SUNY Broome established its Institutional Review Board (IRB) in fulfillment of federal policy on the protection of Human Subjects during the conduct of a research or study. The federal government views research as any systematic investigation that includes research development, testing and evaluation aimed at contributing to general knowledge. See the federal Office of Human Research Protection website for more information here. Review the Belmont Report, written by the National Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects of Biomedical and Behavioral Research, which outlines the basic ethical principles and guidelines that address ethical issues arising from the conduct of research with human subjects.
At SUNY Broome, all human subject research is required to go through the IRB review process. The IRB committee decides whether an application meets the requirements of exempt status, expedited review or full review. The IRB committee is made up of representatives of varied backgrounds across campus with expert knowledge to determine whether or not a proposed research proposal meets federal expectations on the protection of human subjects.
In order to expedite the IRB review process, submitted IRB applications will be distributed to the IRB committee membership, via email. Members will be given a stipulated timeframe to review the IRB proposal and submit concerns/questions to the IRB Committee. The chair will forward all concerns/questions to the IRB applicant for a response. The applicant will send all responses to the chair, who will, in turn, send it to the committee members for review. If the committee determines that all questions/concerns are addressed, the membership will vote via email to approve, or disapprove of the research. In instances in which the IRB application merits full review, an IRB Committee meeting will be scheduled to conduct a review of the IRB application. If needed, the committee may ask IRB applicant to attend meetings to respond to questions or concerns. Examples of research that meet the expedited review process are listed here.
The IRB committee will approve submitted proposals subject to the following considerations:
- There is minimal risk to the human subjects under study
- That risks to human subjects are reasonable in relation to anticipated benefits
- There is fairness in the selection of subjects
- Informed consent is sought from each subject or the subject’s legally authorized representative
- Informed consent is appropriately documented
- Adequate provisions are made to monitor data collected to ensure the safety of human subjects
- Ensure that the privacy of human subjects are protected and confidentiality is maintained
The college is open to entering into authorization agreements with other institutions where deemed applicable. This occurs in situations in which the researcher has received IRB approval from another institution, and that institution agrees to provide oversight for its human subjects research. In these instance, the other institution should initiate an IRB Authorization Agreement.
All researchers who are engaging in research which involves human subjects, must complete a Human Subject Protection training, and provide evidence of completion to the IRB Committee, along with their IRB application. Researchers may find available trainings at: Citi Program or PHRP. Please note, fees are applicable for these courses, which are at the expense to the researcher. SUNY Broome does not offer these trainings or cover the cost of these trainings to prospective researchers.
Please note:
All requests to obtain student data for research purposes must first obtain IRB approval. The IRB Committee does not grant permission to obtain student data, nor does it provide data. Permissions must be granted, after IRB Committee approval, from the Registrar’s Office. FERPA regulations must be followed in obtaining and contacting students to participate in any research study. FERPA rules and regulations guide what information SUNY Broome is allowed to release. The release of directory information at SUNY Broome includes: student name, full or part time status, dates of attendance, SUNY Broome college email address, honors, degree earned, date of graduation, photograph, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams. Per FERPA regulations, this will constitute the total amount of information given to any individual making an inquiry at SUNY Broome Community College, unless the student or eligible parent refuses to permit the disclosure. To inquire or obtain directory information about our students, please contact Marty Guzzi, Registrar, at guzzimj@sunybroome.edu or registrar1@sunybroome.edu.
To apply for SUNY Broome IRB review, please download the IRB Application (doc), and send the completed application along with the required supplemental materials, and a copy of your certificate of completion for Human Subject Protection training to Dr. Kimberly McLain at mclainkb@sunybroome.edu
For any research which requires recruitment/participation from a classroom, clinic, or other setting, please also submit a completed Letter of Agreement (docx) from the appropriate parties. All student research requires the completion of a Faculty Advisor Agreement (docx).
