IRB: Academic Advisor Responsibilities
Policy number:
805
References:
AAHRPP III.2.B
Date: 06/05/2014
Policy Owner:
Executive Director, HRPP
Cross References:
403 C Minnesota Laws that Affect Research
800 Principal Investigator Responsibilities
804 Student as Principal Investigators
Appendix J
Definitions:
None
1.0 Reason for Policy
To outline the requirements for all University of Minnesota academic advisors who mentor student
researchers.
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2.0 Scope of Policy
The scope of this policy is the University research community and its healthcare components.
3.0 Policy Statement
The academic advisor must complete Appendix J “Student as Principal Investigator” and submit with
any application being filed by a student. By completing Appendix J, an academic advisor assures the
IRB of the following:
 The academic advisor will assume the roles and responsibilities required to oversee the conduct
of the research, prevent harms and foster benefits to the subjects
 Any changes in the research project, adverse events, or incidents which may affect the conduct
of research will be reported to the IRB
 The submitted IRB application has been thoroughly reviewed by the advisor for completion
 The project is appropriate for student research in topic and design
 The academic advisor will meet with the student researcher on a regular basis to monitor study
progress. If the study procedures are carried out in a location away from the University of
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Minnesota or regular channels of communication are not feasible, the advisor will make alternate
arrangements to continue communication with the student researcher.
The student researcher will promptly report unanticipated problems to the IRB
The student researcher will adhere to all requirements for continuing review
If the student leave the University, the advisor will provide all necessary documents for
terminating the study or continuing review.
If the advisor will be unavailable, he/she will arrange for an alternate faculty advisor to assume
the above responsibilities, and will advise the IRB of this change
The University of Minnesota Faculty Senate Committee on Academic Freedom and Tenure adopted the
following statement at their meeting on October 23, 2009:
Academic Freedom and the Institutional Review Board
Statement by the Senate Committee on Academic Freedom & Tenure
October 23, 2009
The University of Minnesota's Faculty Senate Committee on Academic Freedom and Tenure
advises the Institutional Review Board (IRB) that it is not an infringement of academic freedom for the
IRB to place restrictions on faculty members who permit or encourage inappropriate research by
students using human subjects. Rather, faculty members who advise students have a responsibility to
offer rigorous training and oversight consistent with IRB expectations when students are conducting
research with human subjects.
The Committee takes the position that the safety of the human subjects, and the safety of the students
conducting the research, is paramount, and that the IRB does not infringe academic freedom when it
acts to protect human health and well-being. The Committee is also of the view that the IRB may
appropriately consider the qualifications of the faculty member to supervise the research proposed by
the student and may, without infringing academic freedom, inquire about and ultimately not approve
such student research if the proposed supervision appears inadequate.
Finally, the Committee endorses the proposition that when questions arise, the IRB should work with
the faculty member and the student to ensure that an appropriate research project will be
undertaken. Ultimately, however, the Committee believes that the IRB must make a decision about
whether or not it can approve the project. The faculty member and the student must be notified of their
right to appeal the decision.
Adopted unanimously
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4.0 Required approvals for this document
Title
Executive Director, HRPP
5.0 Revision History
Revision
06/05/14
07/23/12
01/04/11
01/29/10
Reason for change
Update policy
Clarification per audit finding
Update AF&T statement
Policy development
Date of release
09/02/14
07/23/12
01/04/11
To obtain a copy of a historical policy, e-mail IRB at irb@umn.edu or call 612-626-5654
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