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). Requests for review of human subjects research are initially screened by a single IRB member. If you want to ask the IRB liaison for your area of study questions to improve your application, see this list. See the IRB Frequently Asked Questions on the Resources for Investigators page for more information.
To receive IRB approval, complete one copy of a Human Subjects Research IRB request form and submit it electronically (with all applicable attachments) to:
Voice 828-227-7212, FAX 828-227-7480