The Simpson University Institutional Review Board (IRB) partners with researchers to ensure that the rights, welfare, and privacy of individuals participating in research conducted under the auspices of Simpson University are protected. The IRB has the authority to approve, require modifications in, or disapprove all research activities that fall within its jurisdiction.

All research which utilizes the resources of Simpson University and/or will be presented as having been sanctioned by, sponsored by, or related to Simpson University, must undergo review by the Institutional Review Board. Any researcher who wishes to use Simpson University faculty, staff, and/or students in a study, regardless of the researcher’s affiliation or lack thereof with Simpson University, must submit a proposal to the Simpson University IRB.

The IRB is responsible to review any proposed research with human participants that occurs outside of established or commonly accepted educational settings involving normal educational practices such as regular course evaluations or student assessment. Any project that meets all of the following criteria must submit an IRB application.

• Systematically collects data from multiple human participants and…
• Stores the data for analysis, and…
• Publicly presents or archives in printed/electronic form a summary of the results that will be available to others outside of normal classroom activities at Simpson University.

• Apply for IRB Approval and access all IRB forms
• IRB’s Guidelines for Class Projects
• Guidelines on Deception and Incomplete Disclosure in Research (PDF)
• Learn more through IRB FAQ’s

The Student Research Symposium is an annual, day-long event in which students from Simpson University’s undergraduate, Adult Studies and graduate programs present talks, posters or panel discussions on a wide variety of topics. The public is invited to attend the 10- to 30-minute presentations or facilitated poster sessions.

The symposium began in 2011 as a faculty initiative to give Simpson students an opportunity to share their research outside the classroom. The symposium was opened to regional high school students in 2018. Divided into morning and afternoon sessions, with a lunchtime plenary address, the symposium is modeled after professional academic conferences.

Preliminary Call for Proposals for the 14th Annual Simpson Student Research Symposium

On Wednesday, April 3rd, 2024, Simpson University will hold the 14th Annual Student Research Symposium (SRS ‘24) on campus. The organizing committee encourages students from the traditional undergraduate program, the adult degree-completion program, graduate programs, and local high schools to submit proposals for presentations at the event. This event is a special tradition for our university which celebrates academic excellence and strengthens student resumes.

The theme for our 14th symposium will be SUSTAINABILITY. This term is often used by environmentalists but also by therapists, by economists, or anyone who must deal with limited resources. To sustain a healthy ecosystem requires restraint. To sustain productive work rhythms requires a sober reflection on the needs of our support network. For many of our college students, the habit of a sustainable lifestyle is an emerging skill that ultimately allows them to overcome common barriers to success.In line with other campus initiatives at Simpson University (a Sustainability Club was launched last Fall!), our theme hopes to deepen the conversation around sustainability for the sake of flourishing people and flourishing places. The modern world pushes us to extend our limits. Ignore our limits. What’s the difference between a leap of faith and a reckless venture? Come and share the wisdom gained from researching with your discipline. Creatively consider the ways in which our theme can highlight the best our academic accomplishments have to offer. Start planning now to share with us next spring.

14th Annual Student Research Symposium

• Symposium Date: Wednesday, April 3rd, 2024
• Proposal Submissions: Call for proposals will officially open on Nov. 4, 2023
• Proposal Deadline: All proposals will need to be submitted by Feb. 14, 2024
• Theme: Sustainability