Application Process
All research conducted at Saint Xavier University which involves human or animal subjects must first be reviewed by the Institutional Review Board (IRB). The mission of IRB is to assure that ethical guidelines for research are followed. IRB reviews each research proposal and will either approve the proposal or make a formal request for changes to meet ethical guidelines for human subjects research stated by the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), and/or Ameriacan Psychological Association (APA). In cases of animal or other sensitive research, the proposal will be reviewed by the entire IRB committee. The committee consists of several faculty members representing all four schools. Most of the committee members are engaged in research in addition to their academic responsibilities.
Applications for review of research are accepted by IRB at any time, and are reviewed by the committee typically on a two week turn around during the academic calendar year. Applications received outside of the academic calendar year are completed as time permits. All applications should use the IRB Application Form and follow the steps listed below. Applicants are encouraged to access specific handbooks for advice in completing projects for specific research projects with the appropriate templates (consent forms, parent permission, institutional agreements, etc.)
Application Process:
- Complete the IRB Application Form (with all appropriate signatures). Once submitted, an IRB member will review and decide whether the proposal should undergo an exempt, expedited, or full review process.
- Outline your description of proposed project in the application form.
- Attach any auxiliary materials (the questionnaire you plan to use, permission letters from data collection sites, certification for CITI or NIH training) to the above documents.
- If submitted by a student, the application form should be reviewed and signed by the advisor. Advisor should recieve copies of all correspondence between the IRB reviewer and the investigator.
- Advisors or Faculty Researchers: (1) Send an electronic copy of the complete proposal and all auxiliary materials to irb@sxu.edu. (2) Deliver a hard copy of the application page with to Debbie Nutley, Office Manager, Academic Affairs, Ward Academic Center, A305.(3) Obtain a letter of agreement from a gatekeeper at the institution that hosts your research and deliver as a part of application package to Debbie Nutley, Office Manager, Academic Affairs, Ward Academic Center, A305.
- Applicants should plan ahead, as IRB committee members’ schedule, the volume, and complexity of proposals fluctuates. Most applicants will hear back from the committee two weeks after the Chair has received a complete, clearly assembled application. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. If revisions are recommended, the two week turn around process restarts from the time the IRB Chair receives requested materials. Data collection may not begin without an IRB approval.
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