The Institutional Review Board (IRB) is a Sul Ross committee established to review and approve applications for research projects involving human subjects. The primary purpose of the IRB is to protect the rights and welfare of human subjects.
Applying for Review
Modifying an IRB
IRB Study Closure
Reporting an Incident
IRB Calendar
2025-2026 Submission Calendar Visit https://irbnet.org/ to submit IRB forms to the committee.
(14 day return for exempt reviews, 30 days for expedited & full review)
| Due Date
Feb 20th, 2026 |
Meeting Date
March 6th, 2026 |
Questions: Email the Office of Sponsored Programs.
Related Information
What is the IRB:
The Institutional Review Board (IRB) is a committee established to review and approve applications for research projects involving human subjects. The primary purpose of the IRB is to protect the rights and welfare of human subjects.
Types of IRB Reviews:
Exempt Review – Research is no more than minimal risk to human subjects as determined by regulatory guidelines. May be granted by the IRB upon review of the application.
Expedited Review – Research only involves no more than a minimal risk to human subjects, including blood sampling in minimal amounts, review of records collected for non-research purposes, and survey research.
Full Board Review – Research involving greater than minimal risk, including studies with vulnerable populations or sensitive questions, as well as studies with the possibility of physical risk.
How long does IRB Approval Take?
Various factors influence the length of time necessary to approve an IRB, including the quality of the application, current volume of applications submitted and under review, and the type of review. The approval process also depends on the type of IRB review submitted. Exempt and Expedited submissions are approved fairly quick but Full Board submissions take longer. Please review the IRB calendar for more information.
CITI Human Subjects Training:
All investigators, co-investigators, and key personnel must complete human subjects training prior to submitting an IRB. Sul Ross State University uses CITI (Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative) for Basic Human Subjects Research (BHSR) training. Please select Register and use your Sul Ross email. Following select Sul Ross State University as your affiliation. Registration for courses is available through CITI.
Informed Consent Template:
A consent form is a written document that explains the research study to potential participants. The Informed Consent Template is a guide to assist researchers that all aspects of consent are properly conveyed to the study participants.
IRB Application Form:
The IRB application form template is a written document that explains your study to the IRB committee. It will need to be uploaded to the IRBNet system following completion along with any surveys, promotional materials, etc.
IRBNet Access:
Students and Faculty must register as a New User and select SUL ROSS STATE UNIVERSITY as their affiliation on IRBNet link, This is also where researchers will locate forms to use for the IRB approval process along with additional training.
Qualtrics Survey Platform:
Electronic surveys used in conjunction with an IRB must use a secure survey platform. It is suggested electronic surveys at Qualtrics or Microsoft Forms through the Sul Ross State University system.
IRB Updates:
Please complete and submit this IRB update form in IRBNet.
IRB Project Closure:
To close your study, please submit the IRB Project Closure form.
Federal Regulations for Human Subjects:
45 CFR 46, the Code of Federal Regulations, provides guidance on the requirements for the protection of human research subjects. The Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP) provides leadership in the protection of the rights, welfare, and wellbeing of human subjects involved in research conducted or supported by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).