Title
Institutional Review Board for the Protection of Human Participants

Purpose and Function
The purpose of the Institutional Review Board for the Protection of Human Participants (IRB) is the safeguarding of the rights and welfare of individuals participating in research. The Board reviews, approves, and monitors all research involving human participants conducted at Marywood University or elsewhere under Marywood University sponsorship. The Board may establish policies that allow research posing minimal risk to subjects to be exempt from full review and may delegate some reviews to the department, school, or college level.

The Board is a decision-making group to approve applications for research involving human participants based on established policies and federal regulations. It serves as the liaison between the University and federal agencies regarding the protection of human participants.

Membership and Selection
Members represent the interests of the University and the community. There are at least seven members with various backgrounds and fields of expertise, including, at least

one physician,
one representative from outside the University,
one representative from each college
one member at large.

In addition, the non-voting Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs for Research and Community Collaboration staffs the committee.

The Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs appoints members, with a view to ensuring cultural, professional and academic diversity. Membership is contingent on year-round availability. When the Board reviews research that involves a vulnerable category, such as children, prisoners, pregnant women, or persons with mental disabilities, consideration is given to the inclusion of one or more individuals who are experienced or knowledgeable about working with these participants.

The Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs appoints the Chair.

Term
An appointed member's term is three years, with possibility of reappointment for one additional term.

Meetings
The Board meets once a month in formal session. In exceptional cases, business may be conducted via telephone or mail. Times of monthly meetings are announced to academic deans and academic department chairpersons.

Reports to
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Last update May 9, 2008
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