Point Park University is committed to the pursuit, acquisition, and teaching of new knowledge, and does so through the support of research conducted by faculty and students. It is the policy of Point Park University that research that involves human and non-human subjects must be conducted in accordance with established ethical and professional standards, and that all such research must be approved by the University's Institutional Review Board (IRB). Point Park University's policies and procedures for its IRB were developed in accordance with the United States Department of Health and Human Services Institutional Review Board Guidebook.

Jurisdiction

Under the authority delegated by the Point Park University administration, the IRB has the authority and responsibility to review research proposals involving human and non-human subjects and to render decisions that approve, or do not approve any such research conducted under the auspices of Point Park University.

Because the Point Park University Institutional Review Board is created by and ultimately a responsibility of the Office of Academic and Student Affairs, the final review and approval of all research proposals resides with the Provost. The Provost's signature or that of the Authorized Institutional Official appointed by the University on approved proposals will constitute the final step in granting approval to all research proposals.

Purpose

The primary purpose of the Point Park University IRB is to protect the rights, welfare, and dignity of all human and non-human subjects recruited to participate in research conducted under the auspices of the University.

Relationship to other Faculty Committees

The Point Park University IRB functions independently of but in coordination with other University faculty committees. For example, each Department within the University must designate one or more individual(s) to review protocols before they are submitted to the IRB but is not required to have its own research committee. The Point Park University IRB and the Provost, however, will render a final decision whether to approve or disapprove the research proposal based upon the strict protection of the human and non-human subjects recruited to participate in the research.

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