Application Process

The HHS guidelines will assist you in deciding what level of IRB review your research project requires (exempt, expedited, or full). 

All research projects - including those considered "exempt" - require IRB oversight at the University of North Georgia. Also, given the complexity of federal, state, professional and institutional mandates, the IRB committee reserves the right to change the level of review as needed. Some projects, however, do not constitute research as stipulated in DHHS 45 CFR 46.102(d) and thus do not require IRB review. If in doubt, please check the IRB Guidelines and FAQs.

Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) is a consortium of Universities and institutions to distribute federally funded training content to meet regulatory compliance. All applicants, including exempt, must complete the free CITI training and provide the certificate of completion with their application.

Unless instructed otherwise, please make sure you have the following items to include with your application:

• consent/assent form (IRB Form 3.1)
• any written instruments, sample questions, and/or other data collection tools (e.g. interview protocol/s or other verbal instructions, survey questionnaire/s, debriefing statement (instructions after study is completed) or other measures)
• emails, flyers, or other recruitment documents

• copy of appropriate CITI Training Certifications for non-UNG research personnel
• grant documentation if funded internally or externally (other information may be requested on a case by case basis)
• letter of cooperation from any collaborating institutions (e.g. schools, other universities).
• other forms (e.g. related to possible HIPAA requirements)

• Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) limits student data that can be released by the university without student permission (e.g., email addresses for research solicitation or use)
• Permission to use student works should be specified by agreement and should be accompanied by a brief description of the works used. Waivers should become part of the permanent research record for any work published or distributed
• Certificate of Confidentiality limits compelled disclosure of research information where the research subjects that may be engaged in illegal behavior. The certificate protects the privacy of the subjects in that the researcher may not be compelled to identify such individuals in any Federal, State, or local proceedings (civil, criminal, administrative, legislative, or other). Researchers must apply through the NIH.

All applications for IRB review should be submitted online through IRB Manager.  Please click the link below to login using your UNG username and password.  After you have logged in, you can begin a new application by clicking the link named "Click here to start the IRB Application Portal" in the left hand column of your IRB Manager dashboard. The application portal includes tools to help you determine which type of application to submit and what CITI training is required.

Researchers wishing to submit applications for continuing review or research modifications, or to submit notifications of adverse/unanticipated events or completion of research, may login to IRB Manager, and select your study from the "My Studies" menu in your IRB Manager dashboard.  From there you will select "Start xForm" in the left hand column and select the "IRB Protocol Portal" to choose the appropriate online form.

For any questions regarding IRB Manager, please email Chris Jackson at christopher.jackson@ung.edu.