In general, undergraduate students should not return to campus at this time. In extenuating circumstances, undergraduate research assistants may be approved to work on campus, but faculty must provide a compelling written justification that must be approved by the college or school dean and the interim vice president for research.

The college and school deans’ offices and heads of larger administrative units will assess and prioritize requests to return to work. Employees should receive communications from their reporting units about this process.

Administrative support staff who can do their work remotely should continue to do so until further notice. Service support staff who have been working remotely will be notified by their supervisors if and when they need to return to campus. This includes, but is not limited to, loading dock personnel, custodial staff, security, building maintenance staff and Instructional Innovation and Technology staff, among others.

The Office of Sponsored Proposals and Awards and college, school, institute and department research administration offices are open, and staff will continue to work remotely for as long as possible or until all employees are approved to return to campus.

Reach out to the appropriate OSPA contact or your college research officer. Contact information is listed below.

OSPA:

• For National Science Foundation (NSF), National Institutes of Health (NIH) or any other Department of Human Services(DHS) proposals: Tulani Murphy, tmurphy30@gsu.edu, 404-413-3571, 678-787-3062.
• Other federal agencies (including as sub-awardee to an entity applying for any federal agency): Michael Mathisen, mmathisen@gsu.edu, 404-413-3523, 817-233-6935.
• Not-for-profit entity: Margaret Matkins, mmatkins@gsu.edu, 404-413-3604, 404-895-1568.
• Industry, international or non-federal governmental entity: Katie Pope, kpope11@gsu.edu, 404-413-3543, 404-606-0898.
• Questions at any time: Ken Packman, kpackman@gsu.edu, 404-413-3550, 607-279-3391.

College and School Research Officers:

• Andrew Young School of Policy Studies: Denise Jenkins, djenkins@gsu.edu, 404-413-0006.
• Byrdine F. Lewis School of Nursing: Lynn Rhodes, lynnrhodes@gsu.edu, 404-413-1086, 404-574-8350.
• College of Arts & Sciences: Lindsey Hornsby, lhornsby@gsu.edu, 404-413-5486.
• College of Education & Human Development: Kathleen Halley-Octa, khalley1@gsu.edu, 404-413-8365.
• College of Law: Mignon Jackson-Jones, mjackson@gsu.edu, 404-413-9096.
• Institute for Biomedical Sciences: Cynthia Willingham, cwillingham5@gsu.edu.
• J. Mack Robinson College of Business: Laura Letbetter, lletbetter@gsu.edu, 404-413-7353.
• Perimeter College: Glenn Pfeifer, gpfeifer@gsu.edu, 678-891-2528.
• School of Public Health: Lindsay Grasser, lgrasser@gsu.edu, 404-413-1348.

With only few exceptions, sponsors require that requests for project extension be submitted through the university’s authorized representative. If an extension is needed, contact the appropriate OSPA contact for assistance.

• For NSF, NIH or any other DHS proposals: Tulani Murphy, tmurphy30@gsu.edu, 404-413-3571, 678-787-3062.
• Other federal agencies (including as sub-awardee to an entity applying for any federal agency): Michael Mathisen, mmathisen@gsu.edu, 404-413-3523, 817-233-6935.
• Not-for-profit entity: Margaret Matkins, mmatkins@gsu.edu, 404-413-3604, 404-895-1568.
• Industry, international, or non-federal governmental entity: Katie Pope, kpope11@gsu.edu, 404-413-3543, 404-606-0898.
• Questions at any time: Ken Packman, kpackman@gsu.edu, 404-413-3550, 607-279-3391.

Rapid research funding opportunities for investigations focused on COVID-19 will continue to be handled expeditiously by Georgia State’s Institutional Review Board (IRB), Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) and Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC). Research protocol submissions related to research on COVID-19 will be reviewed by each committee as soon as possible, and committees may be convened outside normal meeting schedules to accommodate the appropriate level of review. If your COVID-19-related project is subject to a specific start-up timeline, submit your project/protocol and follow up with the appropriate URSA offices to discuss time constraints the review committees should plan to accommodate.

• IRB protocols: irb@gsu.edu.
• IBC protocols: Daniely Danielle, ddaniely@gsu.edu.
• IACUC protocols: Margaret “Casey” Kilcullen-Steiner, mkilcullensteiner@gsu.edu or IACUC@gsu.edu.

The Human Research Protection Program has developed COVID-19 resources for researchers. For the most up-to-date information or to submit a question, contact the Institutional Review Board (IRB) Office at irb@gsu.edu. Information about IRB policies is available in the IRB Policies and Procedures manual and on Georgia State’s IRB website.

Yes. Full IRB operations have continued remotely and staff are available during normal business hours. Use iRIS for submissions and contact the IRB at irb@gsu.edu or communicate with the IRB analyst assigned to your projects. In lieu of in-person help sessions or consultations with IRB chairs and staff, submit requests for telephone consultations to irb@gsu.edu.

No. The IRB is meeting virtually as scheduled. Refer to the application deadlines posted on the IRB’s website.

If you need to modify the research procedures already approved by the IRB, submit an Amendment Form for prospective IRB review in iRIS. It may be necessary to modify informed consent forms. Proposed changes to research cannot be undertaken without advance IRB approval except when necessary to eliminate apparent immediate hazards to subjects. Submit a Protocol Deviation form or Unanticipated Problem form within seven business days for changes undertaken without advance IRB approval.

If the impact on your research is limited to extended timeframes for subject accrual or completion of study activities, amending your IRB-approved protocol may not be necessary. Refer to the current version of your IRB application in iRIS and submit an amendment only if that information requires an update. For research that will continue beyond the current IRB expiration date, submit a Continuing Review Submission Form or Status Check Form 30 days prior to expiration.

No human research subjects may be brought to any Georgia State University campus facility until at least the start of the fall semester (Aug. 24, 2020). Researchers may identify alternate ways to collect data and conduct research (for example, via the internet or digital technologies). If there are no feasible alternatives to on-campus face-to-face interactions with subject, the research should be paused until at least the start of the fall semester.

During the fall semester, human research subjects can participate in limited on-campus research activities provided that the following requirements are met:
• Laboratory/clinic spaces to which human subjects are invited will meet or exceed relevant standards detailed in the FAQ “How should I prepare my laboratory for re-opening?”
• Your dean has authorized you to conduct on-campus human subjects research.
• Your department/college’s procedures for complying with GDPH and CDC public health guidelines regarding social distancing, hand hygiene and the use of PPE are observed during the conduct of on-campus face-to-face human subject interactions/interventions.

Off-campus, efforts should be made to avoid face-to-face human subjects research and alternative methods should be used to collect data and conduct research. In situations when face-to-face contact is required, all human subjects interactions must fully comply with all GDPH and CDC risk mitigation and safety guidelines, or those risk mitigation and safety guidelines applicable in other jurisdictions where research may be conducted.

The IRB should be consulted regarding the possible need for changes to informed consent forms or research-related procedures. Any change to an approved study must be reviewed and approved by the IRB in advance. (See “What if I need to update my research plan?”)

The federal Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP) has issued guidance on COVID-19 and researchers are encouraged to review this information. In many cases, COVID-19 related precautions will not require Institutional Review Board (IRB) review. OHRP advises that “actions taken for public health or clinical purposes, and not for research purposes, are not research procedures and therefore do not require IRB approval before being implemented. For example, if a hospital implements mandatory clinical screening procedures related to COVID-19 for all people who come to that institution, including research subjects, these screening procedures do not need to be reviewed by an IRB before they may be implemented.”  

If the precautions you take with your study subjects are mandatory COVID-19-related precautions for all individuals who come to your college, school, institute or department’s facilities, they are not research procedures and advance IRB review and approval are not required.

If you will implement precautions specific to your study subjects and the precautions are not mandatory COVID-19-related precautions for all individuals who come to your college, school, institute or department’s facilities, submit an amendment for advance IRB review/approval.

If research procedures already described in an IRB-approved application will change to accommodate COVID-19-related precautions, submit an amendment for advance IRB review and approval.

See also “What if I need to update my research plan?” and “During the pandemic, what is the university policy regarding research involving human subjects?”

Georgia State’s IRB did not impose IRB-issued suspensions as part of the university’s pandemic response, so researchers are not required to obtain approval from the IRB before resuming previously approved research. However, there are requirements that must be satisfied before resuming on-campus research when the fall semester begins. They are detailed in “During the pandemic, what is the university policy regarding research involving human subjects?” (See also “Should I submit an amendment for the COVID-19 precautions we will take when on-campus human subjects research resumes?”)

If you will make changes to previously approved research when you resume on-campus activities, you will need advance IRB approval of those changes via an amendment. See “What if I need to update my research plan?”

One-on-one training resumed on June 1 on an as-needed basis. Bio-methodology and surgical workshops will resume in the fall semester.

On June 15, the DAR switched back to the regular changeout schedule for rodent caging (seven-day changeouts for group housed and 14-day changeouts for single housed), and DAR staff returned to their standard business hours (6 a.m.–4:45 p.m.).

There is no longer a prohibition on the initiation of new animal studies, and it is now permissible to conduct rodent breeding as normal. Follow the normal process for ordering animals.

The Division of Animal Resources (DAR) will continue daily care for animals in the animal facilities. (Faculty will remain responsible for invertebrates.) This includes veterinary medical care, assessment of animal health and well-being, husbandry care, sanitation, and animal facility management and oversight.

For Natural Science Center (NSC), Petit Science Center (PSC), Research Science Center (RSC):

For non-emergency veterinary assistance (minor wounds, mild lethargy, not in overt pain or distress, etc.), submit a health request through the DAR portal, and the animal will be examined within 24 hours (seven days a week). To submit a health request through the DAR portal:

1. Access the DAR portal and log in with your CampusID and password.
2. Select your IACUC protocol on which the animal resides.
3. Select the “Animal Health Checks” tab.
4. Select the “New Animal Health Check” button.
5. Complete the health check form and click “save & submit.”
6. The animal will be examined within 24 hours.

For emergency veterinary assistance (or if you are unsure whether the event constitutes the need for emergency veterinary assistance):

• During normal business hours, contact a member of the veterinary care team. (This includes the veterinarians as well as the animal health care technicians or veterinary assistants.)
• During the work week but after hours, contact the veterinarians directly. Contact information for members of the veterinary care team is posted on the exit doors of the animal facilities and is listed below.

Amelia Wilkes/Veterinarian: 678-923-0970
Michael Hart/Veterinarian: 404-391-7366
Courtnye Billingsley/Animal Healthcare Technician: 404-709-9910
Joi McNair/Animal Healthcare Technician: 404-908-4933
Kim Bryant/Animal Healthcare Technician: 404-493-1233

• During a weekend or holiday, consult the “Weekend/Holiday Veterinary Assistance Sheet,” which is posted in the following locations:

NSC: Animal facility vestibule in the facility entrance.
PSC: Glass-case corkboard outside PSC 974.
RSC: Bulletin board outside RSC 206. For the Language Research Center (LRC):

• During the work week (during regular hours or after hours), call one of the veterinarians:

Amelia Wilkes: 678-923-0970
Michael Hart: 404-391-7366

• During a weekend or holiday, consult the “LRC Animal Care Schedule,” as distributed on the LRC listserv each Friday. This will indicate which of the two veterinarians is on call.

Principal investigators should carefully consider how to safely resume animal studies in the vivarium. This should be a collaborative effort between the research community and the DAR to establish a safe environment that will not jeopardize the health of individuals working in the shared space.

As of June 15, everyone entering the animal facility must wear a disposable or reusable face mask (as indicated by posted signage). Continue to adhere to the protective equipment (PPE) provisions that have always been in place — and supported by PPE signage — in the animal facilities. When wearing a disposable face mask in previously required areas (for example, ABSL2, ferret rooms, quarantine, ultraclean mouse room, hamster rooms, LRC rooms) continue to discard these face masks after single use. Hamster researchers were previously notified about the need to wear a face mask in hamster rooms due to the sensitivity of hamsters to COVID-19.

To minimize the risk of coronavirus transmission, the DAR requests principal investigators try to minimize the number of people entering the vivarium at one time. Researchers must also be mindful of maintaining the six feet of social distance between themselves and others. If crowding prevents appropriate social distancing in the room, consider rescheduling activities.

Hand-sanitizing stations are at animal facility entrances and exits. Sanitize your hands as you enter and exit. Sinks are throughout the facilities for frequent handwashing.

As is standard practice, researchers should continue to spray down commonly used equipment (biosafety cabinets, animal transfer stations, tabletops, etc.) after use with provided disinfectant.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, “Experts have not expressed concern about transmission to or from animals. Multiple international and domestic health organizations have indicated that pets and other domestic animals are not considered at risk for contracting or spreading COVID-19.”

DAR veterinary personnel will continue to monitor reports on risks related to research animals and will communicate those with the research community.

The IACUC, through the Institutional Animal Care and Use Office, is continuing to review submissions (for example, new protocols, protocol amendments for research and personnel, and annual renewals). Principal investigators should submit protocols and committee members should review submissions to the IACUC using iRIS. The pace of review has not been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and that is not anticipated to change during the return to campus. The IACUC will continue to meet monthly, although meetings will be held remotely as needed.

Online training modules will remain accessible via the American Association of Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) Learning Library. Members of the IACUC and the Institutional Animal Care and Use Office will continue to provide service and assistance to researchers remotely until they are phased back to work at their campus offices.

Contact the IACUC associate director, Margaret “Casey” Kilcullen-Steiner, if you have questions or need assistance (mkilcullensteiner@gsu.edu or iacuc@gsu.edu or 404-392-9118).

IACUC inspections will continue as required by law/regulations. Once researchers return to campus, the IACUC will complete the semiannual inspections of the laboratories that were shut down due to COVID-19. Required future inspections (such as adding new laboratory space) will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Every effort will be made to limit personal contact.

Yes, the RES Office remains operational. The RES hotline (404-413-3540) and email account (eprograms@gsu.edu) will continue to be monitored.

The Institutional Biosafety Committee, Radiation Protection Committee and Laboratory Safety Committee operations continue to operate during normal business hours. Protocol submission, review and approval continue. Committee meetings continue as scheduled.

1. Obtain approval from your department chair or dean to resume laboratory research.
2. Provide return-to-work schedules for laboratory personnel to comply with appropriate social distancing of six feet. Laboratories should implement alternating work schedules to reduce the amount of laboratory staff in the laboratory at one time. High-risk tasks should not be performed alone. Laboratory staff should stay home if they become ill and notify their supervisor immediately.
3. Ensure modifications have been made to laboratories and workspaces to meet social-distancing requirements. For example, submit a facility modification request form to install plexiglass dividers, provide hand sanitation dispensers or make additional personal protective equipment (PPE).  Modify laboratory bench and workstations to maintain at least six feet between individuals and post signage regarding handwashing, social distancing, etc.
4. Conduct a check of laboratory equipment and facilities to ensure they are operating correctly. Obtain repairs if needed. Recalibrate any relevant equipment. Ensure eye-wash stations are operational.
5. Assess and prioritize laboratory activities. Prepare stored materials for use, including cell cultures. Verify inventories such as controlled substances, biological toxins, radioactive materials and chemicals for accuracy. Notify the Division of Animal Resources (DAR) regarding animal studies.
6. Ensure data safety sheets are available for chemicals in Chematix.
7. Update contact information for your staff, including emergency numbers.
8. Make sure your “Caution” door signage is current with updated contacts and phone numbers. In the event of an emergency, RES will rely on the accuracy of this information.
9. Review protocols and procedures with laboratory personnel and provide refresher training, if needed.
10. Avoid sharing desks, chairs, phones and other equipment. Eliminate shared storage areas and lockers. Limit use of break rooms and other common areas to adhere to social-distancing guidelines. Avoid using water fountains.
11. Disinfect surfaces and equipment and ensure common areas have been disinfected. Provide proper disinfectants and instruction on appropriate disinfecting techniques and frequency.
12. Provide appropriate PPE and do not share laboratory coats or other protective equipment. Instruct personnel on proper disposal of used PPE.

The Petit Science Center (PSC) and Natural Science Center (NSC) receiving areas are open during normal operating hours, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.

There is a nationwide shortage on N95 masks. They are being prioritized for health care workers. Laboratory staff should consult RES to discuss experiment planning and alternative options.

OTTC has remained fully functional with few disruptions in service. OTTC staff will continue to work remotely to the extent possible and will return to campus in a gradual and coordinated approach aligned with university guidance. Staff remain available via email and telephone during normal business hours. Contacts for OTTC staff can be found here.

As on-campus activities resume, OTTC will continue to encourage the use of Webex as an alternative to in-person meetings whenever possible, particularly if there will be multiple attendees or if space to conduct meetings is limited. If in-person meetings are necessary due to circumstances, proper social distancing will be practiced and face masks will be worn as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Georgia Department of Public Health. Other precautions may be implemented as needed.

The processing and negotiation of research-related contracts has continued without significant delays. In conjunction with colleagues in the Office of Legal Affairs, OTTC is processing and negotiating research-related contracts as normal, although we anticipate an increase in requests for these types of agreements as on-campus activities resume.

Faculty and researchers can request MTAs by following the process described here. If a new confidentiality agreement is needed to enable discussions with a potential industry or other partner, contact any OTTC team member by email for assistance.

Yes. Regardless of where our staff is working, new disclosures can be submitted. The disclosure document can be found here: GSU Intellectual Property Disclosure Form and Instructions. Digital signatures are acceptable on the disclosure form. Once completed, send the form to OTTC’s general inbox at intellectualproperty@gsu.edu and inform OTTC staff of upcoming publications or public disclosures. Contact any OTTC team member by email or phone for assistance or with additional questions.

We have experienced few, if any, interruptions or delays while working with outside patent counsel during the pandemic, and OTTC does not anticipate any substantive changes to patent-related legal work as on-campus research resumes. OTTC staff continues to be in close contact with patent counsel regarding upcoming deadlines, and we are aware certain accommodations are being made by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (and foreign patent offices) with regard to patent deadlines and fees.

Yes. The pandemic has had little impact on OTTC’s ability to continue negotiations with commercial partners. As on-campus activities resume, OTTC will continue timely negotiation for commercial licenses.

See the OTTC website for specific guidance for coronavirus researchers or contact one of our staff.

Contact the director of OTTC at cmichaels@gsu.edu.

• Make sure DUO multi-factor authentication is enabled on your account. If not, contact the Georgia State Helpdesk for assistance and see this page for more information: https://gsutech.service-now.com/sp?id=kb_article&sys_id=fbddfea0db4d9f40601b502bdc9619a9
• Make sure your laptop or desktop computer’s hard drive is encrypted. Find more information about this at: https://technology.gsu.edu/technology-services/it-services/security/encryption/.
• Make sure your computer has updated security software (Cylance and/or Windows Security). Contact the university Helpdesk if you need assistance.
• Switch on the “Find My Device” mode. This can help you locate a device if it is missing or stolen.
• Don’t trust public Wi-Fi connections. Think carefully about whether you need to use the Wi-Fi or if your task can wait until you are somewhere more secure.
• If you must use public Wi-Fi to transmit sensitive data, always use VPN that offers extra layer of protection. You can find more information about VPN at: https://technology.gsu.edu/technology-services/it-services/security/virtual-private-network/.
• Don’t use unencrypted USB drives to store sensitive data. Instead use university-provided secure cloud-based services for remote file storage, such as OneDrive (FERPA compliant) or Dropbox (HIPAA compliant).
• Don’t let anyone else plug their USB devices into your computer.
• Always keep your devices with you. Lock your computer every time your step away from it.
• If a device is stolen, don’t try to recover it yourself. Alert police or security.