Please see the message below from a UMBC staff member recruiting students for a research study.
Hello!
My name is Gavin Gilliland and I work at UMBC full time but I'm also a doctoral student. For my dissertation I am conducting a research study on how LGBTQ+ students who entered college without a declared major (or explored their major) experience identity, belonging, and academic exploration.
Did you start at UMBC without a declared major? Or are you undecided about your major? Are you LGBTQ+ (out or not)? You may qualify to participate in my research study.
If you choose to participate, you will be asked to:
- Complete a brief online questionnaire
- Participate in a one hour individual interview
- Complete two short reflective journal prompts
- Participate in a one hour small group discussion with other students
In total, your participation will take about two to four hours across several weeks. Your identity will be kept confidential in all transcripts and reports. You may skip any question or stop participating at any time without any penalty.
If you are interested in learning more or seeing if you are eligible to participate, please click the link below to review the consent form and complete the short screening questions:
Link to Questionnaire – check if you qualify! (this is the same link as above)
If you know someone else who entered UMBC without a declared major and identifies as LGBTQ+ feel free to forward this email to them.
Thank you for considering this opportunity to share your experiences! Please let me know if you have any questions about this opportunity via email at ggilliland@umbc.edu and I’ll get back to you within 48 hours.