Institutional Review Board (IRB)
The Commonwealth University Institutional Review Board for the Protection of Human Subjects mission is to assure that, in research involving human subjects, the rights and welfare of the subjects are adequately protected. The IRB reviews research involving human subjects to ensure that subjects are not placed at undue risk and that they give uncoerced, informed consent to participate in the research.
Overview of Process
All projects that meet the definition of research with human subjects must be reviewed and approved. The IRB staff initially screens submissions to determine the completeness. Submissions may be returned to the PI for changes before the review type is assigned. The review type may be reassessed at any time during the review process.
If you have a question on whether or not your project requires IRB approval please review:
CU-IRB Contact Information
Office of Research and Sponsored Programs
211 Centennial Hall
570-389-4322
CU-IRB@commonwealthu.edu
IRB Chair - Ashley Lesniak
IRB Administrator - Elizabeth Dickinson
For additional questions, contact the IRB by email at CU-IRB@commonwealthu.edu.
The CU-IRB has provided a sample consent template for your study.
Delete all instructions in red before submitting to the IRB. Customize the language in black as needed to fit your study.
Regular IRB Members
- Ashley Lesniak — CU-IRB Chair
- Francis Craig
- Rodger Benefiel
- Fr. John Szada — Non-CU affiliated member
- Doreen Jowi
- Carroll Walter — Non-CU affiliated member
- Scott Mehall
- Kellie Pytel
- Jeffrey Leitzel
- Abby Hare-Harris
Alternate IRB Members
- Luke Semrau
- Gretchen Sechrist
- Kyle Beyer — Non-CU affiliated member
- Andrew Talbot
- Melinda Barrett
Upcoming Meetings
- September 13, 2024 at 11:00 AM
- October 11, 2024 at 11:00 AM
- November 15, 2024 at 11:00 AM
- February 7, 2025 at 11:00 AM
- March 7, 2025 at 11:00 AM
- April 4, 2025 at 11:00 AM
- May 2, 2025 at 11:00 AM
Notices
- Committee meetings are held via Zoom. Please contact IRB Administrator for more meeting information
- When needed, one summer meeting may be scheduled.
- Protocols that require full board review must be submitted two weeks before a meeting date to be considered for review.