International Association for Great Lakes Research
About the Evaluation of the Great Lakes Science-Policy Initiative

The following is the information provided to respondents about the evaluation survey.

Welcome to the International Association for Great Lakes Research evaluation of its Great Lakes Science-Policy Initiative. The information below describes the evaluation, which seeks your organization's input on IAGLR's efforts to strengthen the links between Great Lakes science and policy.

Purpose: To provide a mechanism for stakeholder evaluation of IAGLR's Great Lakes Science-Policy initiative.

Method: An online survey of Great Lakes science and policy organizations.

Utility: Data collected through this survey will enable IAGLR to measure the extent to which the Great Lakes science and policy community is aware of IAGLR's science-policy resources. It will also help us to gauge the value and utility of these resources among Great Lakes policy organizations, as well as improve these and create new resources to further strengthen the scientific foundation of Great Lakes policy.

Funding: Support for this effort is being provided by the Joyce Foundation to help fulfill its mission of strengthening public policies in ways that improve the quality of life in the Great Lakes region.

Informed Consent: It is our intent that participants in this evaluation fully understand the study's purpose, methods, utility, and financial support. If desired, additional information may be viewed online. Your response to this online survey will constitute your informed consent to participate in the evaluation.

Timeline: The evaluation runs through October 20, 2002. Please respond by that date to ensure that your insights are included in this important research.

If you would like more information about IAGLR's evaluation of its Great Lakes Science-Policy Initiative, please contact John Stone, Director of Surveys and Evaluation, at jvstone@umd.umich.edu.