed, or used, in identifiable form for any other purpose except as required by law (20 U.S.C. §9573 and 6 U.S.C. §151).

According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this voluntary survey is 1850–0803. The time required to complete this survey is estimated to average [XX] minutes per response, including the time to review instructions and complete and review the survey. If you have any comments concerning the accuracy of the time estimate, suggestions for improving this survey, or any comments or concerns regarding the status of your individual submission of this survey, please e-mail: Postsecondary.surveys@ed.gov or write directly to: NPSAS:20, National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PCP, 550 12th Street, SW, 4^th floor, Washington, D.C. 20202.

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0 All of the information provided may be used only for statistical purposes and may not be disclosed, or used, in identifiable form for any other purpose except as required by law (20 U.S.C. §9573 and 6 U.S.C. §151).

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File Created	2021-01-15