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If you are interested in research, it is likely you have heard about the IRB.\u00a0 The acronym \u201cIRB\u201d stands for “Institutional Review Board\u201d and is a committee established to review and approve applications for research projects involving human subjects, regardless of funding source. The IRB reviews all projects conducted at or under the auspices of WCU by WCU personnel.<\/p>\n
Per Federal Requirements:<\/u><\/strong> Before participants are recruited or data is collected, the IRB must review and approve all research conducted by WCU faculty, staff, or students, regardless of funding source. Research may not begin until an approval or exemption letter is received from the IRB.<\/strong><\/p>\n The IRB process can be somewhat intimidating when navigating it for the first time. However, the Research Compliance Office<\/a> is here to help!\u00a0 We have recently been updating our website to include additional options for availability as well as adding new and improved educational documents to bring clarity to this process.<\/p>\n Some of these updates can be seen below:<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n For those new to the process, we have also added a Flowchart <\/strong><\/a>on our FAQ page <\/strong><\/a>to help you determine if your study falls under IRB jurisdiction (Human Subjects Research).<\/p>\n Please note: If you find that your research activity may not be subject to IRB approval, it is a best practice to confirm with us and obtain an official determination letter for documentation purposes.<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/affiliate.wcu.edu\/cfc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/87\/2023\/03\/Screenshot-2023-03-28-at-9.15.37-AM.png” alt=”An Image that shows the IRB process at WCU. Links to a PDF document., ” title_text=”IRB Process Infographic” url=”https:\/\/affiliate.wcu.edu\/cfc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/87\/2023\/03\/HSRdetermination.pdf” url_new_window=”on” _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Click on Image above to open full Infographic.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Remember:<\/strong> WCU’s IRB uses\u00a0InfoEd<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0for all IRB submissions and the review process. Please visit the\u00a0InfoEd training page<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0for more information.<\/p>\n\n
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