2012-30539. 60-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Gilman Evaluation Survey

ACTION:

Notice of request for public comment.

SUMMARY:

The Department of State is seeking Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval for the information collection described below. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we are requesting comments on this collection from all interested individuals and organizations. The purpose of this notice is to allow 60 days for public comment preceding submission of the collection to OMB.

DATES:

The Department will accept comments from the public up to February 19, 2013.

ADDRESSES:

You may submit comments by any of the following methods:

• Web: Persons with access to the Internet may use the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) to comment on this notice by going to www.Regulations.gov. You can search for the document by entering “Public Notice ####” in the Search bar. If necessary, use the Narrow by Agency filter option on the Results page.
• Email: [e-mail].
• Mail: ECA/P/V, Department of State (SA-44), 301 4th St. SW., Washington, DC 20547.
• Fax: [phone].
• Hand Delivery or Courier: 301 4th St. SW., Washington, DC 20024.

You must include the DS form number (if applicable), information collection title, and the OMB control number in any correspondence.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Direct requests for additional information regarding the collection listed in this notice, including requests for copies of the proposed collection instrument and supporting documents, to Michelle Hale, ECA/P/V, Department of State (SA-44), 301 4th St. SW., Washington, DC 20547, who may be reached on 202-203-7205 or at [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

• Title of Information Collection: Gilman Evaluation Survey.
• OMB Control Number: None.
• Type of Request: New Collection.
• Originating Office: Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, ECA/P/V.
• Form Number: SV2012-0008.
• Respondents: All grant recipients of the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship who studied abroad during the nine-year period spanning the 2002/2003 and 2010/2011 academic years.
• Estimated Number of Respondents: 6,184.
• Estimated Number of Responses: 2,474.
• Average Time per Response: 35 minutes.
• Total Estimated Burden Time: 1,443 hours.
• Frequency: One time.
• Obligation to Respond: Voluntary.

We are soliciting public comments to permit the Department to:

• Evaluate whether the proposed information collection is necessary for the proper functions of the Department.
• Evaluate the accuracy of our estimate of the time and cost burden for this proposed collection, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used.
• Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected.
• Minimize the reporting burden on those who are to respond, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

Please note that comments submitted in response to this Notice are public record. Before including any detailed personal information, you should be aware that your comments as submitted, including your personal information, will be available for public review.

Abstract of Proposed Collection

This request for a new information collection will allow ECA/P/V to conduct a survey to provide data not currently available in order to review the experiences of recipients of the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship grant while they were abroad; study the ways in which they shared what they learned with family, peers, and other community members upon returning to the United States; and investigate whether the international experience factored into their subsequent educational and professional choices. This study is authorized by the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961, as amended (also known as the Fulbright-Hays Act) (22 U.S.C. 2451 et seq.). The survey will be sent electronically to all grant recipients who studied abroad during the nine-year period spanning the 2002/2003 and 2010/2011 academic years. Data gathered will enable analysis that can potentially be used to design new programs, improve existing programs, and to inform ongoing and future activities.

Methodology

The survey will be entirely web-based to ease any burden on the participant. The survey will be distributed and responses received electronically using the survey application SurveyGizmo.

Dated: December 11, 2012.

Matt Lussenhop,

Director of the Office of Policy and Evaluation, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Department of State.