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Study Title: Culturally Responsive Creativity and Academic Success: A Mixed Methods Study of Black Single Mother Doctoral Scholars in HBCUs and Black Sororities

ONLINE INFORMED CONSENT TO PARTICIPATE IN RESEARCH
Study Title: Culturally Responsive Creativity and Academic Success: A Mixed Methods Study of Black Single Mother Doctoral Scholars in HBCUs and Black Sororities
Researcher: Kia Glimps-Smith, Ph.D. Candidate, University of the Virgin Islands
Email: kia.glimpssmith@students.uvi.edu
Introduction: My name is Kia Glimps-Smith, and I truly appreciate your willingness to share your experiences today. Before we begin, I want to make sure you feel comfortable and know that your participation is completely voluntary.
PURPOSE
This study explores how culturally responsive creativity, resilience, and support systems relate to the academic success and persistence of Black single-mother doctoral students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) who are members of Black Sororities.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
- You will complete an anonymous online survey, which takes approximately 15–20 minutes.
- At the end of the survey, you will have the option to volunteer for an interview by completing a separate, unlinked contact form.
- Your decision to volunteer is optional.
- Topics include persistence, balancing motherhood and study, experiences at HBCUs, sorority support, and culturally grounded creativity.
ANONYMITY STATEMENT:
This survey does not collect your name, email address, HBCU name, sorority chapter, or any identifying information.
- If you choose to volunteer for a follow-up interview, you will be sent to a separate, unlinked contact form so that your contact information is not connected to your survey responses.
RISKS
This study involves minimal risk. Some questions may feel personal or emotional. You may skip questions or stop at any time. If you experience discomfort, support is available:
- National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7): Dial 988
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) • TTY: 1-800-487-4889 • 24/7, free, confidential treatment referral and information in English/Spanish. Website: https://www.samhsa.gov
-Postpartum Support International: 1-800-944-4773
-You may also contact your university’s Counseling or Graduate Student Services Office.
This study follows Culturally Responsive and Equitable Evaluation (CREE) principles and integrates Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to honor your cultural context, promote accessibility, and support your autonomy throughout the process.
BENEFITS
There are no direct personal or financial benefits for participating in this study. Your participation may help HBCUs and Black Sororities strengthen support for doctoral students balancing motherhood and academic study.
CONFIDENTIALITY
Your survey responses are anonymous. No identifying information will be collected.
If you volunteer for an interview, the contact information you provide will be stored separately, used only for scheduling, and will not be connected to your survey responses.
Confidentiality may only be broken if required by law (e.g., cases of imminent harm or suspected abuse).
ACCESSIBILITY
This survey is designed using Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles and is compatible with screen readers, keyboard navigation, and assistive technologies. You may pause, skip questions, or exit the survey at any time.
VOLUNTARY PARTICIPATION
Your participation is voluntary. You may decline or withdraw at any time without penalty.
QUESTIONS:
If you have questions about this study, contact:

· Primary Investigator/Researcher: Kia Glimps-Smith, kia.glimpssmith@students.uvi.edu

· Dissertation Chair: Dr. Kate Winter, kathryn.winter@uvi.edu

· If you have questions about your rights as a participant or wish to report a concern, you may contact the University of the Virgin Islands through any of the following:

· UVI’s Compliance Hotline: 1-340-639-1661

· General Compliance Reporting Email: compliancereporting@uvi.edu

· UVI’s IRB Inquiry Email: irb@uvi.edu

· The University of the Virgin Islands Institutional Review Board operates under Federal-wide Assurance number FWA00000374 with the Office for Human Research Protections, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

This study follows Culturally Responsive and Equitable Evaluation (CREE) principles, which center on respect for your cultural context, lived experiences, and voice as valuable sources of knowledge.
1.CONSENT FORM ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:

Before beginning the survey, please review the consent information provided above. Some items may address persistence, discrimination, or balancing doctoral study and motherhood, which may feel personal. You may skip any question or stop participating at any time.

By selecting “Yes,” you confirm that you have read and understood the consent information, are at least 18 years old, and voluntarily agree to participate in this study.(Required.)