The role of Kenyon's IRB is to review research protocols involving human subjects and to assure that the research projects are carried out with due regard for the human participants in accordance with all federal, state, and local guidelines.
All research conducted by researchers of Kenyon College, including faculty, staff, or students, involving human subject participants must be reviewed and approved by the Institutional Review Board prior to initiation of the research.
The Kenyon College IRB committee consists of the Associate Provost, who chairs the committee, and as required by law, at least five members with varying backgrounds including a Kenyon College administrator, at least one member of the community unaffiliated with the College, faculty members representing academic divisions/programs.
Members of the IRB are appointed by the Provost with input from the Associate Provost and the chairs of departments and programs. To assure an element of continuity in the work of the IRB, faculty members will normally serve a three year term. No two faculty members may be from the same department and the IRB must include at least one member of each sex, whenever the composition of the faculty makes it possible.
All IRB members and staff must complete the required learning modules from the on-line CITI Human Subjects Research Educational Program. Board members will complete the IRB Board Member modules. The IRB chair and administrator will occasionally provide educational programs and/or materials to the members.
The IRB will normally meet monthly or as necessary during the academic year. If an emergency meeting is necessary, a meeting may be called by the IRB Chair.
A quorum of the IRB is defined as a majority of the total active membership, and in order for official Board business to be conducted, a majority must be present. No member of an institutional board shall be involved in either the initial or continuing review of an activity in which they have a professional responsibility, except to provide information requested by the IRB and will not vote on any activity in which they have a conflicting interest.