*Please note the majority of research projects conducted at Rasmussen University will likely fall into the exempt category, with some falling into the “Expedited or Full Review” category, which is a more stringent process. A separate application is used for expedited and full review research projects; please see IRB policy for complete details prior to submitting your project application. If a project is submitted for review under the incorrect category, the applicant will be notified.
Definition: Exempt projects are subject to review by the board, although they follow a streamlined review process. Projects in the three categories below are considered exempt:
1. Research conducted in established or commonly accepted educational settings involving normal educational practices. **
2. Research conducted as part of an existing course, with those registered for the course.
3. Research that uses existing data, documents, records, and specimens.
** Examples of “commonly accepted educational settings” and “normal educational practices” are:
A project that compares teaching strategies of two instructors by collecting surveys from students in each class and interviewing each instructor.
Interviewing nursing faculty to obtain their opinion regarding a recent curriculum change.
Conducting a focus group to obtain feedback regarding the effectiveness of live lectures.
