1. Overview of Process for GSEP Students
GPS IRB
Overview of Process for GSEP Students

2. Purpose of IRB
The primary goal of the GPS IRB is to protect the rights and welfare of human subjects participating in research activities conducted under the auspices of Pepperdine University.
The GPS IRB employs a review process in conformity with the Federal Policy for the Protection of Human Subjects (45 CFR 46) and the Federal-wide Assurance (FWA) enacted between Pepperdine University and the Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP) under the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
Obtaining IRB approval is a legal and ethical requirement before beginning research activities.
It is essential that you contact the IRB before you start any research activities including recruitment of subjects.

3. When to submit to IRB? Research include:
1) Collecting and Analyzing Data;
2) Analyzing Existing Data;
3) Conducting a Program Review;
4) Meta-Analysis or Critical Review of the Literature
DOCTORAL STUDENTS: Depending on your program, you will be submitting your IRB application shortly before or immediately after your Dissertation Proposal Meeting. Please consult with your dissertation chair for exact timelines and specific guidance
NOTE TO GRANT APPLICANTS AND AWARDEES: Because many funding agencies require proof of IRB approval prior to the award of grants, investigators should submit their IRB applications concurrently with submissions for funding.

4. Step 1: Determine Level of Review and Type of Application
First, you must determine which type of application you will submit (which involve different documentation and forms), which then corresponds to differing levels of risk, review processes, and timelines for obtaining IRB approval. Note that most applications go through at least one request for revisions or modifications, so please budget your time accordingly.

5. DECISION POINT: Exempt or Expedited Application?
Potential Risk
No more than minimal risk such as :
Possible breach of confidentiality and identity.
Minimal to Moderate risk such as: quasi protected population, vulnerable subjects, subjects under the age of 18
Submission Process
e-Protocol
Review Process
At least 1 reviewer
At least 2 reviewers
Timeline for Receipt of Initial Review
11-15 business days
15-20 business days
Timeline for Receipt of Revisions and Modifications Review
6-10 business days
11-14 business days

6. If Expedited: Submit research proposals to the Education Division or the Psychology Division
You must first submit their research proposals to the Education Division Methods Review Committee or the Psychology Division Methods Review Committee before submitting the IRB applications to the GPS IRB Office.
Psychology Division’s Methods Review
Education Division’s Methods Review
Dr. Cary Mitchell by phone at (818)  
Dr. Kay Davis by phone at (310)

7. Step 2: Complete Human Subjects Training
Training is required for all faculty, staff, and students.
Proof of completion is required to submit your IRB application (attach certificate in e-Protocol).
Update training every 3 years.
Go to 

8. Step 3: Familiarize Yourself with e-Protocol
protocol IRB system :  ( Examples available)
1. Faculty and Staff:  col/faculty-staff-checklist.pdf
2. Students:  eprotocol/student-guide.pdf
3. All: e-Protocol FAQs including technical support   otocol/faqs.pdf

9. Examples

13. Exempt Criteria Protocol Title: Developing a supplemental resource for Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapists working with African American youth

16. Expedited Criteria Protocol Title: Focus Group Research in Loneliness

17. Procedures: Expedited

21. Purpose Study Procedures

25. 2.c

26. Subject Population
Number of participants etc, inclusion criteria/exclusion criteria of participants

27. Risks

28. Benefits/Alternatives

29. There is no direct benefits to participants in study
The alternative is to not participate in the study and subjects may opt out at any time for any reason.
Store: Electronic data/Hardcopy

30. Funding section – no funding

31. Informed Consent

32. Assent

33. Attachments

36. Step4: Gather necessary materials for submission
 Faculty and Staff Checklist:  nt/eprotocol/faculty-staff-checklist.pdf 
Student Checklist:   nt/eprotocol/student-checklist.pdf
 List of Forms and Templates:   irb-forms/
To ensure the submission of a complete application, please review the relevant

37. Step4: Sponsors
Sponsors need to check, submit their CITI training certificate for upload in e-Protocol,
Sponsors need to Review Sponsor checklist to make sure all portions of iRB app are reviewed prior to student submission

38. Step 5: Consult IRB (if needed after completion of step1-4)
Set up an appointment at
For more advanced questions contact the GPS IRB Chair, Dr. Judy Ho at

39. Last Checks! Check in with your Chair/Sponsor
They need to complete CITI Training and you need to upload their certificate to the application
They should review the Sponsor/Chair checklist to ensure they’ve reviewed your entire application before you submit
They need to check the necessary box in e-Protocol (see screenshot)

40. Step 6: Submit Your Application
All applications should be submitted at  The system will save your progress if you are unable to complete the entire submission in one sitting. All applications must be complete prior to being assigned reviewer(s). Any incomplete applications will be returned and requested to be resubmitted with all necessary materials.

41. GPS IRB Contact Information
Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education & Psychology 6100 Center Drive, Suite 500 Los Angeles, CA 90045
Phone: (310)
IRB Chairperson – Dr. Judy Ho, Ph.D., ABPP, CFMHE
IRB Manager – Andrea Quintero, MA, MBA;
IRB GA – Tristan Meier, MA Candidate
IRB GA- Awrad Alostath,
MA Candidate;