Umbrella IRB

Welcome to the CAT’s Umbrella IRB Initiative

The CAT and Temple’s Institutional Review Board (IRB) created a protocol by which the CAT may review and approve teaching and learning focused research (Scholarship of Teaching and Learning; SoTL) conducted here at Temple. The aim of this protocol is to:

  • lower potential barriers hindering faculty from carrying out classroom-based research; 
  • generate new best teaching practices; and
  • help bolster Temple’s mission to conduct state-of-the-art research and promote evidence-based teaching practices..
Who may apply and what is the scope?

The Umbrella IRB is for teaching and learning research conducted here at Temple. Please see the contract below to determine your eligibility. If you have questions about your eligibility, please contact us at catirb@temple.edu.

What do I need to do?

After reading through the Umbrella IRB contract to determine if your SoTL project is eligible, please complete this checklistprotocol, and consent form. Please see the Submitting Your Proposal section below to upload these completed documents and finalize your application. If you have any questions, please contact us at catirb@temple.edu.

What is the process?

Your submission will be reviewed by two members of the CAT team. You will be notified that your submission is approved or receive feedback for you to address for resubmission. We will do our best to attend to your application in a timely manner.

How do I submit my proposal?

Please click here to complete a brief online form and submit your documents.

Where can I get support?

The CAT is here for you every step of the way! Please reach out to us by emailing Benjamin Brock at  or