Your Questions, OUR Answers

Your Questions, OUR Answers

Can’t find the information you're looking for? Check out OUR responses to some of our most frequently asked questions here.

For questions about OUR funding: our@cwu.edu 

For questions related to SOURCE: source@cwu.edu or visit www.cwu.edu/source 

Check out our funding informational sessions: Fall 2025 Session Recording

OUR Funding FAQs

  • What is HSRC and IACUC? What approvals do I need before applying for OUR funding or performing my research?

    If your project involves human or vertebrate animal subjects you must request approval, or gain approval for an exemption if appropriate, from The Human Subjects Review Council (HSRC) and or the Institutional Animal Care of Use Committee (IACUC). You can apply for OUR funds even if you are still in the process of HSRC or IACUC certificates. However, you MUST have these certificates when you interact with humans or animals. 

    • HSRC is the Human Subjects Review Council, which is CWU’s Institutional Review Board (IRB) committee, and safeguards the rights and welfare of human subjects by evaluating the risks and benefits of project research.  
    • IACUC is the Institutional Animal Care of Use Committee which safeguards the welfare of live vertebrate animals used in research and protects the health and safety of those involved in animal research. 
    Check out more information on our project resources or visit the websites for HSRC or IACUC. 

  • How does the reimbursement process work?

    In order to get reimbursed for your purchases, you must work with the CWU Travel Desk both before and after you travel.  

    Prior to travel, you must submit a Travel Authorization (TA); this gives you the official approval you need in order to spend CWU funds. This is required for ALL students who are using their funding for Travel.   

    After travel, you must submit an Expense Report to the Travel Desk. 

    CWU Travel Policies & Procedures
  • Graduate Student Applicants

    Graduate level students should work with The School of Graduate Studies for funding opportunities.

  • If I receive OUR funding, do I have to participate in SOURCE this year?

    In the past, all OUR Funding Award receivers were required to present their work at SOURCE to showcase the work that was funded by the Office of University Research who puts on the annual SOURCE. As of the 2024-25 academic year, funding recipients are no longer required to present at SOURCE. We still HIGHLY encourage you to do so as it is a great professional development and networking opportunity!  

    We do request that recipients support SOURCE and the pre-SOURCE events as panelists or volunteers when possible. Learn more about SOURCE volunteer opportunities. 

  • I received OUR Funds; do I have to submit a registration form for SOURCE?

    Receiving an OUR Funding Award does NOT automatically sign you up to present at SOURCE so you will need to submit a Project Registration to present at SOURCE this year. While recipients are no longer required to present at SOURCE (as of 2024-25), we still HIGHLY encourage you to participate and present all your hard work for the community! 

    SOURCE Project Registration

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