Institutional Review Board (IRB)

Information for Research Conducted Through 91Ӱ�� University of Virginia

The Institutional Review Board (IRB) of 91Ӱ�� University of Virginia (91Ӱ��) exists to protect the dignity, rights, privacy, and well-being of individuals who participate in research. The IRB reviews research involving human participants to ensure that studies are conducted ethically and responsibly in accordance with applicable federal guidelines and professional standards.
At 91Ӱ��, ethical research practices are viewed as part of our commitment to Christian integrity, responsible scholarship, counseling ethics, and compassionate ministry. The IRB serves students, faculty, and researchers by promoting accountability, informed consent, confidentiality, and the protection of vulnerable populations.

Submit an IRB Application

Researchers may submit IRB applications and supporting documents using the 91Ӱ�� IRB Google Form below:

91Ӱ�� IRB Application Submission Form

For questions regarding the IRB process,please contact: [email protected]

Scope of IRB Review

All research involving human participants conducted through 91Ӱ�� or using participants connected to the 91Ӱ�� community may require IRB review and approval before participant recruitment or data collection begins.

Dissertation or thesis research
Counseling-related empirical studies
Surveys, interviews, focus groups, or questionnaires
Ministry or church-based research projects
Research involving clients, students, church members, or community participants Faculty or staff research projects
Qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods research

Research involving vulnerable populations must receive IRB review. Vulnerable populations may include:

Children or minors
Elderly individuals
Individuals with disabilities
Economically disadvantaged populations
Immigrants or refugee populations
Individuals with substance abuse histories
Counseling clients or individuals experiencing emotional distress

Research Activities Generally Exempt from IRB Review

Certain activities conducted solely for internal educational or administrative purposes may be exempt from IRB review, including:

Institutional assessment
Program evaluation for internal improvement only
Anonymous course evaluations
Internal enrollment or census reporting

If there is uncertainty regarding whether a project requires IRB review, researchers should contact the IRB Chair before beginning the project.

Ethical Principles Guiding the IRB

Respect for Persons

Participants must voluntarily agree to participate in research and must receive sufficient information to make an informed decision.

Beneficence

Researchers must minimize potential harm and maximize potential benefits to participants.

Justice

Participants should be selected fairly, and the burdens and benefits of research should be distributed appropriately.

Confidentiality

Researchers are responsible for protecting participant privacy and maintaining secure handling of all research data.

Research Requiring IRB Approval

IRB approval is generally required when researchers collect information from individuals for purposes beyond internal classroom learning, especially when findings may be:

Published
Presented publicly
Included in a thesis or dissertation
Shared outside the classroom
Used for professional or academic dissemination

No participant recruitment or data collection may begin until IRB approval or exemption has been granted.

IRB Application Process

The IRB application process is intended to be clear and manageable.

Step 1 – Prepare Application Materials
Researchers should prepare:

A brief description of the study
esearch purpose and procedures
Participant recruitment methods
Informed consent documents
Surveys, interview questions, or data collection tools
Confidentiality and data storage plans

Step 2 – Submit the IRB Application
Researchers should submit the completed IRB application and supporting materials through the 91Ӱ�� IRB Google Form:
Submit IRB Application

Step 3 – IRB Review
The IRB will review the application and may:

Approve the study
Request revisions or clarification
Determine the study is exempt
Request additional documentation

Researchers should allow approximately 2–3 weeks for review, although timelines may vary depending on the complexity of the project.

Step 4 – Begin Research After Approval
Participant recruitment and data collection may begin only after written IRB approval or exemption is received.

Required Documents

Depending on the nature of the study, researchers may be required to submit:

IRB Application Form
Informed Consent Form
Parent/Guardian Consent Form (for minors)
Recruitment materials
Surveys or interview protocols
Site permission letters
External IRB approval (if applicable)

Informed Consent

Researchers must clearly explain:

The purpose of the study
What participation involves
Potential risks or discomforts
Potential benefits
Voluntary participation
Confidentiality protections
The participant’s right to withdraw at any time

Participants must be given the opportunity to ask questions before agreeing to participate.

Confidentiality and Data Protection

Researchers are responsible for protecting participant information through appropriate safeguards, including:

Secure storage of data
Limited access to identifiable information
Use of pseudonyms or de-identified data when appropriate
Secure digital and physical record keeping

Changes to Approved Research

Any significant changes to an approved study must be submitted to the IRB for review before implementation.

Additional Considerations

Researchers should give special attention to:

Emotional or psychological risks
Cultural sensitivity
Counseling or ministry-related boundaries
Vulnerable populations
Appropriate referral resources when needed

Downloadable Templates

The following templates are available to assist researchers:

Informed Consent Template
Parent/Guardian Consent Template

Contact Information

91Ӱ�� University of Virginia Institutional Review Board (IRB)
[email protected]
91Ӱ�� University of Virginia

Important Reminder

Research participants may not be recruited, and data collection may not begin, until IRB approval or exemption has been officially granted by the 91Ӱ�� IRB.

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