UWS Alumni Focus Group Information
Overview
Aim: Our goal is to listen to what Alumni like you have to say to better understand your needs,
interests and priorities. Findings will be used to inform UWS communications as well as other
activities designed to be of interest to you as Alumni.
Why me? While this research comprises just three focus groups, a cross-section of UWS Alumni
is invited to participate. We are hoping to gain a range of perspectives from different kinds of
Alumni and your participation will help us achieve this.
Who is conducting the groups? They are being undertaken by UWS. It will be facilitated by Dr
Kym Madden, an independent and experienced social researcher. Dr Madden was previously
Senior Research Fellow at the Australian Centre for Philanthropy and Non-profit Studies at QUT,
Brisbane, and now works closely with Universities and Alumni. She is fully accredited as a market
researcher and is a longstanding member of the Australian Market & Social Research Society.
What is involved?. Your participation is gratefully sought for just one discussion. No further
demands on your time are required. Participation is opt-in and completely voluntary. Your
attendance as agreed is greatly appreciated, as seats are strictly limited and it’s usually not
possible to fill last minute cancellations. (Of course, we understand that emergencies do arise.)
The discussion will take one hour 20 minutes (approx) and of a relaxed, congenial nature with
plenty of opportunity to hear others and comment as you wish. The discussion will be audio-taped
to allow detailed analysis later: by joining the group you agree for the discussion to be taped for
this sole purpose. The final report will be in a de-identified format – be assured that no individual
participant’s name will be identified. Direct quotes may be used on occasion, without attribution, to
illustrate ideas and themes that were discussed.
There is no payment for participation BUT we are most keen to ensure that you are not out of
pocket. Dr Madden will arrange with you any needs you have, for example, transport, parking or
baby-sitting prior to the day. Prior notice will be required for reimbursement of expenses (email is
preferred for our records).
Participation
What can I expect before the group? Once you accept the invitation to participate, Dr Madden
will be in touch closer to the date to confirm attendance and answer any questions you may have.
At any stage, if you have any questions or concerns about the project or about the focus group you
will be attending, please do not hesitate to contact us (see our details at the end of this Information
sheet). You may opt out at any time prior to the group discussion. If you need to opt out, we ask
that you kindly give us as much notice as possible.
What can I expect on the day? On the day, please arrive a few minutes early so the group is able
to start on time, and finish on time. We ask all participants to stay for the whole discussion out of
courtesy to others.
The discussion will comprise a conversation guided by Dr Madden, based on a loose question format.
You will be asked to give your perspective on a range of topics. No special knowledge is expected,
and there are no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ answers. If you prefer not to comment at any stage, this is
completely acceptable. Group discussion may include one or more short written exercises.
Each group will be conducted on the basis of mutual respect, with all points of view equally respected.
What can I expect after the discussion? What you say will, in no way, impact upon your
relationship with UWS. While the discussion will be audio-recorded as mentioned above, this is
strictly for the purpose of analysis. Your name will not appear in the findings. While direct
quotes may be used to illustrate views or behaviour, these are presented anonymously.
FAQs
“I am unsure if I can attend. What should I do?”
Please let us know if you are interested but cannot commit to the suggested time.
“Can I just turn up?”
No; to ensure appropriate numbers for each group, we need to know your intention in advance.
“What if I’m going to be late?”
We understand that this may be unavoidable on the day; however, we ask that you do everything you
can to be there on time so that the group may not be unduly disrupted.
“Can I come to a different session?”
This may be possible. However, we are limited in what we can offer, so please do check with us as
early as possible. We are keen to include you and will do what we can.
“Can I park?”
Parking is limited so we have chosen this location for its great access to public transport. Please let us
know if you need parking as soon as possible.
“I cannot use public transport or drive...can I still participate?”
Yes. While we have some constraints, we will do what we can. Please let us know what your needs are
as soon as possible.
“Will you be asking me sensitive information?”
No; the discussion relates to being an Alumnus.
Privacy
At all times, your comfort and privacy are important to us. While no sensitive topics are expected to
arise during the discussion, should you feel uncomfortable you will not be required to answer any
question or otherwise comment. Each discussion will be audio-taped so that all comments can be
accurately captured. This tape will be used by the researcher for the purpose of analysis only.
Reporting is on an aggregated, de-identified basis. To further safeguard your privacy, neither University
management nor staff will attend the focus groups nor otherwise listen to discussions or inspect
researcher notes. Participants’ details are removed from files at the end of the project.
UWS Commitment
UWS is committed to enhancing its engagement with Alumni. We are undertaking this research so we
can improve our service, communications and interactions with you. Your participation in this research
is very much appreciated. If you have any queries or comments at any stage with respect to any
matter, please do not hesitate to contact us. Thank you for your support.
University Contact: Rosemary Sargeant |UWS Advancement & Alumni | Phone 02 9685 9547
Email [email protected] | www.uws.edu.au/alumni.
Project Contact: Dr Kym Madden [email protected] or telephone 0438 357 772.