Montclair State University IRB Guidance on External Investigators Conducting Research

Montclair IRB and administration is regularly receiving requests from outside investigators to conduct research on Montclair faculty and/or students. Due to this increasing demand, this review process is experiencing longer review times. Currently IRB staff are prioritizing internal studies led by Montclair investigators and students.

This process is only for external investigators who are not affiliated with Montclair and do not have a co-investigator working at Montclair but who wish to:

• Recruit Montclair students, staff, or faculty for participation in research projects; or
• Request institutional data on students, staff or faculty.

All external evaluators must:

1. If applicable, confirm that your request abides by § 99.31(a)(6) of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. See references below.
2. Obtain written approval (email or letter) from the immediate director or supervisor of the Montclair State University internal unit that will be involved in the research. Some examples are:
   • If a particular academic department or school will be involved, the Department Chair or Dean should approve;
   • If an extramural club or group of students will be involved, the VP for Student Development & Campus Life should approve;
   • If you require institutional data, the Director of the Office of Institutional Research should approve and provide an estimated delivery date based upon available resources.
3. Complete the “Request to Engage in Research with Montclair Participants” form.
4. Submit the following to reviewboard@montclair.edu:
   • Copy of email or letter of approval from the supervisor or director of the department from Montclair State;
   • Copy of the completed Request to Engage in Research with Montclair Participants form.
   • Documentation of IRB approval of the research from the investigator’s home institution;
   • Copy of the consent form(s);
   • Any other relevant IRB application materials.

After the Montclair State HRPP Office reviews the materials, and if permission is granted, the Office of Research Compliance will issue a formal letter to the investigator authorizing collaboration that can be provided to the appropriate office.

This procedure constitutes an administrative review, not an IRB review. 

Responsibility for IRB review lies with the researcher’s home institution; however, the Provost or Designated Officials reserve the right to reject or terminate such activities from being conducted with Montclair participants.

Current Listed Designated Officials:

Stefanie Brachfeld

Acting Vice Provost for Research

For research targeting specific departments or programs the Designated Official will be the School or College Dean.

For More Information Contact:

IRB 973-655-7583

Reference Policies:
Montclair State University Family Education and Rights Privacy Act