About WCTC

Institutional Review of Research (Human Subjects Review)

In accordance with WCTC Administrative Policy LEA-511 Research and Evaluation Studies (below), College Advancement serves the WCTC community by reviewing proposals to conduct research at WCTC or by WCTC staff in order to ensure that all required safeguards of the rights of research participants are met. This review is intended to minimize the risk of negative consequences befalling participants and in so doing reduce the potential liability that researchers and the college incur.

Research includes any activity that obtains generalizable data or obtains data for any purpose other than measurement of student performance for the student's benefit. Examples of research that might require review for human subject compliance include:

• Activities intended to provide material for presenting at a professional meeting or conference
• Activities that provide a benefit to the instructor that is independent of the interests of the student, such as gathering data for use in a paper or thesis
• Activities conducted at the request of a third party in exchange for some compensation, monetary, service or otherwise

Failure to obtain College Advancement approval prior to undertaking any research activity is a violation of WCTC policy and in most cases will release WCTC from any indirect liability otherwise incurred by virtue of the fact that it "should know" that the activity has taken place, thereby leaving the researcher solely responsible for any liability incurred.

Services provide by College Advancement include

• Review of procedures to ensure that regulations are met and risk is minimized
• Assistance in refining project ideas to address Human Subjects concerns
• Provision of assurances of cooperation required by external Institutional Review Boards  (most thesis projects require approval from the IRB of the degree-granting institution)

Questions regarding Institutional Review of Research should be addressed to Viktor Brenner, Institutional Research Coordinator, 262.691.5577.

WCTC Administrative Policy LEA-511 Research and Evaluation Studies (September, 2004)

Waukesha County Technical College supports data collection and analysis for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of college programs, services, operations and staff.  Research and evaluation studies may be conducted by college staff or by outside consultants under the direction and approval of the Office of College Advancement.  Such studies must be mindful of the rights of individuals and be conducted according to standards established by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) in 45 CFR 46. 

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