Human Subjects (IRB)
The Eastern Michigan University Human Subjects Review Committee (UHSRC) is the Institutional Review Board (IRB). The UHSRC is responsible for oversight of human subject research conducted by EMU investigators to ensure that human subjects in research are protected. This oversight involves the application of ethical principles and federal regulations concerning human subjects in research. All EMU faculty, staff, and students who are conducting human subject research must submit an application to the UHSRC for review. All studies must be reviewed and approved before beginning any research activities involving human subjects.
- Guidance on the UHSRC submission process
- Submit an application through Cayuse IRB
The UHSRC consists of faculty members who volunteer their time and service. The UHSRC is composed of members from every College on campus as well as representation from the community (i.e., members who are not affiliated with EMU). UHSRC members serve 3-year terms with the option of renewal. All high-risk studies will be reviewed by the UHSRC.
The UHSRC uses Cayuse IRB as its submission and document management system. Cayuse IRB supports an online, fully interactive application.
Cayuse IRB uses single sign on. Faculty and Staff accounts are added weekly through human resources.Students must submit this form for access to Cayuse IRB. Access will be available within two business days after submitting the form. The UHSRC is unable to send individual confirmation that students have been added due to the volume of requests received. Students who are unable to log into Cayuse IRB two business days after submitting the form should email [email protected].
Cayuse IRB maintains a separate support site that uses a separate (user-created) login. It is strongly recommended that you create an account on the support site. The support site contains helpful resources, including videos showing how to navigate Cayuse IRB, that are only accessible with a support account.
Resources & Information
Policies and Procedures Expand dropdownThe UHSRC’s operating procedures have been developed in compliance with the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 45, Part 46 (45 CFR 46), known as the Common Rule. The UHSRC reviews all human subject research in accordance with the Common Rule. If your research is funded, your application will be reviewed in accordance with any additional regulations and requirements of the sponsor. It is the responsibility of the Principal Investigator to disclose on the UHSRC application who is funding the research. The Principal Investigator is also responsible for maintaining compliance with UHSRC policies and procedures, the Common Rule, and any additional regulations that may apply.
Guidance Expand dropdown- Developing a Consent Form
- Gender Inclusive Language
- Data Management
- Data Security Guidance (identifiability and sensitivity of data)
- Compensation of Subjects [PDF]
- Incident Reporting
- Survey Development Guidance:This link directs you to the Graduate School website.
- Online Survey Guidance
- Email Survey Distribution Form and Guidelines: Only complete and submit this form if you want to send your survey request via email to EMU students, faculty, or staff.
Application Process Expand dropdownAll human subject research at EMU or conducted by EMU faculty, students, and staff is subject to UHSRC review. A guide to the UHSRC submission process is available.
All applications must be submitted in Cayuse IRB.
- Instructions for navigating Cayuse IRB
- Instructions for completing the application [PDF]
- Cayuse support
- Navigating Cayuse IRB Video
Types of Review
Every application is initially processed by the Office of Research Compliance and, depending on the risk level and type of research conducted, sent for review to the UHSRC.
Meeting Dates
Greater than minimal risk protocols are reviewed at convened meetings (most protocols that are not greater than minimal risk are reviewed by continually on a first-come, first-served basis).
The UHSRC does not meet during the summer months.
**Submissions must be received three weeks in advance of the meeting date in order to be reviewed at a meeting.
UHSRC meetings will be held remotely, via Zoom, for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic. If your study requires Full-Board review, you will be notified and invited to attend the meeting. You will be emailed the meeting zoom link a minimum of 24 hours before the meeting.