The IRB review schedule for regular and expedited applications, Continuing Review/Amendment requests, and requests for exemptions follows the academic semester schedule. In most cases, review of applications starts the first week of each semester and ends on the last day of classes. Applications can be submitted at any time during the semester and will be reviewed in the order received.  However, do not submit an application that may trigger a full-board review during the last month of a semester and expect to receive prompt review/approval .

The time required for review and approval of an average IRB application (an application that is carefully prepared in accordance with the required instructions and submitted by an applicant who has completed the required training in the protection of human subjects) is approximately 2-3 weeks but may take longer. PIs who have not followed instructions, have not used the correct templates, or have not completed the required training will experience delays, because they will be required to correct those errors and omissions.  Also, for applications that are submitted between semesters, there is no guarantee they will be processed and reviewed in the usual 2-3-week time frame.