Ethics Review Instructions

This process applies to funded and un-funded research conducted by faculty, staff, anyone representing St. Thomas University, and those using institutional resources (email distribution lists, bulletin boards, on-campus groups, etc.) in order to recruit participants from the St. Thomas University Community.

Before

Before a researcher may proceed with recruiting human participants for their study, they must submit a complete application to the REB who will review it for compliance with the TCPS. If the study is deemed to be above minimal risk, the researcher must complete the TCPS CORE Tutorial. If access to research funds is needed prior to gaining ethics clearance, request a partial release of funds here.

• Register for Ethics Review (application form)
• Ethics Information, Policies and Resources
• FAQs

Samples and Templates

• Information on Informed Consent
• Informed Consent Agreement
• Informational Letter to Participants (for oral consent)
• Oral Consent Script
• Informational Letter to Participants (for oral consent)
• Confidentiality Agreement for Research Assistants (transcription)
• Evidence of Participatory Approach
• Letter Requesting Permission to Access Employees or Wards of an Institution
• Agreement with a First Nations Community
• Debriefing Letter or Script
• Confidentiality Agreement
• Confidentiality Waiver Form

Once a complete application is received, allow 4 weeks for review, depending on the date of submission. After the REB have met, the Chair will communicate their decisions in an electronic letter to the lead researcher (Principle Investigator). Typically, the REB will either request further information, edits to related documents, or it will deem the proposed study to be in compliance with the TCPS.

Once ethical clearance has been granted (approval), the researcher is then free to commence their work and research funds (if any) will be released. To request that your funds be released prior to receiving ethical clearance, please provide a detailed request using this form.

During

Every year, researchers must communicate the status of their study with the REB in order to continue the study beyond one year of the date of certification.

It is important to complete the Annual Renew/Final Report Form before certification expires. Certificates cannot be renewed beyond five years.

To make changes to the design of your study, information letter, consent form, interview questions, etc., first inform the REB of the proposed changes by submitting a Study Amendment Request.

To report a serious adverse event immediately contact the REB. Call (506) 452-0621 and complete an Unanticipated Issue Report Form and await further instructions.

After

To close your file, submit an Annual Renewal / Final Report.

Contact

Lauren Eagle
REB Coordinator
reb@stu.ca
506 452 0647