IRB Frequently Asked Questions

Dear Research Community:

We have been actively monitoring the quickly evolving coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and taking multiple steps to minimize its impact.

In March 2020, Pace University issued a policy to pause most human subjects research activities involving in-person, face-to-face interactions.  This policy was in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Since the University moved to a ‘mask-optional’ policy, this pause was lifted as of 1-May-22.

For more information about Pace University’s COVID-19 Alert Levels, go to click here

If you have any questions or concerns, we encourage you to reach out to us by emailing Sue DeMocker, Director of Research Protection Programs, at sdemocker@pace.edu or call (212) 346-1689.

Sincerely,

Office of Research Staff (Last updated 7-Aug-22)

The “IRB” or the “Institutional Review Board” means any board, ethics committee, or other group formally designated by an institution to review, to approve the initiation of, and to conduct periodic review of, research involving human subjects.  The primary purpose of such review is to ensure the protection of the rights and welfare of the human subjects.

Research involving human subjects may not proceed until written approval is received by the investigator from the IRB.  Investigators may submit a completed on-line IRB application through PURRS, including consent document(s) and all supporting documents.

Historically, Exempt and Expedited Requests for IRB Review have, on average, been processed within a month.

For research requiring review by the Full Board, investigators must submit an electronic copy to the IRB via the PURRS system no later than one month prior to the Board’s next convened meeting. The Board usually meets on the second Wednesday of the month during the academic calendar; summer meetings are scheduled if necessary.  The meeting schedule for the academic year is available here.

If, after reviewing the HRPP Policies and Procedures document, you still have questions as to what the appropriate level of review should be for your project or activity, ask the IRB Administrator by emailing paceirb@pace.edu.

Note: Only the IRB can determine the level of review.  Any project or activity involving human subject research requires IRB review.

Yes.  A current CITI certificate in human subjects research training is required for all study personnel including Principal Investigators (PIs), Co-Investigators (Co-Is), Faculty Advisor(s), and additional personnel engaged in human subjects research.  CITI Program training must be completed prior to IRB review.  If you have not completed this requirement at the time you submit, the processing of your application will be delayed.

• To log in to CITI Program, go to https://about.citiprogram.org or click here.
• For step-by-step instructions on how to register and compete the required CITI Program IRB training, click here.

Please note:  The level of review is determined by the IRB.  To review the submission deadline dates for review of an application at a Full Board meeting, click here.

If you have questions that were not addressed in this FAQs or need further clarification on a topic please contact the Pace IRB at paceirb@pace.edu.