Student Survey Request
SSPG approval is required for surveys distributed to Northwestern students to ensure coordination, reduce duplication, and maintain consistency with institutional priorities.
Please review the information below before submitting a survey request.
Note that all human subject research must be approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB). Please obtain survey approval from the Student Surveys Planning Group before requesting approval from the IRB.
You should allow a minimum of two weeks notice for requests to survey students.
If you have any question, please email ir@northwestern.edu.
Student Survey Standards
Importance
How important is the survey to Northwestern's mission and decision-making? Will it provide actionable information for academic planning, student services, or understanding the student experience? Is it part of a nationally recognized effort, and will benchmark data from peer institutions be available?
Dissemination and Use of Results
Who will have access to the survey results, and how will they be used? Will it be presented to leadership who might be better informed in making decisions related to students as a result?
Survey Content and Design
Is the survey well designed and aligned with its stated objectives? Does it follow established survey research practices? Are the questions clear, appropriate, and easy for respondents to understand? Is the survey length reasonable?
Population and Sampling
Who is the target population? Will the survey be administered to the entire population or to a sample? If a sample is used, is the sampling methodology appropriate and statistically sound? If a census is proposed, could sampling reduce respondent burden while still meeting study objectives?
Timing
When will the survey be conducted? Does it overlap with other student surveys? Is the timing likely to maximize participation and minimize survey fatigue?
Overall Impact
What benefits will the survey provide to the University and its students? How will the results be used to support improvement? Does the value of the information outweigh the burden placed on respondents?
Resources Required
What University resources are needed to support the survey? Examples may include sample selection, email distribution lists, survey programming, communications, pilot testing, data analysis, or reporting.
Data Privacy and Confidentiality
How will participant privacy be protected? What data will be collected, who will have access to it, and how will it be stored, reported, and retained? Are safeguards in place to ensure compliance with University policies and applicable regulations?
Institutional Review Board
The Institutional Review Board (IRB) is designated by Northwestern University (NU) to review, to approve the initiation of, and to conduct periodic review of research involving human subjects or materials obtained from human subjects.