Effective July 5, 2021, Capella has approved the return to face-to-face research activities provided that researchers adhere to the most rigorous of the current CDC, state, county, municipality, site, and/or other applicable local health and safety directives.

While many studies holding current IRB approval may work best by remaining virtual, researchers who would like to incorporate in-person research activities (including recruitment, informed consent, and data collection) as part of their study procedures should consult with their mentor to discuss a safe return or change to research activities. If an in-person approach is determined to be best, the IRB Modification Form should be submitted in IRBManager. The completed Conduct of In-Person Research Form must also be included in that submission.

When completing the IRB Modification Form be sure to fully describe your planned modification and upload updated copies of your recruitment materials and informed consent form containing the updated information. Be sure to include updated study procedures, such as the consent process if changing to remote data collection.

Note if you if you will continue to use video conferencing for interviews, focus groups, etc., you should still only audio-record your participants.

To access the Modification Form:

-log into IRBManager (https://capella.my.irbmanager.com/)

-click on your study number in IRBManager

-click ‘Start xForm’ on the left hand actions menu.

-Choose IRB Modification Form from the list and submit the form after completing it.

Note that if you do not first click on your study number in IRBManager you will not be able to access the IRB Modification Form. If the only forms you see listed after clicking ‘Start xForm’ are the Doctoral Capstone Screening Form, IRB Application, etc., then you have not yet clicked on your study number.

Please see our posted FAQ for additional guidance on submitting the modification form:

http://capella.libanswers.com/doctoralsupport/faq/132931