Supporting Ethical Research at Athens State
If you are planning to conduct research involving human participants, the Institutional Review Board (IRB) is here to help guide you through the process. The IRB exists to support ethical research practices while helping protect both researchers and participants.
Whether you are conducting surveys, interviews, focus groups, or other participant-based research, the IRB helps ensure studies meet ethical standards and federal guidelines.
Getting Started
Before submitting a proposal, researchers should determine whether their project qualifies as “human subjects research” under federal guidelines. If you are unsure, the IRB team is available to help.
Additional guidance, training materials, and submission information can be accessed through Canvas.
Visit Canvas to Learn More About IRB Practices at Athens State University
Helpful Reminders
- Start early and allow time for review.
- Think from the participant’s perspective when creating consent forms and recruitment materials.
- Ask questions if you need assistance during the process.
- Maintain consent forms and research records for at least three years after study completion.
What Typically Does NOT Require IRB Review?
Some activities may not require formal IRB review, including:
- Standard classroom assignments or activities
- Opinion surveys conducted only for instructional purposes
- Internal quality improvement projects
- Certain journalism or historical research activities
- If you are uncertain whether your project requires IRB review, please reach out for guidance.
Research Support Contact Information
IRB Administrator
Joe Delap, PhD
Professor of History and Special Projects Manager- Phone:256-233-8109 Phone:256-233-8109
- Email:[email protected]
- Department:College of Arts and Sciences
- Office:
Founders Hall, Room 331
Shannon Pittman, PhD
Associate Professor of Biology- Phone:256-233-6519 Phone:256-233-6519
- Email:[email protected]
- Department:College of Arts and Sciences
- Office:
Waters Hall, S 303 C
Cynthia Lovelace, PhD
Assistant Dean, College of Business/Associate Professor of Logistics- Phone:256-216-5361 Phone:256-216-5361
- Email:[email protected]
- Department:College of Business
- Office:
Sanders Hall, Room 305
William Davis, PhD
Associate Professor of Health and Physical Education/PE Program Coordinator- Phone:256-216-6635 Phone:256-216-6635
- Email:[email protected]
- Department:College of Education
- Office:
McCain Hall, Room 202
Questions?
The IRB team is here to support ethical and successful research at Athens State University.