Application for Student Projects*
Student's Name:
Course: ANTH 1102
Paige Jenkins, Kate Sprenger, Viviana Carrasco,
Tahamid Hoque, Dawson Knicks
Instructor: Dr. German
Date: October 19th, 2015
Project Title: Race Relations in Greek Life
1. Project Description (purpose, research design, and general overview of study):
In this project we will examine the race relations in the Greek system at UGA. As we all know,
Greek life is a huge part of the university; however, the Greek system has always held the stereotype of
a certain racial tension between the majority of white people that join and other minorities. This is an
important subject to research because many people believe that we live in a post-racial society and that
all or most traces of racial tension are gone. If we investigate an area where the majority consists of
Caucasian individuals, we can gain evidence to either validate or dispute this claim. We were planning
on interviewing a number of traditionally white sororities and fraternities, but we are also going to
include the minority frats and sororities to gain their view of race in the Greek system. Our higher-order
research question will be “What is the significance of race in the Greek system at UGA?”.
2. Research Procedures (itemize what the participants will be doing):
In order to try and obtain the most honest answers from these people we are going to ensure
anonymity and also send the group members of the same race to the corresponding sorority or
fraternity. For example, the white members will interview the “white” sororities and frats and the black
member will interview the traditionally black ones. This method will hopefully provide more comfort to
the interviewees and result in more honesty. Most of our research will be with Individual Interviews (II)
and Focus Group Discussions (FGD).
3. Materials (describe all informal or formal instruments that will be administered):
We will be using pretty basic materials: Pen/ Pencils for notetaking, paper, and possibly a recording
device so as not to miss anything said; however, this may make some participants uncomfortable so we
will have to ask beforehand.
4. Interview Protocol (list questions):
Focus Group Discussion:
1. Do you all think that race is a current issue in the US?
2. How do you feel about race relations in Athens?
3. Do you think the Greek system at UGA takes race into account?
4. What are some experiences you've had with race since you've been at UGA?
5. Do you feel that there is equal treatment of all races in the Greek system?
6. What changes could be made to improve race relations?
7. Do you feel that the Greek system is making an effort to become more racially diverse?
8. Do you feel that racial exclusion in Greek life is consciously done?
Individual Interviews:
(a)
Group 1: White Sororities and Fraternities
1. Do you feel that race is an important factor in the rush process?
2. How do you view race in the Greek system?
3. Is race talked about much with fellow members of your organization?
4. What have you personally experienced as a result of your race in the Greek system?
5. What are some prejudices associated with minority Greek organizations?
6. Do you feel that you could join a predominantly black sorority/fraternity with little social stigma?
7. Do you think sororities/fraternities are making an effort to create a more racially diverse
membership?
8. Do you consider your fraternity/sorority to be racially diverse?
(b) Group 2: Black Sororities and Fraternities
1. Do you believe there is a divide between "white" and "black" Greek organizations?
2. Have you ever faced any obstacles due to your race in the Greek system?
3. What are some prejudices associated with predominantly white Greek organizations?
4. Do you feel like you could be as successful in a white sorority/fraternity as a black one?
5. Did you consider rushing for a predominantly white sorority/fraternity?
6. Would you say the stereotype of white sororities/fraternities still exists today as a result of lasting
racial prejudices?
7. Were you ever encouraged/discouraged from joining a majority-white Greek organization?
8. Do you think your Greek experience is any different from a predominantly white
sorority/fraternity?
5. Confidentiality/Anonymity (e.g., use of aggregate data, pseudonyms, procedures for removing all
traceable identifiers from data, etc.):
We will be guaranteeing anonymity to all of the participants in order to make them more
comfortable in sharing their experiences. We will also change the names of the sororities and
fraternities to generic names such as "Primarily Caucasian Sorority 1, Primarily Caucasian Fraternity
1... etc.).
6. Attach Consent Form **(only use the Class Project Consent Form under Sample Consent Forms):
Attached
7. Certifications (initial each of the following statements to indicate compliance):
My study will involve only voluntary participants. _____
My study will involve only "minimal risk". _____
This study is NOT part of a Honor’s/Master's thesis or doctoral dissertation. _____
It is not my intent to publish the results of this project. ______
I will follow all local public school and school district policies. ________
I will obtain informed consent from all participants. ** ________
I will obtain authorization from every institution involved in this project. _______
Student's Signature _________________________________ Date________________
Instructor's Signature
_______________________________ Date________________
*See Section XII, "Class Projects Exemption" of the online guidelines.
**The IRB requires consent for interview research and observation research when individuals are
targeted as subjects. Phone interviewers should use a phone script to obtain verbal consent.
Mailed surveys should be accompanied by a cover letter that contains all the necessary information
for informed consent. See Section XII of the online guidelines for the required format for consent
forms for class projects.