Institutional Review Board

The Institutional Review Board (IRB) is the body at the University of Portland that is charged with review and oversight of research and classroom projects involving human subjects carried out by members of the University community.

The principal function of the IRB is to safeguard the rights and welfare of participants in research activities originating in the University. The IRB exercises oversight and review of research initiated by faculty, staff members, and students in connection with their respective academic pursuits.

The IRB's intention is not to hinder research. Its only objective is to ensure that human subjects' rights are protected and that the project complies with federal standards.

The IRB recognizes that human subjects research constitutes a broad and diverse range of scholarly activities, including activities that produce generalizable knowledge, explore the application of knowledge, or constitute outcomes or program evaluation.

If a faculty member, staff member, or student is planning research that includes human subjects, the University requires review by the IRB.

The IRB makes every attempt to respond to requests for review within 14 days of submission. However, during particularly busy periods, additional time may be necessary. 

The compliance date for the revised Common Rule is January 21, 2019. All new proposals submitted after December 21, 2018 must comply with the new regulations. The Office for Human Research Protections, under the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, has additional information and resources regarding the revised Common Rule.