Human Subjects -- Start Here

Does your project need approval?

See Cal Poly’s Policy for the Use of Human Subjects in Research. Read the section on "Applicability of this Policy." Also see the Human Subjects Research Decision Chart (pdf). The Frequently Asked Questions page also answers many questions.

Do you want to submit a new project for review?

Refer to "The Review Process" in the Procedures and Guidelines for Human Subjects Research and Frequently Asked Questions for additional information.

Where should you submit your project?

Refer to "The Review Process" on the Procedures and Guidelines for Human Subjects Research page. Projects, whether minimal review, expedited review, full review, or modifications or extensions must be submitted using IRBManager; see "The Review Process" for instructions.  If you do not have access to computers or the internet, please contact IRB staff at research-compliance@calpoly.edu, for assistance.

Do you need to request a renewal of a previously approved project?

If so, access your previously approved project via IRBManager, and complete a Continuing Review Form; see "The Review Process" for instructions.

Do you want to submit a modification to a previously approved project?

If so, access your previously approved project via IRBManager, and complete a Modification Request Form; see "The Review Process" for instructions.  Your submission will need to include details on the proposed modifications, including any modified documents.

Want to avoid common problems that cause delays?

First, read carefully the pertinent sections of the Procedures and Guidelines, the Policy, and the Frequently Asked Questions. Second, make sure your IRBManager submission includes all documents required for review — the research protocol (description of methodology), the informed consent form(s), and any other documents or information provided to the subjects, such as recruitment materials, interview questions, surveys, questionnaires, etc. Third, make sure your protocol clearly states the research problem, or hypothesis, that you are studying and provide information on how your results will be used. And, lastly, double-check the documents that will be distributed to the subjects for correct grammar, spelling, and usage of language, whether English, Spanish, or other.

Related Content

Join our Research Listserv

Please join our research listserv to receive communication about events or funding opportunities related to research. To join, please send an email with subject "sub researchlistserv" to sympa@calpoly.edu.

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