You must register your proposal at the university level and secure an IRB approval code if:

• You plan to publish or present findings outside your local setting.
• Your research involves living human subjects, either through direct interaction (surveys, interviews, clinical tests) or through identifiable private data/samples.

• Exempt Review: ~ 1–3 weeks
• Expedited Review: ~ 2–6 weeks
• Full Board Review: ~ 4–8+ weeks (depending on meeting schedules, protocol complexity, and required revisions).

No. You may not recruit subjects, collect data, or access identifiable information until the IRB issues an official approval or exemption determination.

Yes, for almost all non-exempt human subjects research. Consent waivers or alterations are only granted if strict regulatory criteria are met (e.g., minimal risk and impracticability).