Exception of Student Course Assignments:

Student course assignments are generally not considered “research” under the federal definition as these course assignments are not “systematic data collection” efforts intended to “develop or contribute to generalizable knowledge.” Therefore, student course assignments generally do not require the Research Review Committee review, approval, and monitoring.

However, when student course assignments are in fact systematic data collection efforts intended to “develop or contribute to generalizable knowledge,” they are considered a research study and are subject to Research Review Committee review, approval, and monitoring.

One clear example that the activity is a research study is the intent to publish or otherwise disseminate the results of the research activity. Faculty and/or students intending to publish such course assignments must complete an Application for Research Study and submit it to the Research Review Committee for review and approval prior to beginning the assignment.