Welcome to Governors State University in Chicago’s Southland

During the current COVID-19 outbreak, researchers may implement changes to the IRB approved research, prior to IRB review and approval of the research changes, when necessary to eliminate apparent immediate hazards to participants. This may include: changing from in-person interactions to virtual interactions using digital technology. You must report the change to the IRB within 5 business days after making the change. For more information, contact the IRB at irb@govst.edu.

At Governors State University all projects involving human subjects must be reviewed and approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB).

The purpose of the IRB is to ensure the protection of human research subjects. Code of Federal Regulation Title 45, Part 46 requires that all institutions receiving federal funds and conducting research using living humans establish and operate an IRB.

All submissions, reviews and approvals are done electronically through Cayuse. Cayuse IRB is a web-based submission system that is designed to simplify the review of IRB protocols.

Review Responsibilities of PI and Faculty Advisor
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- Responsibilities of Faculty Supervising Student Research with Human Subjects
- Responsibilities of Principal Investigator Conducting Human Subjects Research
Learn About Levels of Review and Turnaround Time
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There are three levels of IRB review: exempt, expedited, and full board.
- Exempt reviews are those with minimal or no risk to subjects. Applications submitted for a certification of exemption are reviewed by an IRB Analyst or one IRB member. The turnaround time for exempt reviews are 1-2 weeks.
- If there is minimal risk, an expedited review is required. The review process includes the IRB chair and one additional IRB member. The turnaround time for expedited reviews are 2-4 weeks.
- Studies that pose greater than minimal risk to subjects are reviewed by the full board at monthly meetings. The turnaround time for full board reviews is 4-6 weeks.
NOTE: Submissions that are incomplete or do not adhere to IRB submission guidelines will require additional time. The additional time is not considered in the turnaround time estimate for each category.
Review this flowchart to learn more about the IRB review process.
Determine if IRB Oversight is Required
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A study requires IRB oversight if it fits the federal definition of research with human subjects. In some cases, when it is not clear whether the project requires IRB review, the researcher should complete a short questionnaire in Cayuse.
If it is determined the activity does not fall within the federal definition of research with human subjects, applicants will receive a determination letter stating the study does not require IRB oversight. Researchers whose studies do require IRB oversight will be provided instructions on how to submit an application for review. The turnaround time for such determinations is 2-4 days.
Complete CITI Training
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GSU IRB requires that all prospective researchers complete training in human subjects protection. Completion of training will certify a researcher for three years and enable the researcher to apply to the IRB for approval of research protocols.
To fulfill the IRB requirement for training in human subjects protection, researchers must complete training through the CITI Program. GSU faculty, staff and students must register with CITI using their GSU email address and affiliate with Governors State University during registration.
- CITI Instructions for Researchers
- CITI Instructions for Undergraduate Students
Submit an Application for IRB Review
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All new protocols must be submitted through Cayuse.
Instructions for Submitting an Application for Initial Review
Application Checklist
All new protocols with consent documents must use this consent template:
Consent Template March 2019
Please note, the consent template has been created to provide structure and guidance for research studies of various types and levels of complexity. When using this template to create a consent document for your study, make sure to:
- Delete instructional text in red and insert the information specific to your study.
- Delete elements of the template that are not applicable to your study, e.g., certificate of confidentiality or data sharing.
Instructions for Developing an Informed Consent Document
IRB Guidance and FAQs
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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
- Caron Jacobson, College of Arts and Sciences
- Gerald Pauling, Community Member
- Danielle Osmelak, College of Health and Human Services
- Lamise Shawahin, College of Health and Human Services
- Chelsea Vanderpool, College of Business
- David Rhea, Academic Affairs
Faculty Senate Appointments
- Pam Guimond, College of Arts and Sciences
- Xiaobo She, College of Education
- Elizabeth Sterner, University Library
- Renee Theiss, College of Health and Human Services
- Ting Wang, College of Business
Contact Information
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Email your questions to irb@govst.edu or call 708.534.4987

Cayuse IRB

For assistance with Cayuse submissions, email irb@govst.edu

Learn More

Institutional Review Board

Review Responsibilities of PI and Faculty Advisor

Learn About Levels of Review and Turnaround Time

Determine if IRB Oversight is Required

Complete CITI Training

Submit an Application for IRB Review

IRB Guidance and FAQs

Board Members

Contact Information

Cayuse IRB

Human Subjects Research Regulations