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FAQs

Norfolk State University launched use of IRBNet to support human subjects research on September 21, 2021. Below are responses to anticipated and frequently asked questions about IRBNet and the NSU IRB. Please send questions or recommendations for FAQs to irb@nsu.edu.

Overview / Q&A Sessions

New overview / Q&A sessions will be provided in fall 2022.

For the Zoom meeting ID, check your NSU email account for recent Announcements about the IRB or send an email request to irb@nsu.edu.

NOTE:  If you have an IRB-related question about a specific project or study, please send an email to irb@nsu.edu. Specific project information will not be available at these sessions.

How do I access IRBNet?

Go to IRBNet.org to set up your researcher profile. Select Norfolk State University IRB to complete your profile and gain access to the NSU IRBNet library.


When are submissions for new projects, continuing reviews and reports due to the IRB?

Completed project applications or packages (e.g., reports) submitted to IRBNet by 5:00 pm on the first Monday of each month will be reviewed by the next IRB meeting.


Where do I send questions or feedback about my project or the IRB or IRBnet in general?

  • Project specific questions must be sent to the IRB through IRBNet. Your message will automatically include project information that will help your receive a response as quickly as possible.
  • All general questions or feedback about NSU's IRB or IRBNet should be sent to irb@nsu.edu.
     

When does the IRB meet?

The IRB meets on the third Thursday of each month. The schedule may vary based on holidays or other exceptions, including summer availability.

IRB submission Prerequisites 

What do I need to prepare before submitting an IRB application, request for review, report, etc?

  • Forms and checklists are available on the NSU IRB pages and in the IRBNet library.
  • Applications, reports, etc. (projects and packages in IRBNet) will not receive a review decision until the researcher:
    • Completes the CITI training: CITI Training CR#45921217: Group 58575 - Social & Behavioral Research Investigators, Stage 1 - Basic Course. This requirement applies to all investigators applying for IRB approval.
    • Links their CITI account to their IRBNet profile. Instructions on how to link the profiles are posted to NSU's IRBNet library and are also provided via the IRBNet user profile in the section for linking external accounts.
    • Link the CITI training posted to their IRBNet account to every submission or package. See the link shown in the Designer view (accesses from the left menu) beneath the list of documents. 

Note: The IRB will not consider training documents submitted via email.

IRBNet

What training on how to use IRBNet is available to NSU faculty, staff and students?

IRBNet provides short (about 10 minute) training videos and PDFs. To access NSU's account, see the 0 - IRBNet Training videos file in NSU's IRBNet library. PDF's of these training videos are also posted to NSU's IRBNet library.

How do I start using IRBNet for a new review request (or project)?

  • Complete the appropriate CITI training.
  • Go to IRBNet.org.
  • Click “New User Registration” and set up your account (selecting the Norfolk State University IRB).
  • Review IRBNet Training Resources (PDFs and links posted in NSU's IRBNet Library).
  • Link your (external) CITI account to your IRBNet account. Instructions are posted to the IRBNet Library.
  • Continue with the submission process, including linking your CITI training to every package or submission.


How do I start using IRBNet for a current project, including requesting a continuing review, submitting a report, etc.?

  • Go to IRBNet.org.
  • Click “New User Registration” and set up your account (selecting the Norfolk State University IRB).
  • Review IRBNet Training Resources (PDFs and links posted in NSU's IRBNet Library).
  • Link your CITI account to your IRBNet account. Instructions will be posted to the IRBNet Library.
  • Continue with the submission process, including linking your CITI training to every package or submission and submitting the previous IRB approval document.