Student Researchers

If you plan to work on any project that collects data directly from people or uses their identifiable information, you will likely need an HRPP/IRB determination/approval. This requirement applies to all dissertations, graduate and undergraduate theses, master’s projects, independent research studies, and certain course projects.

Some coursework, Capstone, Honors, or senior synthesis projects might not need a formal HRPP application, depending on the nature of the project. But the HRPP can't conduct any retroactive (after the fact) review or issue any backward determinations (even Exemptions), so you will want to be sure.

Carefully read about different Review Categories (which provide examples of different types of research) and talk with your faculty advisor about what steps you need to take before starting any part of your study (even informal recruitment). Please contact us if you're not sure!

REMEMBER: To be fair to all campus researchers, each of whom has important, individual deadlines, the HRPP processes all applications in the order received. We cannot "rush" projects to meet individual academic deadlines. We make exceptions only in rare circumstances such as unanticipated grant deadlines.

• Carefully review the question below on "How do I get started on an HRPP protocol application? And what can I do to help my HRPP submission go through smoothly?"
• Read the question below on the role and responsibilities of your faculty advisor.
• Complete your CITI human participant training (see question below for details) as soon as possible and be sure your faculty advisor has also completed the training. The HRPP will not accept any applications that do not include your and your faculty advisor's training.

Timeline Guidance

NOTE: Your program may have specific course sequencing that differs from the guidance provided here. However, for the most successful process with the least concerns about approval timing, we strongly recommend the following plan: 

Master’s Students: Submit your protocol at least two quarters before you intend to graduate to give yourself enough time to write the protocol, handle any necessary revisions to receive approval, conduct your research, analyze results, and write your thesis/independent study.

Doctoral Students: Submit your protocol as soon as possible after your dissertation committee approves your research topic proposal.

If you submit before your proposal is approved, you might receive HRPP/IRB required revisions that could have to go back to your committee for its approval. Allow enough time to write the protocol, address any required revisions to receive approval, conduct your research, analyze results, write your dissertation, and defend your dissertation. We strongly recommend that you submit your protocol application at least two quarters before your planned graduation.

Whether you're a graduate student working on a dissertation or an undergraduate just starting research activities, you need someone with the knowledge and experience in a related field to help guide you in designing your study and navigating the HRPP process.

Your advisor might be your course instructor, a staff member with relevant expertise, or another WWU faculty member who can offer guidance. If you're unsure who your advisor should be, talk with someone you respect and ask their advice. You want to work with someone who will not only care about your project but also care about your growth as a researcher and you as a person.

Read the Guidance on Advising Student Research to understand faculty/staff advisors' responsibilities and what you should be able to expect from them.

If you'll collect data directly from people or working with their individual, identifiable data for your project, you need to understand the background of human participant research and how you can create protections for your participants and reduce any risks to them.

For most projects, you need to complete only 4 basic CITI modules. But if you work with certain groups of people or want to do certain types of research, you might need to do one or more specialized modules.

All HRPP applications require you to include your basic certification and your faculty advisor's certification. We can't process any applications missing those pieces. (You must submit those certifications as PDF attachments with your submission email. The HRPP cannot accept any other formats or links to your certificates.)

➡️Learn more about CITI human participant research training.

For best success with the HRPP process, so you can get started on your research process sooner, set aside time to carefully review the following resources:

• Protocol Development Guidance: detailed information on consent processes, data management, and tips for a successful submission
• Review Categories and Timelines: help on which application to submit and the approximate turnaround time (Master's and doctoral students should read the additional information in the below last accordion question below.)
• HRPP FAQs

As a Primary Investigator (PI), you are the main/lead researcher on a project. You might have other co-investigators or other members of the study team, but essentially, you're in charge and need to commit to these responsibilities:

1. Follow all relevant WWU policies, HRPP policies and procedures, and the federal Common Rule (45 CFR 46), established to protect human research participants. (If you don't know what these are or don't understand them, this is where your advisor will assist you!)
2. Commit to the ethical principles of The Belmont Report to protect the rights and welfare of all participants throughout the study. (Believe it or not, this report is actually readable and makes a great deal of sense. Read the overview of the principles on the What is the HRPP/IRB? page.
3. If you're working with a study team, as the PI, you need to be sure that they fully understand the nature and goals of your study and will follow ethical practices in carrying out their roles.
4. Whatever study and consent processes that the HRPP approved for your protocol, that's what you need to follow in your study. If you need to make changes, you have to go through certain steps. (See next point.)
5. If your study received an Exemption determination, you don't need to submit any paperwork to make minor changes (like collecting data from more people, adding a few minor survey questions, etc.). If you want to add anyone else to the study, you need to email the HRPP to provide their name, role, and CITI certification before they join your project.
6. If your study received Expedited or Full-Board approval, you need to submit a Modification Request and wait for the HRPP to give you approval before making any changes (unless you have to do anything right away to prevent immediate harm to your participants). Your advisor can help you with the Mod Request form.
7. If the HRPP emails you to ask about the status of your protocol (PAM: Post-Approval Monitoring) or asks for other information, please respond promptly. One of our responsibilities is to make sure that our records are accurate and that we know which studies to maintain oversight for.
8. If your study was a Full-Board protocol, you will need to submit a Continuing Review Application every year before the study expires. Again, ask your advisor to assist you with this process, if you need help.
9. If something goes wrong with your study, if a participant has a complaint, or if you realize someone on your study team hasn't followed the policies, you will need to submit an Unanticipated Problem/Adverse Event Report (if the situation is serious, within one business day, otherwise, as soon as possible). If you don't know whether the incident needs a formal report, please contact us to ask.

WWU can't be responsible for people who are no longer formal campus affiliates. If you want to keep working on a research project that involves any identifiable information after graduation, you will need to submit a Modification Request to transfer PI status to your advisor before you leave.

Then you can keep working on the study as an independent co-investigator or in another role. But your advisor will need to take over maintaining all raw identifiable data and study records, as well as take over all other primary investigator responsibilities.