Thank you for taking the time to engage with Mid Michigan College's Institutional Review Board (IRB). The IRB is responsible for reviewing all research projects submitted by College personnel to ensure the protection of human subjects' rights and welfare, and ensures that risks related to research are assessed and minimized, potential benefits are identified, participation is voluntary as demonstrated by informed consent, and confidential information is safeguarded.

• Students may submit a research proposal as a Co-Investigator if they have a faculty member identified as the Principal Investigator (PI).
• Researchers must obtain approval from the IRB before seeking human subject participation and/or starting data collection.
• The IRB maintains compliance with the regulations of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services for Human Research Protections (45 CFR part 46).

Select research projects involving human subjects are exempt from needing IRB approval. Exempt activities typically include regular educational practices, such as course-related work, educational tests without identified subjects, and surveys or interviews where subjects participate voluntarily and remain anonymous.

The IRB holds the authority to review, approve, require changes to, or disapprove research conducted by or through the College that involves human subjects. However, the IRB does not evaluate the quality of the research study, the validity of the research design, or the contribution of the research to the academic field. Instead, its role is to ensure each project adheres to ethical standards concerning informed consent, confidentiality, and participant risk.

Complete the application below to determine what regulations your planned research must meet and to begin the IRB review process.

Questions? Email ir@midmich.edu for guidance.

Clinical Studies of Drugs & Medical Devices

• Research projects can only qualify for this category when certain conditions are met (e.g. already approved drugs/devices or investigational devices that meet specific criteria).

Collection of Blood Samples

• Research Projects in this category qualify if collecting blood samples by finger stick, heel stick, ear stick, or venipuncture under specific limits (based on weight, age, and frequency).

Prospective Collection of Biological Specimens

• Research Projects qualify for this category if the specimens are collected for research purposes by noninvasive means (e.g. hair and nail clippings, saliva, or cheek swabs).

Collection of Data through Noninvasive Procedures

• Research projects that collect data through routinely employed methods in clinical practice settings (e.g. physical sensors, ultrasound, EKGs) may qualify in this category.

Research Involving Materials

• Research projects that use data, documents, records, or specimens that have been collected or will be collected solely for non-research purposes (e.g. medical treatment or diagnosis) may qualify in this category.

Collection of Data from Voice, Video, Digital, or Image Recordings

• Research projects using data from voice, video, digital, or image recordings made for research purposes qualify in this category.

Research on Individual or Group Characteristics or Behavior

• Research projects in this category include research on perception, cognition, motivation, identity, language, communication, cultural beliefs, or social behavior.

Continuing Review of Research

• If your research project was previously approved by the IRB AND
  
  • The research is permanently closed to new participants. 
  • All participants have completed research-related interventions.
  • The research remains active only for long-term follow-up.
  • No additional risks have been identified for participants.
• If your research project was reviewed and the IRB determined and documented that the project involved no greater than minimal risk and no additional risks have been identified.

Thanks! We know that was a lot, but with this information, we'll be able to effectively and efficiently evaluate your research project and connect with you regarding any questions promptly. We appreciate your time and are excited to help you navigate the IRB review process. Simply confirm the validity of your above entries via your signature below and we'll get started!

My signature below certifies that the information above provided in this application is accurate and complete.

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