1.    Determine whether you need to file an IRB form

CLASSROOM EXERCISES

A.    Classroom exercises involving collecting data from human participants are often used to illustrate some aspect of the class material. Data collection could involve the use of surveys, interviews, observations, or experimental procedures. Each individual instructor is responsible for determining whether to encourage students to submit an IRB proposal for a particular class exercise. One should error on the side of caution and contact the IRB if unsure as to whether a classroom exercise should be reviewed. Failure to have research approved by the IRB leaves the instructor and students open to liability in the event a problem develops in the course of the exercise.

B.    It is expected that students engaged in the following research endeavors will submit an IRB application:
 

• All master's and doctoral projects utilizing human subjects.
• Research Methods classes that require students to collect data outside the classroom.
• Any Individualized Learning Experiences involving human subject research.


The aforementioned projects are not mere exercises but rather are attempts to teach students the intricacies of scientific research. The Institutional Review process is an integral part of this process.

C.    Instructors may wish to submit a blanket proposal before the beginning of class if they have designed a class exercise that they would like to be reviewed by the IRB. This option cannot be applied to the situations listed in section "B". In submitting a blanket proposal, the instructor is indicating that all student projects covered by the blanket proposal will be conducted in the fashion described in the proposal.  Any deviations need to be reviewed by the IRB via the Change in Proposal Form. Instructors should submit the proposal far enough in advance to allow enough time for the board to reach a decision prior to the scheduled beginning of the project.
 

Please contact the IRB Chair if you have any questions or are the least bit unsure whether to submit a project for review.

1.    Determine whether you need to file an IRB form

2.    Find The Necessary Forms

3.    Examine Helpful Tips To Ensure A Smooth Approval Process

4.    Submission Process

5.    Begin Research

6.    Update The IRB When You Have Completed Your Project