Australian Human Rights Commission Respect at Uni Interim Report December 2024 This information will contribute to practical recommendations and create a baseline for measuring progress and accountability over time. 4.4 Quantitative data collection (National Online Survey) (a) Overview and progress update The quantitative data collection will involve a national survey on the prevalence and impact of racism experienced by students and staff in Australian universities. The quantitative data will be used to help establish a baseline of the experiences of racism and inform the development of recommendations to foster a safe, respectful and inclusive environment for all university students and staff. The design and implementation of the quantitative data collection will be completed by a fieldwork provider (survey provider), in close collaboration with the Commission. A rigorous procurement process is underway for selecting the survey provider and the process of contracting the preferred supplier is expected to be completed by early January 2025. The survey will be in-field, available to participants for a two-month period during the first semester of the 2025 university year. The Study team endeavours for the survey’s in-field period to conclude and a final report of survey findings and analysis to be provided by the survey provider by the end of April 2025. This timeline is indicative and may require adjustment due to substantial pressures on the current timelines, particularly related to ethics approvals and fieldwork requirements. As noted above, obtaining ethics approval to progress with the online survey may take 12 weeks or longer. In addition, due to the Commission’s strong preference for ethics clearance to be sought be a University HREC, the end of year shutdown and highly reduced university staff availability through January is likely to also impact timelines. An alternative HREC will only be considered if necessary. The Commission notes that any changes to the timing of when the survey will be in-field and subsequently concluded will have flow on effects for the delivery of the final report. Once selected, the survey provider will commence development of the survey instrument and fieldwork processes, based on the following specifications/considerations. 59