How does a researcher from off campus obtain site access permission to conduct research on GS campuses or with GS populations?

Student population research: GS policy does not allow any GS unit to provide student email addresses to external researchers as directory information under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). This applies regardless of whether the survey/data collection is being conducted for research, marketing, or any other purpose.

For all other research project requests include the following in a single email and submit to irb@georgiasouthern.edu:

1.  A copy of the approval letter from your home institution IRB or Human Subjects Ethics committee approval. (If GS approval is a condition of your approval, a conditional approval will be accepted.)
2. A copy of the methodology for the portion of the research to be conducted on GS campus or with GS populations.  This should include a clear description of any assistance you will need from GS to conduct your research. (e.g., identification of subjects or recruitment.)
3. A copy of the researcher’s human subjects training certification
4.  A copy of any recruitment materials to be utilized
5. A copy of the informed consent tool to be used
6. A copy of data collection instruments used (questionnaires, focus group or interview plans, etc.)
7. Appropriate contact information for the principal investigator (from the home institution).
8. If applicable, the name and affiliation of any Georgia Southern contact for this proposed study that you have already established.

The IRB office will forward reasonable and complete requests to the Provost’s office for institutional determination.  The institution reserves the right to decline any third party research request at the institution’s discretion. Third party research that duplicates GS studies in progress or requires significant local resources to accomplish will not be approved.

Last updated: 6/2/2023