Colby Institutional Review Board Resource Library
Questions? Contact us at institutionalreviewboard@colby.edu
Embedded Files
About This Site
About This Site
Welcome!
This site offers resources to help you prepare and submit your IRB application for research with human participants. You’ll find the necessary materials linked below, including:
IRB Applications: Separate application forms for students and for faculty and staff, tailored to the type of research you’re conducting.
Mandatory Ethics Training: Information about how to complete the required human subjects ethics training through the CITI Program or equivalent certification, including instructions for submitting proof of your CITI training with your IRB application.
IRB Policies and Guidelines: Colby’s IRB policies, which provide detailed guidance for research involving human participants, including specific requirements for student, faculty, and staff research. Faculty, staff, and students should review the policies that apply to them. NOTE: To access the policy and guidelines content, users must be connected to the Colby Wi-Fi or using the Colby VPN.
IRB Tracking Forms: When your IRB-approved project is completed, submit a Completion Form. If you need additional time, submit a Request for Extension Form at least 30 days before your study expires.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Answers to common questions about the IRB process, including when a project requires review and how long the approval process typically takes.
Best Practices for Ethical Research: Tips and guidance on informed consent, ethical data collection and storage, and maintaining compliance throughout your research project.
About the Colby Institutional Review Board
About the Colby Institutional Review Board
Colby’s Institutional Review Board (IRB) is a college committee responsible for reviewing and overseeing all research involving human subjects to ensure it is conducted ethically and in compliance with institutional policies, as well as state, federal, and international laws and regulations. The IRB’s primary purpose is to protect the rights, welfare, and privacy of research participants.
Key Functions of the IRB:
Key Functions of the IRB:
Reviewing Human Subjects Research Proposals: The IRB evaluates research proposals to ensure they meet ethical standards and comply with institutional policies and applicable regulations. Reviews focus on research design, respect for participants as outlined in the Belmont Report, and the ethical collection, management, storage, and use of research data.
Approving, Requiring Modifications, or Rejecting Studies: Following review, the IRB may approve a study, require revisions to address ethical or regulatory concerns, or reject proposals that do not meet required standards.
Maintaining IRB Records: The IRB is responsible for maintaining accurate and comprehensive records of its activities, in compliance with federal regulations and institutional policies. These records include a centralized tracking spreadsheet on which we record key information on every proposal, such as the project title, principal investigator, submission date, review outcome, approval date, correspondence with researchers, approval letters, legal agreements, etc. Proper record keeping ensures transparency, supports oversight and auditing, and helps verify that research activities remain consistent with approved protocols and ethical standards.
Monitoring Ongoing Research: The IRB has the authority to conduct periodic reviews of approved studies to ensure ongoing compliance with ethical guidelines and institutional policies.
Assessing Informed Consent Processes: The IRB reviews consent materials to ensure participants receive clear, comprehensive information about the study and are able to provide voluntary, informed consent prior to participation.
Crafting and Adopting Policies and Guidelines: In addition to reviewing individual research proposals, the IRB is responsible for developing and maintaining institutional policies and guidelines related to human subjects research. This includes establishing ethical standards for consent processes, data management, and participant protections, as well as adapting policies in response to changes in laws, regulations, and best practices. These policies help ensure consistent, responsible research practices across the institution.
The Colby IRB is chaired by a faculty member who vets all applications, coordinates IRB meetings, works with legal counsel as needed, and oversees policy development and implementation. Membership typically includes faculty representatives from each academic division, a community member, and staff members with relevant expertise. The IRB generally meets once per month to review policies, discuss procedural or regulatory changes, and consider any applications requiring full board review. Meetings also provide an opportunity to address questions about ongoing studies, discuss emerging ethical issues, and ensure that IRB processes remain aligned with current best practices and federal regulations.
Page updated
Report abuse