Introduction
Methods
Results
Discussion
For new member applications for this academic year (2023-2024), to eliminate implications of bias, all written application materials (CVs, letters of recommendation, personal statements) were anonymized. This included de-identifying applicant information (names), as well as numerical identities for applicants. Making each of the written materials anonymous to the current members for review may have contributed to the large number of potential new members as the applicants were not as intimidated by potential sources of bias.
New member applications were made anonymous by the President of the chapter and each of the new applicants were assigned a number. Prior to interviews, chapter members reviewed the anonymous submissions and submitted a grade based on rubrics made by the President. The interviews were not anonymous as there was no simple way to do so. Because of this, interview rubrics were provided separately, and feedback was submitted by chapter members. Based on a total score between written materials and interviews, a minimum scoring guideline was created for considering acceptance. Discussion was offered for each candidate, and if candidates did not meet the minimum scoring but were deemed to be acceptable for admission, an anonymous voting process with 2/3 majority was utilized. If applicants did not meet the minimum, they were rejected for admittance.
To assess the impact of the new process on new member engagement, a survey was sent out to the 17 new members for their feedback on the process. Further, to assess the effectiveness of the new process, a survey was sent out to the 10 existing members for their feedback on the process. Out of the new members, 100% responded that they felt the new process eliminated bias, and 70.6% of members said that the new process contributed to their desire to apply to PLS. Similarly, 100% of existing members responded that they felt the new process made it easier to decide on new members and 100% responded that they believed the process was an adequate use of their time.
Wilkes University Nesbitt School of Pharmacy
The Impact of Anonymizing Application Materials on New Member
Engagement
Keiana Faltz, PharmD Candidate, Troy Lewis, PharmD BC-ADM
The new rubric and anonymization process contributed heavily to the number of members which applied and made the final voting process easier for current members. Barriers to this process included the time allotted to anonymizing applications as well as choosing a fair scoring guideline for entry. Based on feedback from members, suggestions regarding full anonymity (including club positions) were made (i.e. “President of __” rather than “President of APhA” as well as shortened interview times and limiting the use of Google forms for feedback submission. In the future, this process should continue to be utilized and perfected to continue limiting bias and contributing to new applicant comfortability.