The Complete Protocol Package

The following documents are required for EVERY research protocol submission:

• List of attached documents
• Protocol Approval Form (PAF)
• NIH Certificate
• Protocol Statement
• Informed Consent Document(s)

Other documents may include:

• Recruiting script/text or recruiting flyers/letters/ads
• Final survey to be administered· Final questionnaire · Interview questions
• Permission letter to recruit and/or conduct research
• Photo Releases (if using photographs of participants)
• Video Releases (if videotaping participants)

All of the above forms and templates can be found by clicking the link at left: Forms & Templates

Protocol Submission:

The IRB office accepts protocols on a rolling basis throughout the year, and reviews them in the order in which they are received. Revisions are also reviewed in date order.

Check with your department for the deadline necessary for department staff to record, sign and submit all protocols to the Grad Studies office by the following dates:

• November 1: To enroll in the thesis/project class in the following spring.
  
• April 1: To enroll in the thesis/project class the following summer or fall.

We suggest that students planning non-exempt research projects turn in their protocols prior to the department and university deadlines to accommodate the revision cycle during the pre-deadline periods. For instance, submitting a non-exempt protocol to the Grad Studies office in September or early October will assure that the IRB will review it and any requested changes or clarifications before the end of the semester.

The most common documented reason for delay in the revision cycle is the time lag between the IRB’s request for revisions and the researcher’s sending in the revisions. Protocols and revisions are reviewed in the order in which they are received, so every day counts.