Our Commitment to Ethical Research
The Institutional Review Board (IRB) at Walsh College oversees the ethical conduct of all research involving human participants conducted by Walsh faculty, staff, and students. The primary purpose of the IRB is to protect the welfare, rights, and privacy of individuals who participate in research under the College’s auspices.
Walsh College’s IRB operates in accordance with the ethical principles of beneficence, justice, and respect for persons outlined in the Belmont Report, and adheres to the federal standards described in Title 45, Part 46 of the Code of Federal Regulations (the “Common Rule”). These principles guide our ongoing commitment to ensuring that human subjects are treated with dignity, fairness, and care.
The IRB is responsible for reviewing research proposals to ensure that investigators uphold the ethical and regulatory standards established by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP).
All students, faculty, and staff involved in human subjects research—whether as part of coursework, independent projects, or faculty-led studies—must complete the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) course before submitting an IRB application. Instructions for accessing and completing this required training are available below.
For additional information on federal policies and ethical standards for human subjects research, please visit the Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP) website.
Getting Started with Your IRB Submission
All research involving human participants requires IRB review before it begins.
Doctoral students conducting research as part of their dissertation must coordinate directly with their Dissertation Chair before any IRB materials are submitted. The Dissertation Chair is responsible for reviewing and approving all IRB documentation to ensure it meets Walsh College’s academic and ethical standards. Once the Chair determines the submission is complete and ready for review, the Chair—not the student—will submit the IRB application on the student’s behalf.
The IRB will then communicate its decision (approval, conditional approval, or required revisions) directly to the Dissertation Chair, who will relay the outcome to the student. This process ensures consistency, accountability, and quality control across all dissertation research and reflects the shared responsibility between doctoral candidates and their faculty mentors.
Researchers conducting projects outside the scope of a dissertation—such as independent studies, course-based projects, or faculty research—should prepare and submit their own IRB applications following the instructions below.
All researchers at Walsh College—doctoral or otherwise—must complete the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) course before submitting an IRB application.
Here’s how to proceed:
- Complete Training: All researchers must complete human subjects protection training, such as the CITI Program’s Basic Course. Visit the CITI Program’s “Log In Through My Organization” page and select Walsh College as your institution.
- Prepare Your Proposal: Use our IRB Research Protocol Request (RPR) Form below.
- Submit: Email your materials to irb@walshcollege.edu. Most reviews take 2-4 weeks, depending on the study’s complexity. If you are a doctoral student, your Dissertation Chair should submit on your behalf.
- Stay in Touch: Report any changes or issues to the IRB promptly.
Forms and Resources
Access essential documents to prepare your submission:
For additional guidance, explore:
Frequently Asked Questions
Do student projects need IRB approval?
Yes, if they involve human participants and are shared beyond the classroom (e.g., presentations, publications).
How long does review take?
Typically, 2-3 weeks, depending on the study and how well the RPR is drafted.
What if I have questions?
Talk to your dissertation chair first. If you still need further clarification, reach out to irb@walshcollege.edu for a consultation.
Contact the IRB
We’re here to support your research. For questions not covered here, send us an email.