Western Oregon University

1. INSTITUTIONAL REVIEW BOARD Western Oregon University

2. What is the IRB? • An Institutional Review Board (IRB) protects the rights and welfare of people involved in research. • Review of research involving human subjects is required by federal law. Federal law and regulations regarding the research on human subjects have specific requirements for IRB and study administration.

3. Why Have An IRB? • To assure and provide protection of all participants: • Participants in research projects • Researchers • Western Oregon University

4. Does your Study Require IRB Approval? Click on the “Do I need to file for IRB approval?” button to help determine if your study requires IRB approval

5. How Do I Get IRB Approval?

6. Step 1: Determine who will be the Principle Investigator (PI) • Please be sure to: • Mark if it is a student or faculty application • Fill out the complete information regarding the PI • If the PI is a student, then a faculty advisor is required

7. Step 2: Complete NIH Training • Click here and it will take you to a link to receive your NIH training

8. Step 3: Determine the level of review for your study By clicking the “What level of review do I need?” button, you will be provided with explanations that will help you determine which category your study falls into

9. Step 4: Fill out the Initial Application • Note that additional documents are requested to be sent in a word document format to accompany the original application • Fill out all the required information on all 9 pages of the application.

10. Step 5: Create consent and/or assent document(s) • There are sample consent and assent forms available here that can help you to write your own. • Be sure to not copy the form exactly. Use information that is appropriate to your specific study.

11. Step 6: EDIT • Have your faculty advisor edit your application BEFORE submitting it to the IRB. • If you would like additional help with your application please visit the Writing Center • Contact Writing Center at: 503-838-8286 or e-mail: writingcenter@wou.edu • Under the “Frequently Asked Questions” tab there is useful information about things you should include and avoid when filing for IRB approval.

12. Step 7: Submit • Submit all documents in one e-mail to irb@wou.edu • If you have any questions please contact the IRB • (503) 838-9200 • e-mail: irb@wou.edu

13. How Long Will It Take To Get My Study Approved? Review Times are estimates based upon the following factors: • The Quality and completeness of the submission. • The number of studies in the queue at the time of submission (studies are processed in the order in which they are received). • The length of time it takes applicants to respond to pending items and questions for the IRB committee. • The availability of the IRB members (all members are volunteers). • Exempt Applications: approximately 2-4 weeks • Expedited Applications: approximately 4-6 weeks • Full Board Applications: 4- 8 approximately weeks

14. Questions? • Please contact the IRB at: • irb@wou.edu • (503) 838-9200 • You may also contact the representative from your department • There are resources available on the IRB website that can be beneficial in helping you through the IRB process