Human Subjects Research and IRB

Many students will require human subjects approval before they start their thesis/report/dissertation research.  The information below is a step-by-step guide explaining how to successfully complete the University of Arizona's Human Subjects Research and IRB requirement.  In addition to UA/AIS requirements, note that each tribe has their own process relative to human subject requests for information that you will be required to complete.  For more information see the Human Subjects office website.  Allow enough time for processing both of these requirements - the UA Human Subjects/IRB, AIS and tribal processes can be lengthy.

1. To determine if you need to fill out an IRB form, the Human Subjects Research and IRB program have a Determining if Research Requires IRB Review worksheet which you and your committee chair should work through together.
2. Take the CITI on-line test before you begin to fill out your IRB paperwork.
3. Work with your committee chair to complete the F200: Application for Human Research Human Subjects proposal paperwork for new human subjects research.
4. The IRB paperwork will need the following signatures:

• You as Principle Investigator
• Your Committee Chair as IRB Advisor

At this point, when the IRB is complete, and it has your signature and your Committee Chair's signature, turn the IRB into the main AIS office in Harvill 218C for the balance of the required signatures.  Only original, signed documents will be accepted.  AIS will route the document for the following signatures:

• One AIS Human Subjects Faculty Representative (this person cannot be your committee chair)
• AIS Department Head's signature (After the AIS department processes are complete the original IRB will be sent to the IRB office directly from AIS.)
• Human Subject/IRB Office review/approval

1. The main AIS Office in Harvill 218C will track the original IRB for AIS program signatures. When these signatures have been received, AIS will submit the original IRB directly to the Human Subjects (HS/IRB) office.
2. If additional information, or clarification is needed from AIS or HS/IRB you will receive an e-mail.  If this occurs, address the request immediately.  AIS is available if you need assistance.
3. When you receive your approval letter, submit a copy to the AIS Graduate Program Coordinator.  This is a mandatory step for your degree program.  You will not graduate without your approval letter on file in AIS.
4. When you are working on your research you should continue to work directly with your committee chair and the Human Subjects/IRB Office to assure that your project approval is up-to-date and in accordance with University guidelines and, if necessary, to determine if additional approvals (i.e. at the tribal/community level) are required.
5. If your IRB approval is going to expire before you have finished your research, fill out the F212: Continuing Review Progress Report .
6. On completion of your study, you will be required to fill out and return a F212: Continuing Review Progress Report to the IRB office and to file your consent forms and transcripts in the AIS office in accordance with your IRB paperwork.

Websites
Human Subjects Research and IRB
IRB Forms