The Institutional Review Board (IRB) reviews requests for research involving human subjects. The purpose of the IRB is to ensure that participants are treated ethically according to federal and local guidelines. All research conducted with human subjects by WCU faculty, staff, and students is subject to IRB review.
Please note that the IRB approval process may take up to a month (although it is generally completed in half that time). See the IRB Fact Sheet on the Resources for Investigators page for more information.
The "charter" for the IRB can be found in the WCU Faculty Constitution under Article III, Section 6.
To receive IRB approval, complete one copy of a Human Subjects Research IRB request form and send it (with all applicable attachments) to:
Research Administration
Cordelia Camp Building, Room 110
Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, NC 28723
Voice 828-227-7212, FAX 828-277-7480
IRB approval is effective for one year. To make changes to an approved study or to request an annual renewal of an approved project, complete the appropriate form and submit it to Research Administration for IRB review.
Please note that research conducted by students in WCU courses for the sole purpose of teaching research techniques is exempt from IRB review.