Frequently Asked Questions

Please see the below Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for assistance with the common tasks associated with IRBNet.

  1. Confused about Projects and Packages and when and how to create them?
  2. How do I add the necessary documentation to my Project/Package?
  3. How do I create an amendment?
  4. I am unsure about how to attach training documentation?
  5. I am having problems with Adobe Reader.
  6. Where are my decision letters and/or notices?
  7. Why was my Package withdrawn?
  8. Can you Unlock my package?
  9. How do I follow the flow of information between the PI and the oversight committee?
  10. What is the meaning of all of these reminders and emails?
  11. As a committee member, how do I know when I need to do something?
  12. How do I register on IRBNet?
  13. How Do I Activate My Account?
  14. What if I Did Not Receive an Activation email?
  15. What if I forgot my Username or Password?

1. Confused about Projects and Packages and when and how to create them?

Projects are the protocols, and packages are the submissions associated with the projects. Projects should only be created once at the initiation of new activity, then amended, renewed, or supplemented with additional documentation via packages. Please refer to this document for more information: Packages V. Projects (PDF).

2. How do I add the necessary documentation to my Project/Package?

All packages should include either uploaded or On-line Documentation. Some documents may be downloaded via the IRBNet Forms\Templates Libraries, completed, and then uploaded. Other documentation MUST be completed via the On-Line Document Wizard in IRBNet. Please refer to this document for more information: onlinedocrev02092012 (PDF).

3. How do I create an amendment?

All amendments must be submitted via a New Package. The New Package should include an amendment form AND all documents which should be revised to reflect the proposed amendment. Please refer to this document for more information: Amendmentsrev02092012 (PDF).

4. I am unsure about how to attach training documentation?

Each IRBNet user is responsible for uploading their own training to their IRBNet user profile, and all training documentation must be linked to projects in IRBNet by the PI. Training should not be uploaded as a document. It must be linked via the IRBNet Training and Credentials tool. Please refer to this document for more information: TrainingCredrev02082012 (PDF).

5. I am having problems with Adobe Reader.

All IRBNet forms are designed for use with Adobe Reader and Acrobat. Due to the manner in which each user has set-up Reader or Acrobat some errors may occur. This is usually the result of language or font packs used by the Adobe software. Please see the attached document for information about correcting this problem: Adobe Reader Problems(PDF).

6. Where are my decision letters and/or notices?

All formal communications between oversight committee(s) and the PI are classified as Board Documents. Board Documents are a permanent part of the project record and can be accessed via IRBNet at any time once published by the board. To access Board Documents, select the Project, and then go to Reviews; Board Documents are near the bottom of the page. Please refer to this document for more information: BoardDocsrev092012(PDF).

7. Why was my Package withdrawn?

Packages are withdrawn for two reasons: an individual with full access request that it be withdrawn or upon review the oversight committee(s) discover that the package was submitted in error, usually to the wrong oversight committee. Please refer to this document for more information: Withdrawnrev092012(PDF).

8. Can you Unlock my package?

Packages may only be Unlocked for editing prior to being provided to the committee member(s) for review. Packages automatically Lock upon submission. To request a package be Unlocked you must “Send Project Mail” to the administrative staff, indicating why you are requesting the Lock to be removed. Please refer to this document for more information: LockedPackagerev092012(PDF).

9. How do I follow the flow of information between the PI and the oversight committee?

Packages and Board Documents are the means by which the PI and the oversight committee communicate. Packages indicate information from the PI, and Board Documents indicate information from the oversight committee. Please refer to this document for more information: CommitteePIInteractionsrev092012(PDF).

10. What is the meaning of all of these reminders and emails?

When meaningful action is taken in IRBNet both an email and a reminder is created. The reminder is a message in the IRBNet portal which linked to the package to which it refers. Reminders can be a powerful tool to efficiently access which packages need your attention. Please refer to this document for more information: IRBNetRemindersrev092012 (PDF).

11. As a committee member, how do I know when I need to do something?

As a committee member, it is important to pay attention to the symbols on the Submission Manager page of IRBNet. They all help guide member to efficiently address items which need their attention. Please refer to this document for more information: Reviewersrev092012(PDF).

12. How do I register on IRBNet?

Click the “New User Registration” link in the top right corner of the IRBNet homepage (http://www.irbnet.org). Once you complete the registration information an activation email will be sent to your registered email address.

13. How Do I Activate My Account?

When you receive your activation email, click the link in the email. You will be taken to the IRBNet login page.

14. What if I Did Not Receive an Activation email?

Check your email spam folder for your registered email address. If it’s not there, log into IRBNet and go to your User Profile at the top of the page. Check that your email address is correct and correct if necessary. Then click “Send me an activation email” to receive a new authentication email. If you still do not receive your activation link, contact your local coordinator.

15. What if I forgot my Username or Password?

Click the “Forgot Your Password” link found in the top corner of the IRBNet homepage (www.irbnet.org).

16. What do I do if my status is Modifications Required?

As a result of review, a submission may be found to need additional information or changes. In this case, the study will have a status of Modifications Required. A subsequent submission must be created to address the issues outlined in the published Board Document. Please refer to this document for more information: ModifRequiredrev090212