Institutional Review Board (IRB)

The TWU Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) review research projects that involve human subjects to protect their rights and welfare. Therefore, it is the policy of TWU that all research conducted by any TWU faculty member, staff member, or student using human subjects must have prior approval from a TWU IRB before the research is initiated. Human subjects research at TWU is governed by TWU's Federalwide Assurance, Policy, and IRB Procedures (pdf). 

Transition to Cayuse and New Common Rule Requirements

The TWU Denton, Dallas, and Houston IRBs are in the process of implementing two major changes. The first change is the implementation of the new federal Final Rule, referred to as the new Common Rule. The primary changes resulting from this new guidance are changes in categories of review especially for exempt and expedited studies, modifications to consent requirements, and changes in continuing review requirements for expedited studies. These changes must be in place by January 21, 2019. The second change is a transition of all IRB submissions to an on-line platform, Cayuse. Cayuse provides a web-based online system for protocol submission, review, and approval.

Because of the required changes in both the new Common Rule requirements and online platform processes, new applications will not be accepted between January 21 and January 31 to allow for transition. The Cayuse system will go live on February 1 and new applications will then be accepted using the Cayuse system. The deadlines for the receipt of applications for full review studies have been updated accordingly on the website for all three campuses, Denton, Dallas, and Houston.

Guidance regarding the new consent requirements is now available, and information about information forums and training will be posted as the specific dates and locations are available.