Protection of Human Subjects

The use of human participants in research is extremely important to the development of new knowledge in many areas. However, careful attention must be given to the questions of ethics and human dignity whenever human subjects participate in research.

It is the policy of The University of Tulsa to require that all research activities by faculty, staff and students involving human participants follow the procedures and guidelines established by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) at The University of Tulsa as well as those established by the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Human Research Protections (OHRP). Regardless of the nature or degree of risk anticipated, the applicant must present in writing, and be prepared to defend in person before the IRB, detailed information on the following points:

  1. The possible risks to the rights and welfare of human subjects, including the rights of privacy, freedom from undue harassment, and confidentiality of data; a description of the provisions made to minimize these risks must be provided.
  2. Methods used to acquire informed consent, with special emphasis on their appropriateness to the particular situation inherent in the study plan.
  3. The relative risks and benefits of the project

Classroom projects that are exclusively for instructional purposes need not undergo review by the IRB; however, instructors and students are encouraged to follow federal and university regulations when designing and conducting class projects with human participants. For additional information, please see University of Tulsa IRB policy on Student Course-Related Research Projects . If in doubt, please contact the IRB staff for consultation.

The IRB committee is composed of faculty, staff and laymembers (both scholars and non-scholars) who are trained in the importance of academic freedom, the protection of the rights and welfare of human research participants, federal regulations about research ethics, and the ethical regulations of various funding agencies.

Student, faculty and staff are encouraged to contact Dawnett Watkins via email to receive help with the Human Subjects research issues and the IRB components of their research.

Application Procedure (.doc file)

Application Form (.doc file)

Policies

Certification of Cash Payments or Gift Certificates to Human Subjects Form (.doc file)

Human Subjects Payment Log Form (.doc file)

Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) Training Website*

*Please see the notes below before taking the training:

  • In order to get into the training please Click on "New Users Register".
  • Under the "Select your institution or organization" page select "The University of Tulsa" in the "Participating Institutions" drop down box.
  • Create your own username and password.
  • Select the learner group(s) that best fits you.
  • If you need assistance contact Dawnett Watkins at (918) 631-3310.

Office of Human Subjects Protection FAQs 

Requirements of an Informed Consent Form (.doc file) 

Progress/Final Report - .doc file or .pdf file 

Sample Informed Consent 

Sample Assent Form for Children 

Student Course-Related Research Guidelines