• When determining approval, the committee carefully assesses the benefits associated with the research and any potential for risks. Benefits can be theoretical or applied in nature. Risks may include potential for physical or mental harm. Risk can also include situations in which participants’ anonymity or confidentiality is compromised. Proposed studies that pose minimal risk to participants can be submitted for expedited review.
• Review the information about informed consent, debriefing, and expedited review sections of this website before completing the human subjects protocol form.
• If you are a student researcher, send the electronic version of your completed form (with accompanying materials included in the same electronic file) to your research advisor. Your research advisor should assist you in preparing a complete and clearly written protocol. Your research advisor must review and approve the protocol before sending it to the IRB via email. The IRB will not provide feedback for protocols that are incomplete or poorly written.
• The research advisor must email the completed protocol form to IRB@wartburg.edu. The committee will not review protocol forms or revisions that are submitted directly from students.
• To ensure a timely review and approval of your protocol, you must send your protocol before the deadline noted at the top of this page. Late submissions may be reviewed at the committee’s discretion.
• If substantial changes are required, the committee may only return partial feedback to the researcher; the committee will then consider an improved submission.
• If your protocol is discussed, someone from the IRB will contact you via email regarding the board's decision and any instructions for necessary revisions.

Helpful Hints for Approval

1. If you have questions about the submission form, consult an IRB member before submitting the form.
2. Principal investigators, collaborators, and faculty advisors should carefully review protocols before submission. 
3. If your protocol is not approved, any resubmissions should not include comments and/or questions back to the committee. Discuss any questions/clarifications with an IRB member before you resubmit your protocol. 
4. Carefully review any resubmission to ensure that all requested changes are clearly included. Include a list of changes in an email message accompanying the resubmission. Highlight changes you have made within the protocol/materials.
5. If you use template language or copy directly from sample materials or protocols, be sure to change the language as appropriate to reflect your study. Including irrelevant, incorrect, or misleading details will limit the committee’s ability to effectively evaluate your protocol.
6. Include the protocol number in the file name and any correspondence with the committee.
7. If you are a student who is actively conducting the research, you are considered a Principal Investigator; the faculty member overseeing your project is your Research Advisor.