Graduate Student IRB Guidelines

If you are going to do research with human subjects, you will need to work with your advisor to prepare your IRB application. This guideline is meant to help you and your advisor through this process. You will find that our website has many helpful materials. Below we have outlined steps to help you successfully complete the IRB process.

Decide on the type of IRB review: Request for Exemption, Expedited Review, or Full Review. 

View the Media Site presentation(s) on our website to help you write the application.

Write a draft of your IRB application and other relevant items such as the consent/assent forms, information sheets, recruitment flyers, surveys, etc. 

Share your drafts with your advisor. Work with her or him on revisions. Visit the IRB office, if necessary, to clear up any questions you may have. You may also consult with the IRB chair or IRB members.  

Submit  your application to the IRB office with the relevant amount of copies.  Remember to sign as Primary Investigator (PI) and have your professor sign as well.  

Wait for a response.  You may not begin your research until you have received IRB approval. 

      We cannot retroactively approve research.

• Request for exemption are reviewed administratively in the office of Graduate Studies and Research.  Approval time is typically one week.
• In an expedited review, your application will be sent to just one of the IRB committee members who will review it on behalf of the committee. Average approval time is 2-4 weeks.
• In a full review, your application will be reviewed by the entire committee at the next IRB meeting. Average approval time is 4-6 weeks.

An IRB committee member may contact you to request clarifications or revisions on your application. Respond back via email as quickly as possible; the email response becomes a part of your application.  Note: Always cc the IRB in all your correspondence! (irb@csusm.edu)

The IRB member or committee will recommend approval and you will be notified by email when the official approval paperwork has been completed.  You may pick up your approval paperwork in the IRB office, or if you provided a self-addressed stamped envelope your paperwork will be sent to you.

Inform the IRB office if there any changes to your research, and renew your IRB if after one year you are still conducting the research.

 Good luck in your research!

Approvals and requests for clarification are sent by email.  Be sure your email address is correct and legible so that we may contact you!  If you have questions,  please contact the IRB office: IRB@csusm.edu /760-750-4029.

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