Frequently Asked Questions

You have already taken the first step by visiting this website. Next, go to Protocol Submission Process and read all instructions, and download and fill out the appropriate forms.

You still need to submit your project to CSUN's human subjects committee. You also need to submit a letter of approval from the other institution. Some institutions have their own human subjects committee that you may be required to submit to. If they require this, then your letter of approval should come from their committee.

If you intend to do research at a school, the approval letter should come from the principal. However, if you intend to do research at multiple schools in one district, you are required to obtain approval from each principal of each school. Also, If you intend to conduct research at Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) schools please note that LAUSD requires that you also submit your human subjects protocol to their Research Review committee for review and approval. Most organizations will not approve your protocol until you have received approval from CSUN’s Human Subjects Committee. Therefore, you may submit the required letters of approval from the organizations where you are recruiting after the CSUN Human Subjects Committee has given you conditional approval of your study. This means that the Committee may approve your protocol, but cannot give you formal approval to start your study until we have the required approval letters.

Most studies are eligible for exempt or expedited review, and these are considered on a rolling basis.  The sooner you submit your protocol, the sooner it will be reviewed.

For studies requiring full committee review, the Committee meets once per month during the academic year, and the deadline to submit is 3 weeks prior to each meeting. See Deadlines & Meeting Dates for the current submission schedule. Please note that the Committee does not meet during the months of January, June, or July.

You will receive comments within two to four weeks following the meeting. It's important to understand that protocols are rarely approved without requiring at least minor modifications. You will be notified whether your protocol was approved, requires modifications and re-submission to the Committee, or whether you need only make minor modifications that do not require full committee re-review.

International research is bound by numerous additional considerations, of which CSUN's IRB approval is only one part. If you intend to conduct human subjects research outside the United States, there may also be additional regulations that you will have to follow in the other country. Please email the IRB as early as possible for guidance specific to your research project and location.

Click on the “How to Appeal” page to learn how to engage the IRB if you disagree with a request or determination made by the reviewer of your protocol.