Camosun believes in maintaining the highest of ethical standards in the research conducted at the college. We take this responsibility very seriously, and have established an ethics approval process based on nationally recognized standards. This process is managed by the Research Ethics Board (REB).
Ethics Approval Process
Applications for approval must be submitted at least one week prior to a scheduled meeting of the Research Ethics Board (REB). Application deadlines and REB meeting dates appear in the Camosun Calendar of Events and in CamNews. The REB may consider conducting an expedited review when there is a rush. Submit completed and signed applications to rebchair@camosun.ca, or to Camosun Innovates, Jack White 102, Interurban Campus.
Ethics approval is granted for a one year period. At the end of this time, principal investigators are required to complete and submit the Notification of Project Completion or Application for renewal of previously approved project should an extension of ethics approval be required.
*See links to forms below
Research Ethics Board (REB)
The REB consists of college and community members and its mandate is to:
- advise the college about any ethical issues that may arise from research
- advise the researcher about ways to minimize risk and apply ethical research procedures to their research
- educate the college community about ethical issues and proper, ethical practices while conducting research
- provide a certificate of approval (and dictate ongoing ethics monitoring) for all research projects that involve human subjects.
Note: All academic research projects undertaken by Camosun staff must obtain ethics approval. You can expect a full review if your project uses questionnaires, interviews, behaviour observation, use of non-public information about people or anything else that involves people in any capacity.
Research Ethics Board Meetings
The Research Ethics Board meets ten times per year. Application deadlines and REB meeting dates appear in the Camosun Intranet (for internal employees only) Calendar of Events and in CamNews.
Student research
Student research (including regular classroom projects) that in any way involves the gathering of information from human subjects is also subject to review. Department Chairs can approve the ethical conduct of student research if they feel that the research poses minimal risk. If the Department Chair feels the research may pose greater than minimal risk, they must forward the project to the REB for review.
Department Chairs are responsible for the ethical conduct of the courses taught within their department. The college has a responsibility to ensure that our students are aware of ethical issues, and must ethically conduct class research.
To learn more about minimal risk contact the REB.
Supporting documents
Policy
Forms
- Application Form for Ethics Approval
- Course-based Consent Form
- Notification of Project Completion or Application for Renewal of Previously Approved Project
Additional Information & Resources
Contact information
Research Ethics Board
Martha McAlister, Chair, Research Ethics Board
