Research Visitors
Research Visitors at Wake Forest University are valued members of our academic community. To ensure a safe and productive environment for everyone, visitors are asked to follow all applicable laws and university policies related to access and use of research facilities. Access to these resources is a privilege that supports Wake Forest’s shared commitment to education, discovery, and innovation.
Research Visitor Registration
The Wake Forest University Faculty Host is responsible for initiating the approval process. Research Visitors are not permitted to access University research facilities prior to completion of all steps.
Step 1
Faculty Host completes the Research Visitor Checklist.
Step 2
Both the Faculty Host and the Research Visitor must read and sign the WFU Research Visitor or Affiliate Participation Agreement.
Step 3
Request a Guest Email for the Research Visitor through the AskDeac Help Portal or by contacting the Service Desk at (336) 758-4357.
Step 4
Research Visitors must complete the applicable Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) training prior to entering research facilities. Faculty Host completes the Training Request for the Research Visitor.
Step 5
Once all registration requirements are completed the Chair and Building Space Manager will review the registration for completeness. Building Space Manager will then notify Deacon One to provide card access to the pre-determined research areas. It is the Chairs responsibility to provide an end date of the visit when access will be terminated.
Step 6
Upon arrival, bring the Research Visitor to Deacon One in Angelou Hall Suite 001 to receive the Deacon OneCard.
Training and Authorization
Research Visitors to campus are required to complete University training based on the nature of their visit. The sponsoring unit or department of the Research Visitor is responsible for identifying the necessary training and ensuring the Research Visitor is compliant.
All Research Visitors who plan to participate in or observe research in a laboratory must complete the applicable Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) training prior to entering the laboratory. The sponsoring unit or department should identify in coordination with EHS the relevant safety training needed by Research Visitors.
Research Visitors may not conduct human subjects research without prior IRB approval. They must be listed on the relevant IRB protocol, complete required training in human subjects protection, and, when applicable, HIPAA training.
Research Visitors may not work with vertebrate animals without prior IACUC approval. The principal investigator must list each visitor, their qualifications, and their activities in the animal protocol. Visitors may also be required to complete training and medical clearances before participating in animal research.
Research Visitors must be listed on the IBC protocol before participating in laboratory activities and must complete all required biosafety and lab-specific training prior to starting work.
Minor Research Visitors
Research Visitors under the age of eighteen are “minors” for purposes of North Carolina law. Sponsors should familiarize themselves with Wake Forest’s Protection of Minors Policy.
Any adult overseeing minors in University programs or activities must complete Protection of Minors Policy training and undergo a background check as required by that policy.
Minors are restricted by the following:
- No Visitors under the age of fourteen are allowed in any University laboratory (except if present on an organized tour or field trip for strictly observational purposes, provided hazards are minimized).
- Minors between ages 14 and 18 may participate in certain research-related activities in a laboratory, so long as they have completed applicable safety training, they are directly supervised by the principal investigator, sponsor or their designee, and their guardians have completed any necessary Visitor and Volunteer Lab Agreement.
- No Visitors under the age of 18 shall be alone in a laboratory.
- No Visitors under the age of 18 may handle bloodborne pathogens, human blood, human cell lines or any other potentially infectious materials.
- No Visitors under the age of 18 may handle laboratory animals or hazardous chemicals.