IRB Forms

Begin by identifying which IRB form(s) you need to submit. All sections of the forms must be completed. The forms include specific details on what information needs to be included.  Ensure that you have provided all of the required information, otherwise it may delay your form processing time.

Student research IRB forms should be either emailed directly by a Southern Professor or printed, signed, scanned, and emailed to IRB@southern.edu.

FORM A – Not Required

IRB Approval is not required for a literature review or academic exercises which will not be published or presented off of the SOUTHERN campus.                                                                   



FORM A – Exempt

Studies qualifying for an Exempt Review are those with no risk to the participants. These studies usually include research that is conducted in established or commonly accepted educational settings and involves normal education practices, such as the effectiveness of or the comparison among instructional techniques, curricula, or classroom management methods. Other studies that may fall under an Exempt Review are research that involves the use of educational tests, survey procedures, interview procedures, or observation of public behavior, as well as research that involve the collection or study of existing data, documents, records, pathological specimens, or diagnosis specimens. Confidentiality of all personally identifiable information must be managed throughout the research and thereafter. The information collected must be recorded in such a manner that the human subjects cannot be identified directly or indirectly. If any disclosure of information outside the research could reasonably place the subject at risk of criminal liability or civil liability or be damaging to the subject’s financial standing, employability or reputation then it no longer qualifies for an Exemption.

FORM A – Expedited (non-exempt)

Studies qualifying for an Expedited are those with minimal risk to the participants. Minimal risk is defined by research that does not exceed the average probability and degree of psychological or physical harm normally encountered in the everyday life of a human being. It also must not exceed the risk or harm experienced during a routine clinical intervention.  

FORM A – Full Review 

Studies that involve more than minimal risk to the subjects require review of the full IRB committee membership.  Please note that the types of research conducted at SOUTHERN rarely require the full Board hearings so investigators are encouraged to contact IRB Chair prior to submitting a Full Review application.  In most cases, expedited review is possible. 

FORM A – Animal/Plant

University policy and federal law require review and approval for proposed activities related to the humane care and use of animals and plants. 

FORM B – Modification, Annual Review, Research Termination, Research Completion 

Use this form if you need to make minimal changes, would like to extend your study, have terminated or have completed your study.



FORMS C & D – Student Research and Class Projects

Use these forms to indicate that you as a professor have completed the CITI training and are qualified to approve student research.  Please complete both forms within the semester they are applicable. The purpose of these forms is for both the professor and the IRB to track student research from the application and approval phases to the completion phase.