Determination of Human Subjects Research

This form is to be used as a guidance tool when seeking Human Subjects Research (HSR) determination (i.e. whether your proposed project meets the criteria for human subjects research according to 45 CFR 46 - the Common Rule).

This form is not an official determination from the UWG IRB. For formal determination, the results of this form must be reviewed by an IRB Administrator. If your project meets the definition of Human Subjects Research, you must submit an application to the IRB for review.

Please note the following:
  1. If the project is being conducted by a UWG student, the faculty advisor for the project must complete this form and retain the determination for a minimum of 3 years.
  2. If the project is deemed not to be Human Subjects Research, the researcher must include the following statement for publications or presentations: “This project was undertaken as a (Quality Improvement / Case Study / Evaluation / Teaching-Learning) project and was not formally reviewed by the University of West Georgia's Institutional Review Board.”
  3. To develop or contribute to generalizable knowledge requires that the results (or conclusions) of the activity are intended to be extended beyond a single individual or internal program. Intent to publish results/conclusions in a peer-reviewed journal or to present at a regional/national meeting does not determine this response.
  4. Thesis or dissertation projects conducted to meet the requirements of a graduate degree are usually considered generalizable.
  5. If you have any questions regarding a proposed project, please contact the UWG Institutional Review Board at irb@westga.edu or 678-839-6119.