Institutional Review Board

Introduction

Science is a process of formulating hypotheses about how the natural world works and then testing those ideas with rigorous research methods so that knowledge can be generalized. The College of Saint Scholastica embraces research activity among its students, faculty, and staff as an expression of its value for Love of Learning. When research activity involves humans as participants in scientific studies, it is necessary to protect their rights, safety, and general well-being. The College of Saint Scholastica has committed to this important role by establishing and empowering the Institutional Review Board (IRB) to review all research activity by students, faculty, and staff at The College. In so doing, it meets an obligation for compliance with Federal Regulations for protecting human subjects. 

This web page is intended to assist researchers at The College of St. Scholastica to better prepare proposals for review by the IRB, and thereby more thoroughly think through the ethical considerations for their research.

As a first step in the process of applying to the IRB, all principal investigators and co-investigators must participate in a training tutorial on the ethical principles of research.  The College of St. Scholastica requires students, faculty, and staff to meet this educational requirement by completing an on-line training course through the CITI Program at part of the IRB application process.  Once an investigator completes the education requirement, he/she will receive a certificate that is active for three years. Upon expiration, a refresher course must be completed to renew the certification.  All faculty and student investigators are required to renew their research ethics training every three years; note that this is a change from the previous policy of annual renewal.

Please click this CITI Program link to get instructions on how to register and take the required tutorial.