Student guidance and faculty advisors responsibilities

Guidance for student projects

The NAU IRB provides support for students seeking IRB approvals. However, faculty advisors are the primary support for the development and submission of student IRB materials.

Undergraduate students

There are situations where undergraduate students will need to seek approval for research projects covered under the IRB (e.g., Honor’s Thesis, HURA award). Faculty members must submit IRB applications and seek IRB approval. However, undergraduate students are responsible to work on and familiarize themselves with the IRB process and application. The faculty member and the IRB will support the student in learning and understanding the process and regulations.

• Faculty members will serve as PI on undergraduate research applications
• Faculty members are responsible for sharing and teaching undergraduate researchers about research design the IRB process and their responsibilities
• Both faculty and students are responsible for the conduct of their IRB approved protocols per Investigator Responsibility Guidance
• The IRB is a resource to answer faculty and student questions

Graduate students

Graduate students may submit IRB applications as PI for their research with their faculty advisor/committee chair approval. In this case, students will have to collaborate with their faculty advisor on the development of the proposal. Graduate students are expected to take initiative to develop the proposal and communicate with the faculty advisor, as needed throughout the process.

• Graduate students may submit IRB applications as PI with a faculty advisor
• Graduate students are responsible for developing their research design and submitting their IRB proposal in consultation with their faculty advisors
• Graduate students and faculty are responsible for the conduct of their IRB approved protocols per Investigator Responsibility Guidance
• The IRB is a resource to answer faculty and student questions

Faculty advisor responsibilities:

• Ultimate responsibility for the conduct of all student activities, those described in the protocol and for protecting the rights and welfare of human subjects involved in the research
• Submitting IRB applications for undergraduate students
• Developing, reviewing and approving all documents submitted for IRB review
• All additional obligations outlined in the IRB Investigator Responsibility Guidance

Version 2020-10