Policy Analysis
Center for Drug Policy and Prevention: Combating Overdose Through Community-level Intervention Reporting Brief
The Center for Drug Policy and Prevention (now the Center for Public Safety Innovation at The University of Baltimore oversees the federal Combating Opioid Overdose through Community-Level Interdiction (COCLI) grant program. In 2023, the Schaefer Center reviewed the COCLI grant program to highlight key outcomes, analyze survey data, and gather insights from grant recipients. This included reviewing funding trends, performance measures, and outcomes, along with exploring broader trends in the opioid epidemic. The findings, drawn from quantitative and qualitative data, were compiled into a final report featuring lessons learned, recommendations, and visualizations. The report was designed to inform funders, grant recipients, and potential stakeholders about the program’s impact and future opportunities.
Maryland Legal Aid: 2023 Civil Legal Needs Assessment
In 2023, the Schaefer Center completed work on a new civil legal needs assessment for Maryland Legal Aid (MLA). This work included surveys of MLA clients and those who requested but were denied service and of nonprofit social service providers, focus groups of low-income state residents, and analysis of MLA administrative data and U.S. Census Bureau demographic data. This report also included a special analysis of the civil legal needs of immigrant communities in Maryland and a comparison of the data trends to the previous report.
Maryland Department of Legislative Services: Racial Impact Statement Research
In 2021, the Schaefer Center supported the Maryland Department of Legislative Services (DLS) in developing racial impact statements by completing key tasks focused on data and analysis. This work included creating an inventory of data sources, preparing a demographic report on Maryland’s population and its criminal justice system, and assisting in the creation of a framework for racial impact statements. The Schaefer Center also supported the development of racial impact statements for proposed legislation and provided recommendations to improve data collection for future analyses. These efforts aimed to enhance DLS’s ability to assess the racial impacts of legislative proposals effectively.
Informing Resource Planning to Better Serve Low-Income Marylanders: Maryland Legal Aid
With one of the most comprehensive civil legal needs assessments in the country, the Schaefer Center took an in-depth look at the civil legal needs of low-income Marylanders by surveying Maryland Legal Aid clients, holding focus groups with low-income people across Maryland, surveying social service providers, and analyzing Maryland Legal Aid’s administrative data. Information gathered during this study will guide Maryland Legal Aid’s planning and resource allocations.
Low-Income, Rural, and Medically Underserved –Understanding and Improving Access to and Utilization of Health Insurance: Maryland Insurance Administration
Some low-income, rural, and medically underserved people in Maryland choose not to purchase health insurance or purchase it but do not use it. Firsthand information about how this significant decision is made was collected from individuals in targeted zip codes across the state using a combination of focus groups and telephone surveys. Maryland Insurance Administration will use the data collected to inform and improve outreach efforts to these target populations.
Maryland Benefits Cliff Analysis – United Way of Central Maryland
The Schaefer Center conducted a study to model the impact of the benefits cliff on low income, working Marylanders. This study complements the work of United Way to understand financial hardship for Asset Limited Income Constrained Employed (ALICE®) families in Maryland. The final report will be shared with the Maryland General Assembly and key leaders across Maryland and will inform United Way of Central Maryland social safety net policy agenda.
Public Health and Healthy Weight—Barriers, Facilitators, and Approaches for Young Adult Women to Maintain a Healthy Weight: Maryland Department of Health
With obesity epidemics making headlines across the country, understanding facilitators, barriers and approaches to maintaining a healthy weight continues to be an important focus. The Maryland Department of Health’s Center for Chronic Disease Prevent and Control funded a comprehensive study of Maryland women, ages 18 to 39, to gain more in-depth information about their facilitators, barriers and approaches to maintaining a healthy weight. Primary data was collected through focus groups held across Maryland. Information collected was used to: identify best practices; identify successful and struggling regions in Maryland; and to identify opportunities for additional research on how best to support 18- to 39-year-old women.
Quality Control of the Food Supplement Program in Maryland: Maryland Department of Human Resources, Family Investment Administration
The Food Supplement Program (also known as Food Stamps) plays an important role in helping low-income Maryland families access food. The Schaefer Center helped ensure quality control by performing the following tasks (every year for three years): developed Food Supplement quality control sampling plans on an annual basis for submission to the Food and Nutrition Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (FNS); estimated the regression equations that the FNS will later use to estimate the official dollar error rate and the standard error of that rate; conducted annual analyses of FIA’s quality control reviews of the issues involving the sampling frame of Food Supplement “negative actions” (denials, closures, and terminations); and conducted yearly regression analysis and other analyses to assess the value of corrective action strategies and respond to requests from the Bureau of Quality Control for ad hoc statistical analyses to meet the needs of the FIA for future reports and research related to questions of quality control.
Understanding Obesity and Excessive Weight Gain in Women 20-39: Maryland Department of Health
The Maryland Department of Health recognized that the prevention of obesity and excessive weight gain in Maryland women ages 20-39 is a complex issue. The Schaefer Center conducted a gap analysis, a literature review to identify barriers to and facilitators of obesity and excessive weight gain prevention, and focus groups with the target population.
A social network analysis was conducted using post-assessment research into partner organizational networks in five target communities supported by state and local public health actions to prevent obesity, diabetes, heart disease and stroke. The assessment included: 1) a post-assessment in each community including attending an in-person meeting, presenting an initial set of key actors, developing and administering a survey, and analyzing the results; 2) a description of the current partner organizational networks in each community; and 3) recommendations for potential partners not in those networks or underutilized in those networks. The final product was a report on the five social networks and recommendations to strengthen those networks. The Schaefer Center also provided publication support for the design and development of reports addressing chronic disease initiatives.
Social Network Analysis to Strengthening Chronic Disease Programs and Initiatives: Maryland Department of Health
The Schaefer Center conducted a social network analysis of partner organizations working on chronic disease interventions within select Maryland communities. The analysis explored how well people and organizations in the networks worked towards common goals related to chronic disease treatment. The analysis examined the degree of coordination and collaboration among actors; the rate and means of communication among actors; identified key sources of information and resources within a network; and provided recommendations to improve function across actors and organizations in the network.
District Level Administrative Chief Position Verification and Job Redesign: Office of Administration, State of Maryland
The Schaefer Center completed a study to determine which human resources-related tasks performed by Administrative Chiefs at the State Highway Association’s headquarters could be reallocated to new Human Resources Generalists in the Office of Administration.
Social Network Analysis, Gap Analysis and Publication Support: Maryland Department of Health
The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) contracted with the Schaefer Center to conduct social network analysis research to support the translation and dissemination of findings from MDH’s gap analysis research in 1,422 communities and to provide support for the development and design of information on chronic disease programs and initiatives.
Chronic Disease Management – Identifying Information Breakdowns: Maryland Department of Health
The Schaefer Center conducted a gap analysis to examine communication, data sharing, and health information exchange relating to patients with chronic disease in Maryland. The Schaefer Center’s research described the gaps that prevent or discourage health information exchange, considered referral policies for those at high risk for chronic disease to community programs, and provided recommendations that will link adults with high blood pressure to community resources that promote
Youth Risk Behavior Survey 2014: Maryland Department of Health
The Schaefer Center designed the 2015 Maryland Youth Risk Report. The report includes findings from the Youth Risk Behavior survey of high school and middle school students.
Study of Maryland Charter Schools: Maryland State Department of Education
The Schaefer Center researched issues identified by the Maryland legislature in Senate bill 194 (Chapter 451) and made recommendations based on the findings of the study. Some of the issues studied by the Schaefer Center included: charter school expenditures: per pupil funding, charter vs. public schools, per pupil funding by school type and public/charter status. The Schaefer Center systematically explored and reported the research relevant to the issues the Legislature identified and supplemented that research with case studies, interviews, facilitated discussion groups, analysis of public documents including MSDE records, a survey of teachers in both charter and non-charter public schools, and statistical analysis of existing data. The Schaefer Center’s research culminated in a report which made recommendations to MSDE regarding charter schools. Findings of the research were presented to the Board of the Maryland State Department of Education and the Maryland General Assembly. The report provided important information that will inform the on-going discussion of the future of charter schools in Maryland.
Program Evaluation
Baltimore City Mayor’s Office of Recovery Programs: Evaluation of Projects Funded by the American Rescue Plan Act
In partnership with the Baltimore Neighborhood Indicators Alliance and the Jacob France Institute at The University of Baltimore, the Schaefer Center is working under a contract to the Baltimore City Mayor’s Office of Recovery Programs to support the research and evaluation of programs funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The Schaefer Center’s role includes assessing program effectiveness, advising on evaluation methods, and recommending improvements to strengthen policy outcomes. This includes developing evaluation plans and data collection instruments for five ARPA-funded programs administered by two city agencies, one quasi-city agency, and one nonprofit organization.
NextGen Leaders for Public Service: Program Evaluation
The Schaefer Center is evaluating its NextGen Leaders for Public Service internship program, which prepares University of Baltimore students for careers in government and nonprofit sectors. This initiative offers paid internships, co-curricular activities, and academic support while connecting students with Maryland public and nonprofit organizations. The evaluation focuses on the program’s impact on students’ career readiness and public service motivation, its contributions to the UBalt community, and its effects on Maryland’s public and nonprofit sectors. Insights from this evaluation will guide the program’s development and demonstrate its value in fostering the next generation of public service leaders.
Maryland Department of Aging: Maryland’s Dementia Capable Community Connections Project
In 2023, the Schaefer Center partnered with the Maryland Department of Aging to evaluate the Maryland Dementia Capable Community Connections Project, funded by the U.S. Administration for Community Living. The Schaefer Center played a key role in refining the evaluation plan, analyzing program data, and assessing the effectiveness of strategies to support individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease and related disorders. By documenting successes, challenges, and lessons learned, the evaluation provided valuable insights into improving systems and processes.
Maryland Tobacco Control Program Evaluation – Maryland Department of Health:
The Schaefer Center conducted a multi-year process and outcome evaluation of the Maryland Tobacco Control program. The evaluation produced numerous reporting including an interim evaluation report for use by the Maryland Tobacco Control Program; a final evaluation report for submission to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), a program inventory documenting how the Tobacco Control Program is implemented in Maryland’s 24 jurisdictions, and a Tobacco Program profile for each jurisdiction. As part of the evaluation, the Schaefer Center also facilitated two strategic planning retreats and supported the development of the strategic plan and the evaluation plan for Maryland’s 2021-2025 CDC application for tobacco control program funding.
Improving Lives with Assistive Technology: Maryland Department of Aging
Assistive technology refers to a wide range of low- and high-tech devices, equipment, software and services that support daily activities and improve quality of life. This study evaluated the implementation and results of the Assistive Technology Grant. The grant sought to improve awareness of and access to assistive technology in Maryland. The Schaefer Center analyzed survey data, quarterly report data from 20 Maryland Access Point (MAP) sites, marketing campaign data, administrative data, websites, and training materials.
Customer Service Satisfaction Survey: Maryland Department of Transportation
The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) contracted with the Schaefer Center to conduct a statewide telephone survey of 800 Maryland residents gauging general customer satisfaction with and opinions of MDOT operations across Maryland. Survey questions were designed in alignment with the MDOT Excellerator Report, the Attainment Report, and the Maryland Transportation Plan. The Schaefer Center’s work included seven key services: questionnaire development; programming the questionnaire; sample design; fielding the survey; cleaning the data; conducting preliminary analysis and drafting a summary report; and providing the final data file.
Community Based Options Waiver Program – Quality of Life Survey: Maryland Department of Health
The Community Based Options Waiver Program provides community services and support to enable older adults and people with physical disabilities to live in their own homes and avoid institutionalization. The Schaefer Center played an extensive role in evaluating participants’ satisfaction with services received from the program. The evaluation included: conducting in-person interviews with program participants; recruiting and supporting field interviewers to conduct 1,200 statewide in-person surveys; scheduling surveys and tracking survey outcomes; and administering surveys and recording survey results in the LTSSMaryland tracking system.
Testing Experience and Functional Tool (TEFT) Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Experience of Care Surveys: Maryland Department of Health
The Schaefer Center was contracted to replicate a prior field test of the TEFT HCBS Experience of Care Survey for the Maryland Department of Health. The Maryland Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS ) program enables chronically ill and disabled Medicaid beneficiaries to receive care at home instead of being institutionalized. The survey was designed to provide standard performance metrics for home and community-based service programs. The Schaefer Center hired and trained field interviewers to conduct in-person interviews with up to 150 elderly or disabled HCBS waiver participants and 91 brain Injury waiver participants.
Charles Hamilton Houston Scholars Program (CHHSP) – Implementation and Outcome Evaluation: University of Baltimore School of Law
The University of Baltimore School of Law offers the Charles Hamilton Houston Scholars Program (CHHSP) to help underrepresented college freshmen and sophomores develop the academic skills needed to improve undergraduate performance and to enhance their chances for admission to and success in law school. The Schaefer Center conducted a multi-faceted evaluation of CHHSP to assess the program’s implementation and outcomes.
The goals of the implementation evaluation were to provide real-time, regular, informal feedback to the program’s faculty and administrators so the program could be improved during implementation, to provide information needed to modify the program and activities as needed for subsequent cohorts, and to document the implementation so the CHHSP could be replicated, if successful. The outcome evaluation assessed the effectiveness of the program in achieving its goals.
Wait Time Study – Primary Election 2016: Maryland State Board of Elections
The Schaefer Center conducted a study to measure wait times in the 2016 Maryland Primary Election and make recommendations to the Maryland State Board of Election on best practices to implement to reduce voter wait times at polling locations.
Baltimore City Community College: Tapping into Unrealized Potential to Change Lives: Baltimore City Community College
The Schaefer Center conducted a comprehensive study of the operations of Baltimore City Community College (BCCC), which resulted in a report entitled, Baltimore City Community College: Tapping into Unrealized Potential to Change Lives. The report fulfilled a directive to BCCC by the 2015 Joint Chairmen’s Report on the Fiscal 2016 State Operating Budget and the State Capital Budget to engage an outside consultant to report on the operations of BCCC.
The report included an analysis of BCCC’s governance structure, recommendations about BCCC’s niche, and recommendations for improving BCCC’s financial situation. The study also included a comprehensive review of BCCC’s operations including its financial situation, information technology systems, facilities, academic quality, and staffing. The research team conducted an opportunity analysis comparing BCCC’s education offerings with projected job openings and an economic impact study.
To ensure that stakeholders’ perspectives were taken into consideration, the research team inviting just under 12,000 internal and external stakeholders to participate surveys about the college and conducted 91 in-person interviews with key internal and external leaders.
The findings from the report were presented to the Maryland General Assembly and resulted in legislation that changed the governance and operations of the college.
Million Hearts Evaluation: Maryland Department of Health
Million Hearts, a program co-led the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), is a national initiative to prevent one million heart attacks and strokes. On behalf of the Maryland Department of Health, the Schaefer Center prepared an evaluation report, partner profiles, and implementation toolkits for the Million Hearts program in the state. Contributions also included a review of key source documents submitted by nine partner organizations and data collected through a literature review and qualitative interviews with key representatives of the partner organizations.
New Lawyer Professionalism Course Evaluation: Maryland Professionalism Center
The Maryland Professionalism Center offers mentoring, professionalism courses, and other related services for newly admitted lawyers to the Maryland Bar. The Schaefer Center completed an evaluation of the Maryland Professionalism Center’s courses. Course evaluation data and feedback from new lawyers were analyzed to identify trends, outliers, and areas for improvement or future topics for professionalism training sessions.
Guided Reorganization Self-Assessment: Maryland State Retirement Agency
The Schaefer Center administered a self-assessment with the members of the Maryland State Retirement Agency Board through a series of one-on-one interviewers. The results of the assessment were used by the board to reorganize their operations.
Management Consulting and Technical Services
Maryland Department of Legislative Services: Apprenticeship 2030 Commission
The Schaefer Center provided research and administrative support for the Apprenticeship 2030 Commission in expanding access to apprenticeships, reducing skill shortages in high-demand occupations, and providing affordable training for career pathways. The Commission’s charge includes bringing the number of registered apprentices in Maryland up to at least 60,000 individuals by 2030. The support for this legislative commission includes conducting a survey of Maryland employers and labor unions about their use of apprenticeships and workforce challenges, facilitating Commission public and workgroup meetings, and supporting the Commission in the drafting of its final reports.
Maryland Department of Legislative Services: Policy Analyst Position Review
The Schaefer Center conducted a job analysis and validation of selection process for the Maryland Department of Legislative Services (DLS) for the organization’s Policy Analyst position. This work included a job analysis of the Policy Analyst role by collecting and analyzing data from subject matter experts (SMEs), key stakeholders, and other sources to understand how the Policy Analyst’s role was structured. The research team also assessed the validity of two assessments used in the selection process for Policy Analysts by conducting focus groups with SMEs and benchmarking the organization’s assessments with other selection processes and instruments used for similar positions. Upon completion of the project, the research team delivered the final report with findings and recommendations including an updated Policy Analyst job description.
Baltimore City Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement: Training Needs Assessment
In 2023, the Schaefer Center conducted a training needs assessment for the Baltimore City Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement to inform the development of a professional certificate program on Community Violence Intervention (CVI) for Safe Street staff. The assessment focused on identifying gaps in training and professional development opportunities for violence interrupters in Baltimore City. As part of this process, the Schaefer Center facilitated focus groups with key stakeholders, including Safe Streets staff, community leaders, and program participants, to gather diverse perspectives on training needs and program effectiveness. Additionally, interviews with Safe Streets leadership provided insights into service gaps and training priorities from a management perspective. The findings from these discussions were analyzed and compiled into a report to guide the design of the CVI certificate program.
Baltimore County: Blue Ribbon Commission on Ethics and Accountability
At the request of the Office of Chief Executive of Baltimore County, the Schaefer Center provided independent staffing for the Baltimore County Blue Ribbon Commission on Ethics and Accountability created by the County Executive on October 26, 2021. The Commission was tasked with reviewing Articles 7 and 14 of the County code along with policies that govern public ethics and open government. The Schaefer Center provided administrative and research support for the Commission including conducting the County’s first ethical climate survey, facilitated Commission public meetings, and supported the Commission in writing the draft and final reports.
Maryland Department of Legislative Services: Organizational Climate Survey
In 2022 the Schaefer Center was charged with developing a new survey instrument to assess the Maryland General Assembly (MGA) workplace climate for diversity, fairness, inclusion, support, and professionalism, as well as to assess overall employee satisfaction and engagement. The survey was distributed to over 1,600 individuals, including elected officials, Department of Legislative Services (DLS) and MGA staff, and lobbyists. Schaefer Center staff produced both a summary report and a technical report of the findings from the survey, including 14 recommendations derived from analysis of the survey responses.
Customer Service Call Center Analysis: Maryland Department of Transportation
The Schaefer Center is conducting a study of call centers and customer service functions within the transportation business units within the Maryland State Department of Transportation. The research team is documenting how call center and customer service functions operate within the MDOT, identifying opportunities for improved efficiency and customer services, and analyzing national best practices is customer service. The study will culminate with a report of findings and recommendations for MDOT leadership.
Management Consulting – People Encouraging People
The Schaefer Center is providing consulting services to complete management, marketing, and policy related projects. The goal of the research is to support PEP’s continued growth and generate interest in the work of the organization. For one of the initial projects, the Schaefer Center is providing marketing and branding services to increase PEP’s visibility to potential employees and partners. The project is unique because the work is being performed by a student consulting team under the guidance of a Schaefer Center Faculty Fellow. The student team is developing a new website and style guide.
Organizational Modernization Assessment – Maryland State Highway Administration
The Schaefer Center facilitated MSHA’s organizational modernization self-assessment which enabled the organization’s leadership to identify opportunities for organizational alignment and policy changes to promote efficiencies throughout the organization. The SHA Administrator and senior leadership team used the final report to guide organizational modernization efforts.
SCI Corporate University – Service Coordination, Inc.
The Schaefer Center developed a framework for the structure and functions of SCI Corporate University which aimed to establish Service Coordination, Inc. as a learning organization with a state-of-the art quality training and development programs. The objectives of the training programs were to maximize workforce service quality and to provide career development opportunities for SCI’s team members.
Compliant Services Modeling – Service Coordination, Inc.
The Schaefer Center completed a study to determine the time that is required by approximately 250 resource coordinators to provide COMAR compliant and quality services to its clients who are 13,000 people with developmental disabilities throughout Maryland. The research was designed to inform management decisions about staffing and budget.
Practices of Effective Supervisors – Service Coordination, Inc.
The Schaefer Center conducted a study of SCI’s supervisory staff to identify the management practices supervisors use that workbest. The Center constructed a checklist of best practices which was used to develop supervisory training modules
Administrative Chief Analysis: Maryland State Highway Administration
The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) had 12 Administrative Chief positions. The Schaefer Center evaluated position duties and made recommendations for reallocating human resource-related duties among the SHA’s Office of Administration’s four human resource divisions.
Executive Succession and Workforce Plan: Maryland Aviation Administration, Engineering Division
The Schaefer Center developed and assisted with implementing a personnel succession plan for executive-level and key positions in the Engineering Division at the Maryland Aviation Administration (MAA). The Schaefer Center also conducted a workforce assessment which included developing succession plans for key and senior manager positions in the three remaining MAA divisions.
Human Resources Policy Manual: State Highway Administration
The Schaefer Center reviewed the Maryland State Highway Administration’s human resources policies, created a standard format for documenting those policies, and developed an updated electronic human resources policy manual for use by MHSA’s management and staff.
Community Supervision Workload Standards Analysis: Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services
The Schaefer Center conducted a workload analysis for the Community Support Unit within the Division of Parole and Probation in the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. The Schaefer Center’s study employed a mix of qualitative and quantitative methodologies. The Schaefer Center’s research culminated in a final report that included an analysis of the parole agent/officer caseload, an analysis of the workload, evidence-based workload and staffing recommendations, and as appropriate, recommendations for achieving the recommended workload level.
Grow Baltimore: University of Baltimore: Jacob France Institute
The Schaefer Center conducted two focus groups of recent movers from or within Baltimore City as part of the Grow-Baltimore initiative. The Schaefer Center worked with the UB Jacob France Institute to develop an appropriate focus group participant screening protocol and recruitment process. The Schaefer Center developed the focus group guide, moderated the focus groups, and prepared a report of findings highlighting important trends. The report was used to inform the work of Grow Baltimore.
Opinion Research (Telephone, Web Mail, and In-Person Surveying & Focus Group Moderation)
University of Baltimore Division of Enrollment Management: Admitted Student Survey
On behalf of the Division of Enrollment Management at The University of Baltimore (UBalt), the Schaefer Center for Public Policy (Schaefer Center) at UBalt has been conducting the Admitted Student Survey each semester since Fall 2022. The purpose of the survey is to better understand the experiences of individuals who applied to and were admitted to UBalt, specifically their feelings about the admissions process and why they chose or did not choose to enroll at the University. The Schaefer Center provides reports after each survey wave.
Maryland Legal Services Corporation: Local Experiences with Access to Counsel in Evictions
The Schaefer Center was contracted by the Maryland Legal Services Corporation to gather data on the experiences of Maryland residents with the Access to Counsel in Evictions (ACE) program as part of a wider evaluation of the program. The Schaefer Center was originally asked to conduct focus groups of individuals who had used the program’s services, but due to a low participation rate the data collection was shifted to an intercept survey at select Maryland courthouses. The goal of the data collection was to understand participants’ experiences with the program, learn what is working well, and identify where there are opportunities for improvement. The Schaefer Center first developed a focus group guide, which was then converted into a survey instrument. Schaefer Center staff were on-site in five county-level jurisdictions in Maryland to ask ACE recipients to complete the survey there or later by QR code.
Jacob France Institute: Artscape Economic Impact
The Schaefer Center developed and administered a visitor survey in 2023 at Artscape, one of the biggest annual events in Baltimore. The survey collected data on attendees’ spending, experiences, and demographics to inform an economic impact analysis conducted by the Jacob France Institute. The Schaefer Center designed the survey, facilitated data collection through digital and in-person methods, and compiled anonymized responses for analysis. The project provided valuable insights into Artscape’s economic contributions and attendee experiences, helping to inform future event planning.
University of Baltimore: Sexual Assault Campus Climate Survey
In 2019, 2021, and 2023, the Schaefer Center administered the Sexual Assault Campus Climate Survey through a web-based survey hosted on the Qualtrics survey platform. Email invitations were sent to all students who were at least 18 years of age and who were enrolled in the Fall semester of 2023. There was no sampling; all students (e.g., undergraduate, graduate, law and students taking classes at any campus location, including online courses) were invited to participate. Results from the surveys were provided to the Title IX office for submission to the Maryland Higher Education Commission.
Perceptions of Policing and the Aerial Investigation Research Pilot Program (Surveillance Plane) The Schaefer Center, RAND, and the New York University Policing Project are conducting evaluations of the Baltimore City Police Department’s Aerial Investigation Research Pilot Program. The initiative is commonly referred to as the surveillance plane. The Schaefer Center role in the evaluation is to conduct an early launch and post launch survey of Baltimore residents to learn document their opinion of police in their community, discern their level of understanding of the AIR program, and document their opinions about the impact of the AIR program on civil liberties and the effectiveness of the program in reducing violent crime.
Business Climate Survey 2019: University of Baltimore, Jacob France Institute
The Schaefer Center conducted quarterly Business Climate Surveys for UB’s Jacob France Institute during the first two quarters of 2019. The surveys were designed to provide information on the environment within which Maryland firms conduct business and to collect data regarding qualitative evaluations of business conditions in Maryland by key decision makers. The Schaefer Center surveyed 250 Maryland firms each quarter. The Schaefer Center developed the survey and prepared a quarterly data file of the survey results including responses to both closed, coded response questions and open-ended questions.
Title IX UB Faculty and Staff Training Follow-up Survey: University of Baltimore
The Schaefer Center is conducting a survey of UB faculty and staff to assess their understanding of UB’s online Title IX training for Sexual Misconduct Prevention Training. The Schaefer Center distributed the web-based survey to all UB faculty and staff, provided appropriate follow-up, and will prepare a report analyzing the data collected by the survey.
2019 Customer Service Satisfaction Survey: Maryland Department of Transportation
The Schaefer Center conducted a statewide telephone survey of 800 Maryland residents to gauge general customer satisfaction with and opinions of Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) operations across the state of Maryland. The survey is composed of general questions relating to MDOT services throughout Maryland. The Schaefer Center’s work includes seven key services including questionnaire development, programming the questionnaire, sample design, fielding the survey, cleaning the data, preliminary analysis, drafting a summary report, and providing the final data file.
Study of Police-Citizen Interaction in Portland, Oregon – The Police Foundation
This study involved a survey to evaluate residents’ perceptions of police practices in Portland, Oregon. The results of the Center’s research were used to inform the Police Foundation’s study evaluating citizens’ perceptions of the Portland police.
Body Worn Cameras and Police Interactions – The Police Foundation
The Schaefer Center conducted a telephone survey of about 900 crime victims or witnesses who had interaction with a Prince George’s County Police Officer who was wearing a body camera. The results of the Center’s research were used to inform the Police Foundation’s study evaluating citizens’ perceptions of police practices in Baltimore City.
Title IX Survey: University of Baltimore
The Schaefer Center conducted a survey of UB students concerning attitudes and behaviors relating to Title IX. The research team prepared a report and presentation summarizing the findings of the survey for the UB Title IX coordinator and the Title IX Steering Committee.
Telephone Screening of Individuals on the Medicaid Waiver Registry: Maryland Department of Health
The Schaefer Center assisted the Maryland Department of Health’s (MDH) Office of Health Services, Long Term Care and Community Support Services Administration with a project involving contacting up to 12,000 individuals (and/or their identified responsible parties) who had expressed interest in Medicaid waiver services for the purposes of screening their current ability to perform everyday tasks and their general health – commonly referred to as the Level 1 Screen. The Schaefer Center’s work including mailings and completing Level 1 Screens by telephone with individuals on the registry.
Customer Service Satisfaction Survey: Maryland Department of Transportation
The Schaefer Center conducted a statewide telephone survey for MDOT to gauge general customer satisfaction with and opinions of MDOT’s operations across the state of Maryland. The customer satisfaction survey was composed of general questions relating to MDOT services throughout Maryland.
GeoLoom Arts and Cultural Activities Survey: City of Baltimore
The Schaefer Center developed and administered a survey on Baltimore City’s citizen participation in arts and cultural activities. The Schaefer Center assisted in mapping arts and cultural arts participation in Baltimore City communities.
Medicaid Home and Community Based Services Experience of Care Survey Field Test – Truven Health Analytics
For this study, the Schaefer Center conducted a field test of the Medicaid Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Experience of Care Survey in Maryland. The Schaefer Center completed in person and telephone surveys using the HCBS survey instrument with program recipients of home and community-based services. The purpose of the study was to assess the validityand reliability of the HCBS survey instrument.
Baltimore Ecosystem Study – Long Term Household Survey: Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies and City University of New York
This study involved a survey of residents of the Baltimore Metropolitan Region for the Baltimore Field Station, U.S. Forest Service. The Center’s research informed the US Forest Service’s research on the outdoor recreation activities and neighborhood characteristics in central Maryland.
Study of the Integration of Oral Health into Pediatric Medical Primary Care in Community Health Centers – Trustees of Boston University
This study involved in person and phone interviews with key informants from six community health centers in Baltimore and Boston. The study was designed to inform the organization about integrating pediatric oral health services into primary care in community health centers.
Assessment of Baltimore City’s Vacants to Value Project – Center for Community Progress
This study involved designing a survey to collect data to assess Baltimore’s Vacants to Value program. The Schaefer Center surveyed Baltimore residents and developers who purchased or lived in properties rehabilitated through the City’s Vacants to Value program. The goal of the research was to provide insight on buyers’ and occupants’ experience in and shifting perceptions of the Vacants to Value target areas and Baltimore’s wider blight elimination efforts.
Gambling Prevalence Survey: University of Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling
The Schaefer Center conducted telephone surveys of 4,000 Maryland Residents about their gambling habits to assess the prevalence of problem gambling in Maryland. A regular prevalence assessment of problem gambling is required by the Maryland General Assembly. The survey used a sample frame with sample size estimates for four Maryland regions. The University of Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling, Research Program on Gambling (RPG) supported the development of methods of recruitment to reach the desired sample size of Maryland residents in each region. The Schaefer Center conducted survey data collection and provided RPG with a complete data set with sample weights for analysis. The final report was produced by the University of Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling, Research Program on Gambling.
Community Options Waiver Participant Quality of Life Surveys: Maryland Department of Health
The Schaefer Center conducted in-person interviews with approximately 1,200 Medicaid beneficiaries receiving long term services and supports through the Community-Based Options Waiver Programs. The surveys were used to assess the level of satisfaction among program participants with the services they received. The programs provide community services and supports that enable older adults and people with physical disabilities to live in their own homes. The Schaefer Center recruited field interviewers to conduct statewide surveys, scheduled the surveys and tracked survey outcomes, provided logistical support to the field interviewers, conducted the surveys, and recorded survey results in the LTSSMaryland tracking system.
Maryland Defense Network Survey: RESI, Towson University
The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) works with a variety of contractors to source products and services. The Schaefer Center surveyed Maryland-based defense to explore how Maryland businesses might be affected by defense budget uncertainty. The project also involved mapping the state’s defense supply chain by directly surveying companies identified by other firms and through collaboration with the Small Business Administration.
Non-Enrolled Student Survey: University of Baltimore, Office of Admissions
The Schaefer Center assisted the University of Baltimore (UB) Office of Admissions with contacting and surveying first-time students who had accepted UB’s offer of admission but had not yet enrolled in fall classes and students who had been offered admission to UB but had not yet confirmed acceptance of that offer. The Schaefer Center contacted 611 undergraduate and graduate students accepted into various programs in the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Public Affairs, and UB’s Business School.
New Enrolled Student Survey: University of Baltimore, College of Public Affairs
The Schaefer Center assisted the College of Public Affairs (CPA) with contacting newly enrolled students in various CPA programs to welcome them to the school, to provide information about new student orientation and advisors’ contact information, and to ask if they needed someone from CPA to contact them with additional information.
Money Follows People: Maryland Department of Health
The Schaefer Center’s field interview staff conducted quality of life interviews with participants in the Money Follows the Person Medicaid Waiver Program. The assessments measure changes in the quality of life of residents who move from nursing homes to community care.
Alumni Survey: University of Baltimore
The Schaefer Center conducted a survey for the University of Baltimore (UB) Office of Alumni Services. The survey gathered data to support the Alumni Office’s strategic planning of new and/or modified programs and services from alumni.
Title IX Student Survey: University of Baltimore
The Schaefer Center conducted a survey of UB students concerning attitudes and behaviors relating to Title IX. The research team prepared a report and presentation summarizing the findings of the survey for the UB Title IX coordinator and the Title IX Steering Committee.
Food Security Survey: University of Baltimore, Rosenberg Center for Student Involvement.
The Schafer Center conducted a survey about food insecurity among students, staff, and faculty for the Rosenberg Center for Student Involvement at UB. The results of the survey were used to assess the need for an on-campus food pantry and inform the program design. As a result of the research, the University of Baltimore opened an on-campus food pantry.
Screening of Individuals on the Waiver Services Registry: Office of Health Services, Maryland Department of Health and Human Services
The Schaefer Center conducted screening interviews with approximately 27,000 individuals who expressed interest in the Older Adults Waiver (OAW) or the Living at Home Waiver (LAH). Inteviwers screened individuals on their current ability to perform everyday tasks and their health. The project included mailing notifications about the screening to approximately 54,000 people (individuals on the registry and their representatives), updating contact information, conducting the screening assessment, and providing updated information to DHMH.
InterRAI-Home Care Assessments for Medical Assistance Personal Care Recipients: Long Term Care and Community Support Services Administration, Maryland Department of Health
The Schaefer Center’s team of nurse interviewers conducted 2,500 in-home initial or redetermination interRAI-HC assessments with individuals receiving Medical Assistance Personal Care services. The Schaefer Center managed the assessment and notification process, conducted the interviewers, and provided DHMH with a dataset containing the assessment data. The assessment data was used to determine eligibility for services
Strategic Planning
University of Baltimore: Research for The University of Baltimore Strategic Plan
As part of The University of Baltimore’s strategic plan, the Schaefer Center compiled a comprehensive report synthesizing data and actions across multiple sources. This effort involved gathering and analyzing input from university departments, the University System of Maryland, the National Center for Education Statistics, and other online resources. The report serves as a resource to inform and guide strategic decision-making for the university’s ongoing development.
University of Baltimore School of Law’s Center for Families, Children, and the Courts: Strategic Plan
The Schaefer Center assisted the Center for Families, Children, and the Courts (CFCC) with the development of a strategic plan in 2022. This included developing and administering a survey of CFCC stakeholders, including Law School staff and faculty, and four sessions with CFCC leadership and staff to develop draft versions of a vision, mission, organization goals and objectives, and performance measures for the center.
Biden School of Public Policy and Administration, University of Delaware: Strategic Planning Retreat
The Schaefer Center facilitated a strategic planning retreat for the Biden School of Public Policy and Administration at the University of Delaware. The process began with a pre-retreat survey of faculty to identify the school’s values, strengths, opportunities, and aspirations, ensuring a shared understanding of faculty perspectives. The Schaefer Center then led a one-day retreat, during which participants refined the school’s vision, identified strategic priorities, and developed actionable strategies to address key issues and seize opportunities. Following the retreat, the Schaefer Center compiled a comprehensive report summarizing survey findings and retreat discussions. This report will guide the Biden School’s strategic planning task force in developing the school’s formal strategic plan.
Strategic Planning Analysis and Retreat: Office of Population Health Improvement, Maryland Department of Health
The Schaefer Center for Public Policy conducted a SWOT analysis assessment with Maryland Department of Health (MDH) staff and facilitated a strategic planning retreat for the Office of Population Health Improvement (OPHI). The Schaefer Center developed pre-strategic planning session objectives, moderated a strategic planning session that developed a “hub and spoke” model drawing on the natural connections in OPHI focus areas, and developed a communications strategy and mission statement.
Strategic Planning Retreat: Public Health Services, Maryland Department of Health
The Schaefer Center facilitated a strategic planning retreat for MDH’s Public Health Services Division. The Schaefer Center developed pre-strategic planning session objectives, moderated the strategic planning “kick off” session, and developed a strategic planning summary with recommendations for future development of the strategic plan.
Civic Engagement
Election Judge Training – Baltimore City Board of Elections
The Baltimore City Board of Elections relies on four types of election judges to ensure a legitimate and transparent voting process. Prior to each election, over 4,000 of these judges need to be trained in their duties so city residents can be confident in the elections process. The Baltimore City Board of Elections contracted with the Schaefer Center to coordinate the mandatory training for all election judges in 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, and earlier.
Candidate Forums
The Schaefer Center co-hosted the following candidate forums with WJZ-TV and the Baltimore Sun.
The 2018 forums were televised by WJZ-TV and streamed by WJZ-TV and The Baltimore Sun
- Primary Election (June)
- Gubernatorial Candidates (Democratic)
- Baltimore County Executive Candidates (Democratic and Republican)
- Baltimore City State’s Attorney Candidates (Democratic)
- General Election (October)
- Baltimore County Executive Candidates (Democratic and Republican)
2018 Annual Northeast Conference on Public Administration (November)
With a task force made up of faculty and staff from UB’s College of Public Affairs, the Schaefer Center planned and co-hosted the annual NECoPA conference. The event is the annual regional conference of the American Society for Public Administration. The conference provides educational opportunities for scholars, practitioners, students and others interested in public by educating the general public and members of the organization on current issues, research and practice in public and nonprofit organizations.
Election Security in the Digital Age: 2018 William Donald Schaefer Center Policy Conference and Award Ceremony
The theme for the conference was “Election Security in the Digital Age” featuring national and local experts in election security. The conference included a keynote speaker and panels. The Honorable Paul S. Sarbanes (US Senate, Maryland 1977 – 2017) received the 2018 William Donald Schaefer Award. The award honors the legacy of former Maryland Governor and Baltimore Mayor. Congressman John Sarbanes delivered the lunch keynote speech and accepted the award on behalf of Paul Sarbanes.
Baltimore: Standing Together Town Halls
The Schaefer Center and its partner organizations, WJZ-TV and The Baltimore Sun, hosted a series of town hall discussions focused on finding solutions for important challenges facing
Baltimore:
- Crime (February 2018)
- Opioids (May 2018)
The town halls were televised on WJZ-TV and streamed by WJZ-TV and The Baltimore Sun.
Forum on the Impact of Demographic Changes on Maryland’s Revenue Estimates (April)
The Schaefer Center and the Comptroller of the State of Maryland’s Office co-hosted a taxpayer participation forum to present and discuss the Bureau of Revenue Estimates Study.
Governing in the Era of Social Media: 2017 William Donald Schaefer Center Policy Conference and Award Ceremony
Governing in the Era of Social Media explored the role and impact of social media on governing and included a presentation by a social media expert and two panels. The Honorable Carolyn Colvin, former Acting Commissioner of the US Social Security Administration was the recipient of the 2017 William Donald Schaefer Award.
Media are the Message Panel
The Schaefer Center organized a panel that examined the impact of media coverage on Baltimore’s residents, businesses and educational institutions at the annual Public Relations Society of America – Maryland Chapter conference.
Ballot Audit Sampling 2016: Maryland Board of Elections
Under contract with the Maryland State Board of Elections, the Schaefer Center developed sampling procedures to audit ballots from the 2016 Primary Election. The Schaefer Center: computed the number of ballots that had be re-tabulated to establish the accuracy of the election; developed a process to select the ballots to be re-tabulated; and developed a process to select precincts to be re-tabulated. The Schaefer Center also conducted quality control visits to polls on Election Day to assess if the statistical assumptions used to develop the sample size and processes withstood practical application.
Candidate Forums
The Schaefer Center co-hosted the candidate forums for the primary election with The Baltimore Sun, WJZ-TV, and the Maryland League of Women Voters. WJZ-TV aired 3 of the forums on TV. The Baltimore Sun streamed the forums on its website. The Schaefer Center and its partners also hosted the Senatorial candidate forum which was aired on WJZ-TV and streamed on the Baltimore Sun website and on CBSbaltimore.com
- Primary Elections (February and March)
- Baltimore City Mayoral Candidates (17 Candidates)
- Maryland Senatorial Candidates (5 Candidates)
- General Election (October)
- Maryland Senatorial Candidate Forum
“Exploring the Dynamics between Police and Communities of Color: Where Do We Go from Here?” Forum
In conjunction with The Maryland League of Women Voters, the Associated Black Charities and Maryland Nonprofits, the Schaefer Center co-sponsored the forum. The purpose of the forum was to bring together community members from across Maryland to discuss the broader cultural and social dynamics underlying interactions between police and communities of color.
National Certified Public Manager® Consortium Annual Conference (October)
The Schaefer Center hosted the National Certified Public Manager® Consortium Annual Meeting annual meeting. Directors of CPM programs from across the country convened to discuss best practices in CPM program administration, review and vote upon reaccreditation applications, and develop strategic priorities for the upcoming program year.
Maryland Economic and Policy Forecast Conference
The Schaefer Center hosted its first regional policy and economic forecast ay UB. The Center provided a summary of findings from the Center’s Maryland Policy Choices Poll whereby citizens from across Maryland were interviewed by phone to gauge their opinions on a wide range of policy issues. Baltimore economist Anirban Basu provided an economic forecast for the Baltimore region, and moderated a panel discussing economic growth in Baltimore City.