Student Course Projects
Human Research Protections Program
Researchers and Advisors
Class Project and/or Research?
What distinguishes a "class project" from research? Typically, the following activities do not require HRPP consideration:
- Practicing research methodologies by collecting non-sensitive data from adults (e.g., benign surveys, interviews with family/friends). Data collection from minors (under 18) always requires HRPP consideration.
- Minimal-risk "mini-research" projects to be presented within the class or department event (e.g., PsychFest)
Even in the examples above, students need to understand and engage in ethical practices such as informed consent (even if informal and oral), collecting only information necessary/relevant to that project, and properly maintaining any identifiable data.
IMPORTANT: If a project does not receive prior HRPP consideration, participant information should not contain references to the HRPP or contact information. The HRPP cannot provide retroactive determinations under any circumstances. We are unable to consider projects and offer documentation after the fact, even if projects would have met Exemption criteria.
What if a research project might have a life beyond the term, such as being presented to a broader audience (e.g., Scholars Week), receiving WWU funds through Research and Sponsored Programs, published on the CEDAR-replacement platform, or elsewhere beyond WWU? The HRPP cannot issue retroactive determinations for human data research, so students will need prior HRPP consideration to ensure risk mitigation and appropriate ethical practices. See below for possible options.
Remember: We're available to visit your class for brief presentations on general research ethics, human participant research, and the HRPP process. Read more about our Educational Outreach.
The 10-week term places an unusual burden on students for in-class research projects—often minimal-risk endeavors that might not meet the federal definition of research. But to encourage students to think beyond the classroom, or if a project might prove worthy of a broader audience, this streamlined process provides the Exemption documentation allowing them to present or publish their work more broadly.
For minimal-risk projects that focus on benign topics, collect few or no identifiers, and involve only non-sensitive data, complete the following brief, online form:
For this form, you'll collate brief paragraph overviews of each project, verify students' Social-Behavioral CITI training, and clarify the nature of the data and consent process. Within 2-4 business days, the HRPP will confirm exemption status or possibly ask follow-up questions. This process offers formal Exemption determinations that students can later use for publication or presentation IRB requirements. (We retain these records to be able to provide a formal, individual letter later by request.)
For guidance, consult this sample submission:
What human participant research projects require a formal, individual HRPP application? Projects that can be
- Accessed through the WWU library (e.g., master's theses, dissertations)
- WWU's CEDAR replacement platform
- Other publications
- Scholarly conferences
These projects often meet criteria to submit the shorter Application for Exemption, which we generally can process within 6-7 business days. For further guidance on review level considerations with examples, consult Review Categories and Timelines.