Institutional Review Board (Cayuse Era)
IRB Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
This page is expected to provide answers to many frequently asked questions. This page also covers some of the basic concepts of human research from a regulatory stand point and the essential topics specific to obtaining IRB approval. The topics covered in this section include:
General Announcements
- If a page does not say “Cayuse Era” at the top, you have landed on an outdated IRB page. DO NOT rely on any information presented on an outdated page. Please be aware that website edits have been delayed due to the university’s transition to WordPress. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this transition period.
- It generally takes two weeks for protocols to be reviewed after the IRB office has analyzed them and confirmed the application packet to be complete. This is a timeline estimate that is dependent on the researcher’s application completion and certification, attachment of all necessary forms, timely response to the reviewer’s comments, and the level of review necessary for the study.
- The MTSU IRB receives a higher number of applications during September-October and February-March. We request your patience during these months. The MTSU IRB continues to receive IRB applications during the summer break (June-August).
Contact Information
- I have a question. How do I contact you?
- Please send an email to [email protected] with your question
- How do I report an ADVERSE EVENT?
- How do I report a COMPLIANCE BREACH?
If you have any questions or require further clarification, please do not hesitate to call (615) 898 2400 or email [email protected]
Other Informative Links
IRB Application
- What are the essential details I will need to apply for IRB approval?
- How to make modifications in Cayuse?
- What are the reviewers looking for in my IRB application?
- How long does it take to get IRB approval?
- How do I conduct my research online?
- Can I get a waiver to informed consent?
- I want to advertise my study. How to I recruit participants?
- What are permission letters and why do I need to collect them when enrolling non-MTSU participants?
Vulnerable Populations
- How do I do research with vulnerable population?
- Working with Pregnant Women and Fetuses – Federal Code Working with Pregnant Women and Fetuses (Subpart B)
- Working with Prisoners – Federal Code for Working with Prisoners (Subpart C)
- Working with Minors – Federal Code for Working with Minors (45 CFR 46 Subpart D)
Research Outside of MTSU
- Can I conduct my study outside of MTSU?
- Enroll participants outside USA (by physical presence and through social media/online)
- I am collaborating with a non-MTSU researcher. What do I do?
Post Approval
- What are post approval procedures?
- What are the important dates and deadlines for my protocol? (approval, expiration, and extension)
- How do I submit a progress report?
- How do I relocate my IRB records?
- I want to make some changes to my IRB protocol. How do I do it?
- I am done with my research. How do I close-out?