Human Subject Research

Step 1: Complete Required Training

All researchers must complete the required CITI Human Subjects Research training before submitting an IRB application.

Additional training may be required depending on:

• Research population

• Funding source

• Study design

• Research role

Step 2: Determine the Appropriate Review Category

Projects generally fall into one of the following categories:

Exempt Review

Research activities involving minimal risk that meet specific federal exemption categories.

Expedited Review

Research involving no more than minimal risk that fits one or more federally designated expedited categories.

Full Board Review

Research involving greater than minimal risk or vulnerable populations requiring review by the convened IRB.

Once an application is submitted, the HRPP Office will determine the appropriate review pathway.

Step 3: Submit Through Cayuse Human Ethics

As of August 2026, CUNY uses Cayuse Human Ethics for IRB submissions and human subjects research management. Researchers must use Cayuse Human Ethics for new applications and post-approval activities. 

What is Cayuse Human Ethics?

Cayuse Human Ethics is CUNY's electronic research administration (eRA) platform for the management of human subjects research activities, IRB submissions, approvals, modifications, renewals, and study records. 

Requesting Access

Researchers currently requiring access to Cayuse Human Ethics must request access by reaching out to the HRPP coordinator. Some users may continue to require access requests depending on their role and affiliation. 

Who Needs Access?

• Principal Investigators

• Co-Investigators

• Research Personnel

• Faculty Advisors

• Student Researchers

• Study Coordinators

Cayuse Human Ethics Training

Brightspace Training Course

The Cayuse Human Ethics Training Course in Brightspace provides asynchronous, role-based training for:

• Researchers

• HRPP Coordinators

• IRB Members

The course covers the basics of working in Cayuse Human Ethics and includes embedded quick-reference guides you can download for future use. 

Access the Cayuse Human Ethics Training Course 

Additional Training Resources

Available resources include:

• Getting Started in Cayuse Guide

• Quick Guide for Cayuse Human Ethics Users

• Creating a New Study and Initial Submission Guide

• Managing an Approved Study Guide

• Cayuse FAQs

• Cayuse Academy Videos

• Live Demonstration Sessions and Recorded Trainings

Getting Started in Cayuse - For PIs, PDs, and Key Personnel SharePoint page, which includes login information, access instructions, and links to several training resources, including two Cayuse Academy videos.

Quick Guide for Cayuse Human Ethics Users: Provides a brief overview of logging in, navigating the system, notifications, and role switching.

Researcher Desk Guide Creating a New Study and Initial Submission Details how researchers create a study and initial submission.

Researcher Job Aid Managing an Approved Study: Describes the types of post-approval submissions available in Cayuse and explains how researchers submit them.

Cayuse FAQs and other information are available on the CUNY Office of Research Human Research Protection Program webpage.