Before you submit an IRB Application, see if you qualify for EXEMPTION!
Exemption Requests take much less time and involve much less preparation, and NO training requirement. The majority (not all) of student projects qualify for exemption. Undergraduate classroom-only projects do not require any review (unless they pose risks to subjects).
INSTRUCTIONS&TEMPLATES(DOCX, 1217.9 KB)All IRB applicants must download. Failure to follow instructions or use required templates will result in IRB applications being returned before review.
Best Practices
To ensure your application will be reviewed and approved without delay:
- See if your project qualifies for Exemption before you submit an IRB Application.
- Download and read the Instructions & Templates packet if you are doing an IRB Application.
- Make sure an application is actually required. If you aren't certain, ask.
- Submit an IRB Inquiry Form if you have questions about an application in review.
- If you are doing an IRB Application, complete CITI training first.
- Submit your application as far in advance as possible.
- Use the required templates, follow the instructions exactly, submit all the required documents.
- Provide complete responses to IRB requests for revisions.
Last but not least
Understand that you are being asked to do more than fill out a hastily-completed form. Submitting an application for review and approval by the IRB is a process that requires thought, attention to detail, and at least a basic understanding of the reasons you are being required to complete the process in the first place. Submitting materials without understanding what the IRB is required to asses, which application type you should submit, or how long the process takes will cost you valuable time.
Tips
When preparing your synopsis or answering the questions about evaluation of risk on the online data form, provide informative explanations. Instead of using statements such as "There are no risks involved in this research," explain why there are no risks: "I do not foresee any risks in this project due to the following factors: etc." Also, remember that risks should always be evaluated from the subjects' point of view, not just your own.
If you are a faculty member, familiarize yourself with IRB requirements before telling your class they must submit applications. Very few undergraduate projects require review, and many graduate classroom projects can qualify for exemption. Undergraduate classroom-only projects require no review (unless they pose risks to subjects).
The IRB is independent of any academic unit and an IRB application should not be required for an assignment unless a project involves research that actually requires review.
If you are a student and your faculty member has told you that you must get IRB approval, make sure it's really necessary before you submit any type of application.
If you are a researcher and have received advance notice of award but need an IRB approval before funding can proceed, contact the Compliance Director immediately.
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