Supported by:
This research is supported by the Northwestern University School of Professional Studies through our center, the Osher NRC (National Resource Center for Osher Institutes).

Key information about this research study:
The following is a short summary to help you decide whether to be a part of this study. The purpose of this study is to learn more about the Osher Institute members from a representative sample of national Osher Institute programs. You will be asked to complete the online survey questionnaire with answers to such questions as your age, education, course interests, experiences with OLLI, and opinions regarding the program. We expect that you will spend between 10 and 15 minutes completing the survey. The potential risk of participation is low to none. The main benefit of being in this study is that you might help your Osher Institute improve the program.

Why am I being asked to take part in this research study?
We are asking you to take part in this research study (STU00222211) because you are a member of the Osher Institute at Northwestern University.

How many people will be in this study?
We expect about 6,000 people will be in this research study nationally.

What should I know about participating in this research study?
  • Whether or not you take part is up to you.
  • You can choose not to take part.
  • You can agree to take part and later change your mind.
  • Your decision will not be held against you.
  • You can ask all the questions you want before you decide.
  • You do not have to answer any question you do not want to answer.
What happens if I say “Yes, I want to be in this research”?
If you agree to participate, you will be asked to complete the online survey. If you do not want to participate, just exit out of the survey at any time and the information will not be saved. You can skip any question you do not wish to answer or exit the survey at any point.

What happens if I do not want to be in this research, or I change my mind later?
Participation in research is voluntary. You can decide to participate or not to participate. If you do not want to be in this study or withdraw from the survey at any point, your decision will not affect your relationship with your Osher Institute.

How will the researchers protect my information?
This survey utilizes the SurveyMonkey online questionnaire platform. No identifying information is being asked of you so there is no risk of disclosure of any sensitive or confidential information.

Who will have access to the information collected during this research study?
Only Osher Institute and Osher National Resource Center staff will have access to the survey answers you provide. You will remain anonymous as no personally identifying information will be asked of you. A summary report will be written and posted on osher.net following the conclusion of this study.

Who can I talk to?
If you have questions, concerns, or complaints you can contact the Principal Investigator, Steve Thaxton at 312-503-4049 or steve.thaxton@northwestern.edu. This research has been reviewed and approved by an Institutional Review Board (“IRB”)–an IRB is a committee that protects the rights of people who participate in research studies. You may contact the IRB by phone at (312) 503-9338 or by email at irb@northwestern.edu if:
  • Your questions, concerns, or complaints are not being answered by the research team.
  • You cannot reach the research team.
  • You want to talk to someone besides the research team.
  • You have questions about your rights as a research participant.
  • You want to get information or provide input about this research.

Question Title

1. Online Consent:
If you want a copy of this consent for your records, you can print it from the screen or download here. If you wish to participate, please click the “I Agree” button and you will be taken to the survey. If you do not wish to participate in this study, please select “I Disagree” or select X in the corner of your browser.

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