Students who pose their own research questions or test hypotheses should submit their own applications (exemptions, minimal risk, or full review). Typically, because students work on data sets with no identifiers and have no contact with human subjects, these applications meet exemption criteria. If the application does not meet the exemption criteria, it can be reviewed as minimal risk. All students working with data from human subjects are encouraged to sign a confidentiality agreement.
Human subjects clearance requirements apply to theses and dissertations. Familiarize yourself with the different levels of human subjects research. Note that full human subjects clearance may take up to three months after the application is delivered to the Human Subjects Division. You must begin the process early. Students who pose their own research questions or test hypotheses using secondary data can either submit a request for exemption, minimal risk or full review, whichever is appropriate.