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Student Experiences with Cyberbullying and Campus Wellness ServicesBuffalo Project 3.0 MicrostudyRebecca Eliseo-Arras, PhD, MSW, Principal InvestigatorMichele L. Paterson, Research AssistantIntroductionThe Student Experiences with Cyberbullying and Campus Wellness Services microstudy project focus is to understand SUNY Empire State College students’ knowledge and awareness of cyberbullying, social media, and the Campus Wellness Services.The study uses a mixed method design to ascertain how students view cyberbullying and social media, if they see connections between the two topics, and their experiences with either or both of these topics, and their level of knowledge on mental health issues. The study also aims to understand the students’ use and experiences with Campus Wellness Services and to what extent they feel those services are culturally appropriate.The original study needed to be modified after the Buffalo Project mid-term report was submitted in early-March 2020, due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by a novel coronavirus which was unknown to the world prior to December 2019 (WHO). On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization designated the COVID-19 outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. On March 7, 2020, New York State Governor Cuomo declared a state of emergency. The following week Governor Cuomo signed the “New York State on Pause” executive order, a 10-point policy to assure safety for everyone in the state (NYS Government). The policy includes closing of all schools and non-essential business, social distancing guidelines, and health recommendations. After the declaration, NYS schools moved all academic learning online. This would also significantly impact our study. Due to the” New York on Pause” guidelines the microstudy needed to be significantly modified. After updating and adjusting, the study was submitted for IRB (spell out) approval on April 5, 2020. It is important to note the study in its original form could not be completed due to the coronavirus. All surveys were moved online due to working from home and social distancing guidelines. The study size was decreased from 150 to 75 for the quantitative and the subset from 50 to 25 for qualitative interviews. Qualitative interviews were moved online to Zoom. Study protocols were modified including consent forms moving to online, participant reimbursement would now be emailed or mailed. These changes allowed the project to continue, while abiding by local, state and federal guidelines and recommendations regarding COVID-19. The study would now be conducted remotely instead of being based at the Buffalo/Cheektowaga SUNY Empire State College office. Changes to the initial timeline were required to allow project modifications that were approved by the IRB committee. Additional study changes included:Changed the participant reimbursement to gift cards to be distributed via mail. The amount was decreased to $5 per participant instead of being entered into a random drawing for a higher amount.Participants selected randomly to participate in the qualitative interview will receive another e-gift card for $10.Updated the consent form so participants will see an information page explaining the study and its terms.Moved consent form online only for both portions of the study. The consent is included as a section in the Qualtrics survey software.Participant verified for qualitative interviews-researchers will verify the randomly chosen participant selected for the qualitative interviews wanted to be part of this portion of the study prior to the start of the interview.Adjusted surveys to meet ADA compliance.Removed all online questions and content regarding suicide due to current global pandemic and all research being conducted remotely.Project MilestonesUpcoming Project MilestonesDue to the coronavirus there was a significant delay in submitting and receiving ESC Institutional Review Board (IRB) committee approval. As the team was compiling a response to the IRB feedback received on March 9, 2020 the world was changing. Within a week, New York State leadership would change health and safety guidelines daily in response to COVID-19, and by the weekend the state would declare a state of emergency. These local and state actions resulted in discussion with the microstudy team of necessary modifications needed to continue with the study while abiding current local, state and federal guidelines and recommendations. We submitted our revised IRB protocol to the committee on April 6, 2020 requesting an Exempt level review because the study presents minimal risks to participants. The correspondence addressed any questions and/or concerns the committee raised while also addressing current issues and/or concerns brought up due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Principal investigator Rebecca Eliseo-Arras, PhD, MSW, was informed on April 15, 2020 by SUNY Empire’s Information Technology Service (ITS) Department that the contract with Qualtrics will not be renewed and as such we have until May 5, 2020 to move our project from this platform. Dr. Eliseo-Arras is currently working with the college to determine a suitable solution for our data collection that will perform similarly to Qualtrics. On April 21, 2020 we received notification from the IRB committee that the project was approved and may proceed. Next steps are to identify the data collection site, load the questionnaires into the data collection software and finalize the codebook. Once the quantitative questionnaires are launched, follow-up with random selection of qualitative interviews, data cleaning (quantitative only), data coding (qualitative only), data analysis, drafting of manuscripts and conference abstracts, and end of project report. Timeline since mid-term submissionMarch 09: Received IRB responsesMarch 11: Started compiling responses to IRB committee questions??March 11: Started research on future project funding for sustainabilityMarch 18: Met with Buffalo project members to discuss project updates, possible new projects to support each other and fellow students during pandemicMarch 27: Discussed additional protocol changes needed due to pandemicMarch 27: Continued work on IRB responsesApril 06: IRB responses finalized and submitted to IRB committee for approvalApril 15: Received notification by SUNY Empire’s ITS Department that the contract with Qualtrics will not be renewed and as such we have until May 5th to move our project off this platform. Currently working with the college to determine a suitable solution for our data collection that will perform similarly to Qualtrics.?April 21: Modified study received approval from ESC IRB Committee?Action ItemsMost action items that were to be completed by April 14, 2020, were not completed due to COVID-19 global pandemic as discussed in previous sections of the report. Many adjustments have been made to the original study protocol and procedures due to local, state and federal health guidelines that were put in place in mid-March 2020 due to COVID-19.???Additional work that will be completed after April 14, 2020, includes:Move study questionnaires off of QualtricsComplete quantitative data collectionComplete quantitative codebookComplete qualitative interviewsFinalize all data collectionData cleaning/codingData analysisDevelop and prepare manuscript/conference abstractSubmit final project reportOverall Timeline CompletionMarch 2020Received IRB follow-up questions to studyResearch funding source for project sustainabilityProject timeline slowed due to COVID-19 global pandemicDue to pandemic project need to be modifiedProject size scaled down to pilot sizeProject protocols adjusted to move entire study onlineApril 2020IRB responses finalized and submitted to ESC IRB committee for approvalLaunch data collectionMove study questionnaires off of QualtricsUpdate gift card tracking chartMay 2020Clean quantitative data?Begin qualitative interviewsJune 2020Run descriptive statisticsConduct final qualitative interviewsAnalyze all hypotheses-quantitative?July 2020Analyze qualitative dataWrite up first draft of quantitative manuscriptWrite up conference abstracts/manuscripts?Write up final project report?Participate in Oral Presentation?ResultsDue to the COVID-19 global pandemic, the study completion timeline was delayed significantly. The initial study format was modified due to the global pandemic, receiving IRB committee approval on April 21, 2020. Unfortunately, the team was unable to launch the study at that time due to the college discontinuing its contract with Qualtrics. The study’s principal investigator, Rebecca Eliseo-Arras, PhD, MSW, has scheduled a meeting with the college IT team to discuss next steps. Due to these issues the team is unable to report any results from the study. However, another goal of the project was to train undergraduate research assistants on the research process. Michele Paterson, an undergraduate student at Empire State College, has been working on the project since its inception. Michele has assisted Dr. Eliseo-Arras with grant writing, questionnaire development and IRB protocol development. Michele attends school locally and was able to meet and train on-site prior to the coronavirus. To highlight the importance of including a student in the research process, Ms. Paterson will share some of her experiences below and some of the responsibilities she was designated at the inception of the microstudy. As the research assistant, I have been working with Dr. Eliseo-Arras throughout the project. This study is focusing on gaining a better understanding of the knowledge base and utilization of wellness programs while also inquiring about their knowledge and understanding of cyberbullying among the ESC student population. The study was based at the Buffalo/Cheektowaga SUNY Empire State College office while working with Albany Buffalo Project members as needed remotely. Until mid-March, I was able to gain a better understanding of the Qualtrics survey platform that was to be used for collecting data. I was able to upload all the qualitative and quantitative questionnaires, assign values to the response options and started to implement and test the applicable skip logic. I was also able to assist Dr. Eliseo-Arras in learning how to run an ADA compliant analysis on the survey. Being tasked with each step has given me valuable experiences in understanding the program and data collection intimately.However, due to the coronavirus, all work abruptly shifted remotely after March 15, 2020. Within that week a Buffalo Project team meeting was held remotely to discuss issues, concerns, and supports needed due to coronavirus. Dr. Rhianna Rogers led a discussion regarding ideas and ways The Buffalo Project members could help each other, fellow ESC students and the community. During the meeting Buffalo Project team members were able to share concerns, roadblocks and ideas that could assist projects and help the larger student body. This conversation challenged me to identify ways in which I could continue to focus on the work needed for the microstudy, but also identify actions and steps I could take to support others in the community. On March 25, 2020 the college launched SUNY Empire connects, a collection of live virtual programs to provide support, assistance, guidance, creativity, connection and fun. I have found this new innovative project another example of why I thrive at ESC as a student, and research assistant. I have been able to participate in conversations with fellow students throughout the state about current issues and concerns. During one “Coffee Talk Among Students” hour I had the opportunity to lead the conversation. This opportunity reminded me of the unique opportunities I am afforded as lead research assistant with The Buffalo Project. I am encouraged to discuss, share and collaborate with our larger community on topics that are both large and small. The one topic that brings me back to this microstudy is mental health awareness. During each virtual interaction one or more of the participants openly discussed their concerns, feelings, struggles and awareness of their own, and sometimes their family/partner or loved one’s mental health. ESC Connects is creating a community during a time of global and local unrest. It is another tool student are now able to use to address students needs whether they be personal, professional or educational that did not exist prior to the coronavirus. As the research assistant I am hopeful that the results of the microstudy will eventually lead to additional programs that align with students needs identify as important to their emotional and physical health. Without this study I would not have gained the incredible experiences I have had this semester. I have been challenged in ways I would have never imagined before this semester including, but not limited to finding the calm in chaos, learning to multitask Budget?The funds requested for the micro-study were utilized to support our research assistant, Michele Paterson. Ms. Paterson assisted will all aspects of the project design. Specifically, she assisted with granting writing, questionnaire development, IRB protocol development and responses, training in Qualtrics and SPSS and project sustainability research. Upon project completion in June she will have also assisted in survey implementation, qualitative interviews, data cleaning, descriptive data analysis, and analysis of the qualitative data. Michele will also be participating in drafting of any manuscripts or conference abstracts that result from the study. Total stiped utilized for the project is $1,008. Impact and Lessons LearnedMichele shared some of the lessons she has learned as the project research assistant:At the beginning of the project I worked with Dr. Eliseo-Arras in developing the project timeline, tasks, and responsibilities. I was able to gain intimate knowledge on each step of the research project through collaboration. From the beginning I was able to work remotely on tasks using online tools to communicate my progress with Dr. Eliseo-Arras. This skill would be vital to the project by mid-March. One of the most valuable lessons I continue to learn and be reminded of is the importance of planning and discussing all the “what if” scenarios the team can think of. These conversations that were held in the development process of the study were vital to being able to modify the study in mid-March. At first, it was unclear how much of disruption coronavirus would be to our research. At first, we discussed minor modifications that might be needed, but after a state of emergency was declared for New York State the team knew more adjustments would be needed. Many of the challenges facing our team had never been faced before, or not at least to this magnitude. Due to the coronavirus, some of the parts in the original project were no longer feasible in the original design. Currently the Center for Disease Control recommends social distancing which means to keep space between yourself and individuals outside of your home. The recommended distance is at least 6 feet (2 meters). In NYS all non-essential gatherings of any size have been cancelled or postponed at this time (NYS Pause). Due to these recommendations the in-person interviews were converted to on-line interviews. Also due to the elevated concern for mental health the extremely sensitive questions regarding suicide were removed. Finally, the size of the study was decreased to 75 instead of 150. It is unclear what the overall impact of the study will be. As the research assistant I believe the impact will be valuable to the community and college administration, faculty and staff. Data will give us insight into students’ lives during an international crisis. Before the crisis studies indicated the need to offer and create more awareness about mental health within college communities. In addition, offering programs and initiatives that were culturally appropriate. Sustainability PlansOver the past months, Michele Paterson, research assistant began researching sustainability options for the study. Using the data from this pilot study will assist the team in approaching organizations interested in funding this project. Unfortunately, due to the economic impact coronavirus pandemic traditional funding sources may not be available. Research is continuing with the expectation that as the economy improves, and the study is completed funding opportunities will once again be available. ConclusionsIn conclusion, for students who were already struggling with their mental health, a global crisis could add additional stressors and concerns to that student. As discussed previously there are many unknowns with the novel coronavirus, which only adds to the uncertainty many are feeling. For many college students, especially those at Empire State College those stressors may be amplified. According to the ESC student body website, ESC students are adults with jobs, families, and responsibilities that typically can’t accommodate a conventional college experience. Under normal circumstances students may have difficulties trying to balance everything while caring for themselves but now because of the coronavirus it may seem impossible. This study is vital to helping us understand the knowledge base, awareness and utilization of current cyberbullying, social media, and the Campus Wellness Services. It will also give insight into the cultural appropriateness of the programs. The data gathered will be another valuable tool we can use to enhance or create mental health programming to help individuals in our community. A final report will be submitted to The Buffalo Project at the conclusion of the study in June 2020. ?References and Work CitedCenter for Disease Control and Prevention (n.d.) Coronavirus Disease COVID-19: Social Distancing, Quarantine, and Isolation. Keeping your distance to slow the spread. Website. Retrieved from , R., Rayala, H., Menon, M. and Vora, K. (2020, March 23) Psychiatric times: Coronavirus. Universities response supporting mental health college students during COVID-19 pandemic. Website article. Retrieved from Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy & Emerson College (CUNY SPH). (2020) COVID-19 Tracking Survey to assess how New Yorkers are responding to the pandemic. Website. Retrieved from York State Coronavirus (2020, April 14) Coronavirus daily: ‘New York State on Pause’ executive order extended. Website. Retrieved from York State Government (2020, March 20) Governor Cuomo signs ‘New York State on Pause’ Executive Order. Website press release. Retrieved from Empire State College (n.d.) Student: Information about the student body. Website. Retrieved from Health Organization (2020, April 8) Questions and Answers-Coronaviruses-COVID19. Website. Retrieved from ................
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