The University Institutional Review Board (IRB) was established to ensure that research involving human subjects is consistent with federal guidelines as defined by the Office of Human Research Protection.

Membership

This University policy supplements federally mandated IRB membership requirements to best represent and serve the array of fields of study and research at Millersville University.

  1. A minimum of 13 voting members, including the board chairperson, appointed by the University President or designee, with minimum representation as indicated:
    1. Faculty members with knowledge of human research, including at least:
      1. Two (2) faculty members from the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.
      2. Two (2) faculty members from the College of Education and Human Services.
      3. Two (2) faculty members from the College of Science and Technology (who will also serve as the scientific area representative).
      4. One (1) faculty member from the Lombardo College of Business.
      5. One (1) non-college or University College faculty member.
    2. One (1) community member not affiliated with the University and not part of the immediate family of people affiliated with the institution.
    3. Associate Vice President of Grants, Sponsored Programs, and Research or designee
    4. At least one (1) faculty representative will also represent each of the doctoral programs.
    All board members will serve three-year renewable terms, with one-third of the membership appointed each year. Committee membership is a twelve-month commitment necessitated by the conduct of research by students, faculty, and staff throughout the year. The IRB meets monthly during the 30-week academic year.
    Members may also be asked to review protocols during the summer months as necessary.
  2. Two Co-Chairs will be elected annually to two-year terms as necessary by simple majority vote of current IRB membership. One Co-Chair provides oversight and review of protocols submitted by undergraduate students and masters students; the other Co-Chair provides oversight and review of protocols submitted by doctoral students, faculty, and other University employees.
  3. The Associate Vice President for Grants, Sponsored Programs, and Research or designee shall serve as IRB Administrator.

Functions

  1. Recommend policies to the Provost that are consistent with federal regulations for research involving human subjects and the Belmont Report as the ethical guideline which has been adopted by the University.
  2. Review and approve proposed and ongoing activities conducted by Millersville University faculty, staff, and students in teaching and research settings where human subjects are used.
  3. Distribute and make available information that is pertinent to the above activities.
  4. Provide for the education of the University community regarding the ethical treatment of human subjects in research.
  5. Establish a resource area that contains copies of federal regulations, safety guidelines, and general publications that deal with human research.
  6. Oversee the policies and procedures dealing with protection of rights and welfare of human subjects.
  7. Review any research that poses a possible threat to the rights and welfare of human subjects.

Meetings

The committee will conduct monthly meetings. Subcommittee meetings will be scheduled as needed.

Modifications

Modifications of this committee may be made by Cabinet.