Human Studies

WELCOME TO THE HUMAN STUDIES COUNCIL at CCSU

WHAT IS THE HUMAN STUDIES COUNCIL?

It is the policy of CCSU that any research involving humans as subjects must be conducted in an ethical manner.  This university follows the guidelines mandated by federal regulations by having an institutional review board in place to review all research involving human subjects.  At CCSU, the review board is called the Human Studies Council (HSC).  The mission of the HSC is to facilitate the research process and to ensure that the rights of the human subjects are protected and all risks are minimized.

WHO IS REQUIRED TO SUBMIT RESEARCH PROPOSALS TO HSC? 

Anyone (faculty, staff, students) doing research using human participants as subjects (regardless of the location of the research) must submit a proposal to the HSC.  All research (including graduate level theses and similar projects) involving humans must be reviewed and approved (or exempted) prior to any data collection.  Failure to obtain approval could lead to increased legal liability to the researcher and all parties involved.  HSC will not review any research retroactively.

WHEN ARE PROPOSALS SUBMITTED?

HSC proposals should be submitted at least one week prior to an HSC meeting.  HSC meetings are held approximately every 2-3 weeks during each semester.  A listing of the meeting dates is available on this web site.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND HSC MEETINGS?  

Investigators (and/or faculty supervisors, if appropriate) are strongly urged to attend the HSC meeting during which their proposals will be reviewed.  By being present at the review, the investigator has the opportunity to answer or clarify any questions the committee may have, and receive suggestions for improvement of the research, thus expediting the review and approval process.  HSC meetings are open and anyone in the CCSU community is welcome to attend. 

HOW ARE HSC FORMS OBTAINED?

HSC forms are available on this web site in downloadable form.  Hard copies of the form are available from Mimi Kaplan (832-2366, Kaplan@ccsu.edu) in the Sponsored Programs Office, Barnard Hall 120.

COLLECTING DATA FROM CCSU DATABASES

Permission from the CCSU Director of Institutional Research and Assessment is required prior to collecting data from CCSU students or employees when CCSU databases are involved.  Link to Data Collection Policy.

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