Human Subjects Research at Cal Poly
Research Project Review
To ensure Cal Poly's commitment to protect human subjects in research, the University's Institutional Review Board (IRB) evaluates research projects for compliance with ethical standards regarding the treatment of human subjects.
IRB Submissions for New Projects, Modifications, Continuing Reviews, and Reportable Events
Effective October 18, 2017, the Cal Poly Institutional Review Board (IRB) is using an online system, IRBManager, to receive and review all documentation related to human subjects research. Information and instructions on how to use the system are in the section on The Review Process in the Procedures and Guidelines for Human Subjects Research.
NOTE: If you are submitting an extension request or a modification request for a project previously approved using the paper-based system, please contact Debbie Hart, dahart@calpoly.edu, before proceeding, so that the project can be created in IRBManager (the existing paperwork will be loaded). Once that has been done, login to IRB Manager to access the project and complete your submission.
Accessibility issues? If you have accessibility issues with the online system, please contact Debbie Hart at (805) 756-1508, for assistance.
Changes to Cal Poly Policy and Procedures for Human Subjects Research
Effective January 2019, the Cal Poly Institutional Review Board (IRB) has revised the Cal Poly Procedures and Guidelines for Human Subjects Research for compliance with the Federal Regulations enacted in 2018, with an effective date of January 21, 2019. Please refer to this document in preparing your submission to the IRB and related documents, such as protocols and consent forms.
Changes in Federal Regulations and Impact to Existing Approvals
On January 21, 2019, new Federal regulations regarding human subjects research will be implemented. All projects approved on or after January 21, 2019, must comply with the new regulations. Projects approved prior to January 21, 2019, are considered ongoing projects and no adjustments are needed to the approved protocols or related documents, such as consent forms. Projects approved prior to January 21, 2019, with expired approvals, will have to be submitted as new projects and must comply with the new regulations.
Does your project need to be reviewed by the Cal Poly IRB?
To assist with determining whether or not your project is required to be reviewed by the Cal Poly Institutional Review Board, please review the Human Subjects Research Decision Chart (pdf).
Do you have a new project? A renewal? Modifications?
If you're not sure what to do first, take a look at our START HERE page. It provides quick links with answers to common questions and problems that might arise before and during the approval process.
