Paper submissions are no longer accepted. To submit a protocol, please go to: https://era.jmu.edu/

• For more information on how to submit through the electronic Research Administration (eRA) software system, please see Submission Procedure.

• For more information on the difference between Full Board, Expedited, and Exempt review, please see FAQs.

International Research Form (updated 10/25/2022)

• Please complete and submit with the Human Research Review Request Form if conducting research outside of the United States.

Student Email Consent

• For use on protocols which involve research teams of multiple students in order to comply with Virginia § 23.1-405 (C).

Sample Consent Form

• Used when:

  • Subject is being interviewed

  • Subject is being recorded (audio/video)

  • Face-to-face interaction between researcher and subject

  • Identifying information is being collected from subject (name, social security number, etc.)

• There are many circumstances where a researcher may choose to protect a subject's identity by not referring to them by name in their research (i.e., use a pseudonym). This serves to make their responses confidential, but is not the same as conducting an anonymous study. There should be a signature block for the researcher(s) and the participant.

Sample Cover Letter

• Used when:

  • Subject's identity to remain "anonymous" ("Anonymous meaning that the researcher can in NO WAY identify the subjects)

  • No identifying information is being requested

  • A survey/questionnaire is being administered and the researcher will not be present while the surveys/questionnaires are being completed or that the participants will place their completed surveys/questionnaire in an envelope/box to ensure anonymity (Must be stated in the protocol and in the cover letter.)

• There should be a signature block ONLY for the researcher-- the participant should not sign anything in an anonymous study.

Sample "Web"/"Email" Consent Form

• Recommended for use with email, Qualtrics, or QuestionPro for Confidential Research

Sample "Web"/"Email" Cover Letter

• Recommended for use when using Qualtrics or QuestionPro for anonymous surveys

Sample "Telephone" Survey Consent

• Telephone interviews require the researcher to obtain verbal consent. The investigator should convey essentially the same information on the phone as on a consent form.

Parental Consent Form 

Parental Consent Form- Opt Out

What is commonly referred to as a "passive consent" or opt-out consent procedure is allowable if it meets the conditions for a waiver or alteration of informed consent. The passive parental consent procedure is commonly used in school settings where the following conditions are met:

1. The research involves no more than minimal risk to the subjects.
2. The waiver or alteration will not adversely affect the rights and welfare of the subjects.
3. The research could not practicably be carried out without the waiver or alteration.
4. Subject selection is based on classroom membership and not exclusionary.
5. Whenever appropriate, the subjects or legally authorized representatives will be provided with additional pertinent information after participation

Youth Assent Form 

Youth Assent Form By Line 

Youth Assent Form By Paragraph

Youth Assent Form By Symbols (PDF) 

Youth Assent Form by Symbols and Paragraph (PDF) 

Child Assent Form 

Child Assent Form By Line 

Child Assent Form By Paragraph 

Child Assent Form By Symbols (PDF) 

Child Assent Form by Symbols and Paragraph (PDF)