Apply for Approval
How do you apply for approval?
All human subjects research proposals require review by the IRB. All applications contain submission directions on the form and should be submitted to [email protected]. All students must verify approval by their faculty advisor by asking the faculty advisor to email the application to [email protected].
NOTE: This process will be changing in November, 2025. Stay tuned for more information and training opportunities.
New Applications
Step #1: Determine the appropriate level of review. Reference the Exemption Category Definition Sheet and the Exemption Category Determination Flow Chart to see if your research project qualifies for Exempt review under the Federal Regulations.
Step #2: Ensure all listed investigators have completed the required CITI training course for human subjects research. For more information, see our IRB Training page.
Step #3: Complete the Protocol Application Form (formerly Form A, D, or E) and submit it via email to [email protected]. Please attach supporting documents such as the consent form(s), surveys or interview questions, recruitment materials, and any site approval documents separately within the same email (i.e., do not embed attachments in the protocol document).
Requesting Changes and Annual Renewals (Approved Protocols)
For researchers needing to make changes to, extend the end date of, or add/remove personnel to their existing approved protocols, please complete an Application for Changes, Annual Review, or Project Termination / Completion form (formerly Form B) and email it, along with any changed protocol documents, to [email protected].
Protocols approved under Full Board review procedures are required to undergo review annually. An Application for Changes, Annual Review, or Project Termination / Completion form needs to be submitted at least 30 days before the anniversary of approval.
Classroom Research not covered by IRB review
Research Methods courses often involve students conducting surveys or other research activities that are not designed to contribute to generalizable knowledge. These research activities are not considered regulated human subjects research and do not require IRB review. Projects that fall under this category must not be used for publication, either in a journal or by presentation at a conference (poster presentations, etc.). If students in research methods courses wish to publish the results of their research, they should submit an IRB application before beginning their research. If you have any questions about whether your or your students’ research activities fall under IRB review, please reach out to the IRB Administrator.