Human data collection, all data collection activities involving human participants or personally identifiable information (PII), conducted at Mid-America Christian University or by representatives of MACU will obtain approval from the MACU Institutional Review Board.

Determining if an IRB Submission is needed

When handling student data (collecting, storing, or using) the checklist below should be used to determine if an Institutional Review Board (IRB) submission is necessary or not.  Normal educational practice does not require IRB submissions and approvals. 

Normal educational practice is separated into classroom data and student records.  In both cases, FERPA outlines how student identity should be protected.  Instructors and staff who routinely work with confidential student information should be familiar with and strictly adhere to FERPA laws.    

Handling of student data outside of normal educational practice might require an IRB submission and approval.  Collecting, storing, and using student data outside of normal educational practice risks students’ criminal and civil liabilities, or could damage students’ financial standing, employability, or reputation.  Examples of data collection outside of normal educational practice include:

• Interviews, observations, and surveys where the questions and subject matter goes beyond the scope of educational activity.

• Collecting, storing, or using privileged information such as socio-economic status, sexual information, abuse, etc. 

• Educational activities that are rarely used and are not considered “best practice” in the field.

• Student data collected, stored, or used in normal educational practice, but places unnecessary risks on students’ identity or well-being.

Checklist - If the following data is collected outside of normal educational practice, an IRB submission should occur and consent form used. 

• Name

• Social Security Number

• Student Identification

• Email address

• Age / date of birth

• Grades

• Pictures / videos

• Demographic information that could identify a person or small group of people.    

More resources to help determine if IRB approval is needed...

There is an expedited process for research that exclusively uses PII, no human interaction. 

All MACU students participating in Research Day are required to go through the IRB approval process.

Another resource would be the U.S.Department of Health & Human Services Office for Human Research Protections decision charts. These charts can walk you through a variety of situations and help you determine if IRB is needed. 

When in doubt request IRB approval.