REB frequently asked questions

REB FAQs

• What is REB and what is its function?

  It is an acronym which stands for Research Ethics Board. The Board helps ensure that research meets the highest ethical standards, and that the greatest protection is provided to participants who serve as research subjects.

• What type of research is completed at CNC?

  You may have a research “project” that studies an issue, researches possible advancements and/or solutions, or you may have one that involves surveys and focus groups to get data on specific areas. If you are faculty, it may be a classroom based research project that is part of the curriculum

• What do we believe researchers can benefit from by engaging in research at CNC?

  For Faculty / Staff 

  Faculty are integral part of research at CNC. Use your expertise, knowledge and experience to engage students, keep pace with industry developments by participating in a research project. Have a research project you want to do yourself?

  For Students - Gain a competitive edge in the workplace 

  As a student it can be hard to find work experience to apply your program related knowledge. Participating in a research project as part of your course work or as a paid Student Research Assistant, can give you a competitive advantage in the workplace. You’ll gain real world hands-on experience while working side-by-side with our faculty, research associates and industry partners. If you are interested in becoming involved with the College of New Caledonia on a research project, please contact us at: reb@cnc.bc.ca 

• Who is eligible to apply to do a research project?

  Anyone connected to the College of New Caledonia as either a student, a staff member, or a faculty member can make a research project application. Rules and processes around each may differ slightly:- for instance, a student research application must also have an approved supervisor attached to their project who can offer advice and guidance. Faculty and staff can also have partners that do not necessarily have to be part of CNC. They can be from other Colleges and Universities and can be out of Province. There are also some different forms for different groups, all of which are available on the “Forms” page

• How do I know if my project qualifies as a research project?

  All research must go through an ethics review at the College of New Caledonia if it involves human participants. If you are having difficulty determining if your study requires an ethics review, please contact reb@cnc.bc.ca.

• I have a research project as part of the class I am teaching. Do I need REB approval?

  Yes, if you are applying for the first time then you would fill out a new application form. Under Section C 2 Faculty you would tick off Classroom Project and continue to fill out that application form.

• My research project will take two years. Will my ethics approval cover the entire period of the project?

  No. REB approvals are provided for one year. If your project extends beyond the approval period, you must renew the application with the renewal form. This one-year timeline also applies to ethics applications for courses.

• Do I need to do anything special when at-risk individuals are potential participants?

  Yes. Mitigation strategies need to be clearly outlined to ensure the participants’ safety, e.g. ensuring that counselling resources are in place as needed. In addition, if a person is unable to consent to participate, measures must be in place to ensure respect of their interests and choices. Keep in mind that the TCPS2 addresses equity in vulnerable populations such that people are not excluded from research merely because they are deemed vulnerable. In addition, the TCPS2 alerts researchers that being associated with a vulnerable group does not necessarily equate to a person being vulnerable. 

• What if I already have approval from another institution's REB?

  Even if your project has already been reviewed and approved by a bona fide REB at another institution, you still must have the written approval of the CNC's REB before you may commence the proposed research activities. Submit a REB application with all the necessary attachments (ie consent form, survey, questionnaire) and be sure to attach a copy of the other institution's REB approval.