Research is Essential to Understanding
As an institution of higher learning, Maricopa Community Colleges supports research as a vital part of increasing understanding of the world we live in; and as a means to enhance the lives of the people residing in our communities and beyond. Our employees and students, as well as external investigators, may be permitted to conduct research that meets certain standards of integrity and purpose that are consistent with the vision of Maricopa Community Colleges.
Researchers Seeking IRB Approval From Maricopa Community Colleges
Follow the process below to request permission for Human Subjects Research (HSR) in Maricopa Community Colleges. Note that research that is not intended to be published or presented at conferences may not require IRB review. Furthermore, internal studies or surveys that are intended for programmatic assessment or enhancement (that are not part of a research study that would be made public) may not require IRB review. If you have questions as to whether your research requires IRB review, send an email to [email protected].
Researchers are required to complete the Human Subjects Research training prior to submitting their research for review. Training is available at CITI Program. Please use the Organization Affiliation Maricopa County Community College District for Social-Behavioral-Educational Researchers (note you only need to take the required modules and not the elective modules). The training requires registration but it is provided at no cost to those affiliated with Maricopa Community Colleges. For more information on how to enroll and complete the course, visit CITI Instructions.
Once you have successfully completed the required course, download your HSR training certificate to include in your IRB application.
Researchers must obtain site authorization at the specific college serving as a site for the study. To complete this step, the Principal Investigators need to do the following:
- Download and save the Site Authorization Form.
- Provide detailed information in the required fields of the form. Reviewers will be able to scroll within each reply box to see the full response.
- Send the form as an email attachment to the IRB Member of the college serving as a site for the study. If the study is to be conducted at more than two colleges/sites, then submit this form to the IRB Chair. Scroll down to select the contact from the list of IRB Members and Alternate Members.
- If site authorization is granted, then attach both this form and the approval email as part of their application in eProtocol.
Contact the IRB Coordinator to request a login ID to access the e-Protocol application form. A login ID needs to be requested for PI and co-PI(s). eProtocol will send users two confirmation emails with an ID and password.
Important to Know
- Site authorization does not commit the College or District to provide resources or data collection for the investigator(s).
- IRB approval does not commit the College or District to recruit for or participate in the project, nor provide resources or data collection for the investigator(s).
- If a study is approved or authorized by the MCCCD IRB, then a statement to that effect must be included in the recruitment materials and consent/assent form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Take a few minutes to review our frequently asked questions regarding the Institutional Review Board (IRB). If you have additional questions, contact IRB.
All faculty, grants directors and staff who plan to participate in or submit a research or grant proposal should complete the training. Project directors should also complete the training. Institutional researchers are also encouraged, as they may be called upon to assist with data collection and reporting.
It would be helpful for Vice Presidents of instruction, other administrators and managers and executives to become familiar with human subjects research topics. Training provides you with information and tools to work with your faculty and staff as they prepare for research and grant projects on behalf of your college or on joint projects with sister colleges and/or the district office.
If you will use any Maricopa work time, facility, or resources, or plan to publish or make presentations under your Maricopa college affiliation, you need to get IRB approval prior to your research or before the grant project begins.
Yes, all external requests (from individuals, groups, or institutions) must be reviewed by the Maricopa Community Colleges IRB.