Institutional Review Board
Human Subjects Research
The primary role of the Institutional Review Board is to protect the rights and welfare of human research participants. Union University policy requires that all research be reviewed. If human subject data will be aggregated, analyzed, or summarized for publication whether inside or outside the University, it requires IRB submission and review.
All Union University faculty, staff or students who propose to engage in any research activity involving the use of human subjects must have prior approval from the Institutional Review Board (IRB). The IRB is responsible for safeguarding rights and welfare of all persons participating in research projects, whether funded or non-funded. Requests for further information or any questions regarding the committee should be directed to Dr. Michele Atkins, IRB Chair, 1050 Union University Drive, Jackson, TN 38305, 731.661.5580 or 731.661.5465.
In addition to the application, the IRB now requires that the researcher complete the Institutional Review Board Tutorial.
2025-26 Board Members
Meeting Dates & Deadlines
Applications will be accepted at any time. Depending on the level of potential risk to subjects, the application may be classified as full board review, expedited review, or exempt from the full review process. Please allow up to two weeks for a response to an exempt or expedited review (does not require full board review). Below are the scheduled dates for upcoming IRB meetings. Initial Review protocols involving the full board will be reviewed at these meetings. Full board protocols must be submitted two weeks prior to the meeting date, otherwise it will be reviewed at the next scheduled meeting time. Please call 731-661-5580 or email Suzanne Barham sbarham@uu.edu if you have any questions.
| Fall Semester 2025 Meeting Dates | Date Protocol Must be Submitted |
|---|---|
| Monday, September 29 (9:00 a.m.) | Monday, September 5 (by 2:00 p.m.) |
| Wednesday, October 22 (2:00 p.m.) | Wednesday, October 8 (by 2:00 p.m.) |
| Wednesday, November 19 (2:00 p.m.) | Wednesday, November 5 (by 2:00 p.m.) |