Post Submission Processes

  • If you are not the PI, once you submit, your project will automatically be routed to the named PI for review and certification.
  • If you are the PI, or once the PI has certified the protocol, your project will be automatically routed to the Department Chair or Department Signatory for approval.
  • Your project has not reached the IRB Office until the Current Status reads “IRB Review Pending.”
  • Check the Requirements panel to track the status of your submission. Watch the Submission Workflow and Statuses video or read the Submission Workflow and Statuses guide to learn how.
  • Confirm all listed Research Team personnel have completed their CITI training as the IRB office will not review or receive projects without this required component. See the Human Research Training page for information on requirements.
  • If changes are needed for the IRB to make a decision, you will receive a Modifications Required letter. Follow the instructions in the letter and address all comments from the IRB reviewer. This may take a few iterations. If no changes are required and if the protocol has satisfied all sections, the IRB will issue a decision letter.
  • The review process timeline depends on the completeness and clarity of the research submission. If all fields have been addressed, are consistent throughout the submission, and all required documents are included a review, a decision may be made within a few days to a week. Delays typically come from missing required training, incomplete responses or missing document uploads. Exempt reviews take approximately 2-3 weeks. Expedited reviews take approximately 4-6 weeks.
  • Exempt and expedited reviews are conducted on a rolling basis. There is no deadline for submitting these types of projects. Investigators who will conduct studies requiring review at a fully convened meeting should adhere to the IRB Submission Due Dates and Meeting Schedule for these projects. Studies requiring review at a fully convened meeting may take 4-8 weeks for approval. See the Review Categories and Determinations to learn more about your study’s review category and risk level.
  • You cannot start data collection involving human subjects until AFTER the IRB approves your submission as described in an IRB letter.