Community Engagement Studios

A Community Engagement Studio is not considered research and, therefore, does not require prior Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval.

CTSI's Community Engagement team will recruit, host, and involve community members in the session.

Community Engagement Studio events are held virtually or in person.

• Our community engagement team requires six to ten weeks to plan a studio for researchers from the initial consultation to the studio event date, .

• Timelines fluctuate based on availability, event format, target population, etc.

• Typically, researchers spend no more than a total of 4 hours preparing a studio.

• The recommended compensation is $75 per community participant for the average, ninety-minute CE Studio.

• The research team’s department finance office is responsible for distributing compensation in compliance with their internal compensation guidelines.

• Community Engagement Studios are supported by CTSI and free to Penn State researchers. However, researchers are encouraged to include studio costs in future grant proposals.

• Research teams are responsible for budgeting expenses, such as meals, snacks, and room rental charges for in-person events. The recommended budget is $15 per participant for meals and $150 per event room rental.

• Our team strives to help researchers reserve free or low-cost event locations. Budget-friendly options are available.