Institutional Review Board

Purpose or Function: All activities involving research with live human subjects in all fields of University activity will come under the purview of the Institutional Review Board. This committee has the primary responsibility for maintaining ethical standards of research involving human subjects at the University. 

Membership: The membership of the IRB is composed of a member of the Ethics Council, two faculty members from each of the  five Colleges recommended by the Faculty Senate in consultation with the Colleges, a representative from the Library, and two persons from the community.  The committee make-up will reflect the federal guidelines on IRB membership. These guidelines require the membership to include persons of varying backgrounds to promote complete and adequate review of research activities. The members will have expertise and experience in a variety of specified areas. Also, the membership should reflect diversity, including consideration of race, gender, and cultural backgrounds and sensitivity to community attitudes. Faculty members serve for three years on an alternating basis. The community members serve two-years.

Chair: The Chairperson is elected by the membership for a two-year term, and is eligible for re-election. A vice chair will also be elected.