Welcome to Governors State University in Chicago’s Southland

At Governors State University all research projects involving human subjects must be reviewed by the Institutional Review Board (IRB). The purpose of the IRB is to ensure the protection of human subjects in research.

COVID-19: Researchers whose studies can be conducted without face to face contact are encouraged to continue IRB approved virtual procedures. Review Guidance on Using Zoom for Research Data Collection here

Researches wishing to resume in person activities are required to follow this Guidance

NEW! SONA systems are available to GSU researchers conducting studies with students as research participants. Read more here

IRB Review
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IRB approval or a determination that the project is exempt from IRB review must be obtained before any research involving human subjects is initiated. Please review these documents to familiarize yourself with the responsibilities of Principal Investigator and Faculty Advisor, and the IRB review process.
What does the IRB review?
Responsibilities of Principal Investigator
Responsibilities of Faculty Advisor
Review Types and Turnaround Time
Other IRB Determinations
IRB Review Process
CITI Training
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To fulfill the IRB's requirement for training in human subjects protection, researchers must complete training through CITI Program. Completion of training will certify a researcher for three years and enable the researcher to apply to the IRB for approval of research protocols.
Instructions for Researchers
Instructions for Undergraduate Students
Cayuse How Tos
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All submissions must be done electronically through Cayuse. Cayuse IRB is a web-based submission system that is designed to simplify the review of IRB protocols.
How to Submit a Questionnaire for Non-Human Subjects Research
How to Submit an Application for Initial Review
How to Submit a Modification
How to Submit a Renewal
How to Submit a Closure Report
Consent Templates
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There is often a wide range of research activities and research participants, and one consent form may not be appropriate for all purposes. Depending on your needs, you may choose from the templates below.
Written Informed Consent Form
Short Consent Form for On-line Surveys
Verbal Consent Script
Additional Language for Consent Forms
Instructions for Consent Forms
Resources and FAQs
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These resources will assist you in preparing an application for IRB review.

Frequently Asked Questions about the IRB
Researcher's Guide to the IRB
Guidance for Student Researchers
Example for Student Researchers: Quantitative Design
Example for Student Researchers: Qualitative Design
Guidance on Recruitment of Research Subjects
Guidance on Snowball Recruitment
Guidance on Identifiability of Research Data
Guidance on Confidentiality vs Anonymity
Guidance on Compensation to  Research Subjects
Zoom Guidance for IRB Studies
IRB Policies and Procedures
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The IRB is in the process of updating old and developing new policies and procedures for review of human subjects research.
Policy for the Protection of Human Research Subjects (Policy 53)
You may review the IRB SOPs here
Board Members
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IRB Chair
- Giesela Grumbach, College of Health and Human Services
Provost Appointments
- Giesela Grumbach, College of Health and Human Services
- Janet Brewer, College of Arts and Sciences
- Gerald Pauling, Community Member
- Danielle Osmelak, College of Health and Human Services
- Lamise Shawahin, College of Education
- Quincy Martin III, College of Education
- David Rhea, Academic Affairs
Faculty Senate Appointments
- Sohad Murrar, College of Education
- Elizabeth Sterner, University Library
- Scott Getsoian, College of Health and Human Services
- Tingting He, College of Business
- Valentina Postelnicu, College of Arts and Sciences
Contact Information
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Email your questions to irb@govst.edu or call 708.534.4987
Feedback
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Anonymous IRB Feedback Form