For details on the appropriate forms to complete and the review procedures for different types of projects, please see the Research Ethics Policies and Procedures page. These forms are updated frequently. Please download each form directly from the website before completing and submitting it to the IRB Administrator. Please submit each form and attachment as a separate Word document rather than as a consolidated PDF; the separate Word documents are helpful in the review process.
For all inquiry projects
Ethics Plan For Inquiries Involving People
This form includes the ethical provisions applicable to all inquiry types. If a project requires an IRB application (Type 3) or Advisory Review (Type 2), the Ethics Plan is part of the submission.
For most inquiry projects
Authorization to Contact Prospective Participants form
Many inquiry projects involve recruitment of prospective participants from an institution or organization (e.g., a college, a public school, a social service agency, a community organization, a faith community, etc.). Investigators need permission from an appropriate individual to use the organization’s information to contact prospective participants.
Project Information for Participants Worksheet
Unless an investigator is analyzing existing data previously gathered by someone else, the investigator will need to provide project information for prospective participants. This worksheet will assist investigators in preparing complete project information. It does not need to be submitted with the Ethics Plan, but the reviewer will examine the plan and attachments to ensure that all the necessary information is being provided in some form.
For inquiry projects involving non-St. Olaf participants or dissemination outside St. Olaf
Request for IRB Advisory Review
A Request for IRB Advisory Review form must be submitted by a St. Olaf faculty or staff member who is conducting or supervising an inquiry project for the first time that involves non-St. Olaf participants or may be disseminated to audiences outside St. Olaf (Type 2 projects).
For inquiry projects involving greater than minimal risk or focused on the study of vulnerable subjects
Application for IRB Review
An Application for IRB Review, together with the Ethics Plan and attachments, must be submitted by the faculty/staff investigator or supervisor for projects that pose greater than minimal risk to project participants, or that focus on the study of individuals who may be vulnerable to coercion or undue influence, such as children under age 18, or economically or educationally disadvantaged persons (Type 3 projects).
Modification Proposal for Previously-Approved IRB Application
A Modification Proposal should be submitted when the investigator wishes to make changes to an inquiry project that has a current IRB approval. Such changes may include the project’s duration, participants, recruitment methods, questionnaires, consent process, or other procedures as described in the project IRB Application, Ethics Plan, and/or attachments.
Request for Continuing Review of Previously-Approved IRB Application
Federal regulations require annual review of an IRB-approved inquiry when the data collection component of a project extends beyond one year. A Request for Continuing Review should be submitted three weeks prior to the end date of the previous approval.
For inquiry projects involving videography, photography, or audio recordings
Video-Photo Permission form
Projects that include the making of videos or photographs should include written permission from the individuals represented in the images. This form may be used for that purpose.
Audio Recording Permission form
Projects that include audio recordings for dissemination (not for the investigator’s use alone) must include written permission from the individuals being recorded.
For inquiry project supervisors and reviewers
Ethics Plan Review form
Faculty or staff supervising a student project that does not require IRB review or request for IRB advice may use this form when providing feedback to the student on his or her ethics plan. Instructors may wish to use this form as part of an ethics plan peer review assignment.