This research project has been assessed and approved by the RMIT University College Human Ethics Advisory Network (CHEAN). Ethics Reference Number: 25586

Research involving human participants is consistent with the guidelines contained in the Australian National statement on ethical conduct in human research and Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research.

Participant Information Sheet – QR Code Survey 

What does my participation involve?

1          Introduction

You are invited to take part in Voices from the Margins, a research project aiming to understand the lived experience of international students in Melbourne during, and since, the Covid-19 lockdowns, and how the city can work to be more inclusive for international students. You are invited to participate in the project through a short survey (2-3 questions) accessed through a QR code displayed at RMIT PlaceLab Melbourne Research Studio.

This Participant Information Sheet tells you about the research project. Participation in this research is voluntary. If you don’t wish to take part, you don’t have to.

By completing the survey, you are saying that you:

• Understand what you have read
• Consent to take part in the research project

You may download a copy of this Participant Information Sheet to keep.

2          What is the purpose of this research?

The research project asks questions like: what was the experience of lockdown and post-lockdown for international students? Where and how to international students experience inclusion and exclusion in Melbourne? What initiatives could be put in place to make the city a more welcoming place for international students? The project will engage international and local students, as well as practitioners and local government to chart some of the experiences of international students, while working towards policy and program recommendations on how to insure that international students feel welcome in the city.

This research has been funded by RMIT PlaceLab, which is a new initiative through RMIT University to bring together communities, industry, and local governments and create partnerships through actionable, relevant research projects.

3          What does participation in this research involve?

There are no costs associated with participating in this research project, nor will you be paid.

4          Other relevant information about the research project

 The results from this QR code survey will join information collected from participatory workshops run with and by international students to learn more about how students experienced the city during and post the Covid lockdowns, which will be used to inform suggestions to local government, the university and other key stakeholders.

5          Do I have to take part in this research project?

Participation in any research project is voluntary.

Submitting your completed questionnaire is an indication of your consent to participate in the study. You can withdraw your responses any time before you have submitted the questionnaire. Once you have submitted it, your responses cannot be withdrawn because they are non-identifiable and therefore, we will not be able to tell which one is yours.

6          What are the possible benefits of taking part?

 We cannot guarantee or promise that you will receive any benefits from this research; however, you may appreciate contributing to knowledge. While there may be no clear or immediate benefits to you from your participation in this study, the research provides a valuable opportunity for you to share experiences in a way that may influence change. Possible benefits may include having your voice heard and that your participation may also lead to a more inclusive and welcoming experience for international students within Melbourne. Further, your contributions will inform RMIT University and the City of Melbourne about the experience of international students and what is needed to ensure they feel included.

7          What are the risks and disadvantages of taking part?

We do not anticipate any possible risks with this research, but if you do not wish to answer a question, you may stop the survey immediately. If you become upset or distressed as a result of your participation in the research project, members of the research team will be able to discuss appropriate support for you.

This project will use an external site to create, collect and analyse data collected in a survey format. The site we are using is Qualtrics. If you agree to participate in this survey, the responses you provide will be stored on their host server. No personal information will be collected in the survey so none will be stored as data. Once we have completed our data collection and analysis, we will import the data to the RMIT server where it will be stored securely for five years. The data on the host server will then be deleted and expunged.

8          What if I withdraw from this research project?

If you do consent to participate, you may withdraw at any time prior to submitting your answers to the survey questions.

9          What happens when the research project ends?

The research will be used to develop publications from the key ideas, including zines, academic publications and some recommendation reports targeting key stakeholders. It is anticipated that the results of this research project will be published and/or presented in a variety of forums. You can stay informed of news, events and publications related to the project on the Voices from the Margins project page of the PlaceLab Website placelab.rmit.edu.au

How is the research project being conducted?

10        What will happen to information about me?

By participating in the survey, you are consenting to the research team collecting and using information from you for the research project. The information collected through the survey is anonymous and unidentifiable by the researchers. 

11        Who is organising and funding the research?

This research project is being conducted by Dr Sonia Martin and Dr Robyn Martin and is funded through RMIT PlaceLab. You can learn more about RMIT PlaceLab at placelab.rmit.edu.au

There are no declared conflicts of interest.

12        Who has reviewed the research project?          

All research in Australia involving humans is reviewed by an independent group of people called a Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC). This research project has been approved by the RMIT University HREC.

This project will be carried out according to the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2007). This statement has been developed to protect the interests of people who agree to participate in human research studies.

13        Further information and who to contact

If you want any further information concerning this project, you can contact the researcher on +61399252568 or any of the following people:

Research contact person

14        Complaints

Should you have any concerns or questions about this research project, which you do not wish to discuss with the researchers listed in this document, then you may contact:

Acknowledgement by Participant – by continuing on to the survey:

I have read and understood the Participant Information Sheet.

I understand the purposes, procedures and risks of the research described in the project.

I have had an opportunity to ask questions and I am satisfied with the answers I have received.

I freely agree to participate in this research project as described and understand that I am free to withdraw at any time during the project without affecting my relationship with RMIT.

I understand that I can print or download a copy of this document to keep.