IRB: Reviewer Training

Training Steps for New IRB Reviewers

The SJSU IRB has an expedited review process for minimal risk research in which a single IRB reviewer evaluates a research protocol to determine whether the protection of human subjects in research has been ensured. Full review by all committee members can be selected when needed by the individual reviewer when the research is greater than minimal risk. To begin reviewing IRB protocols:

Notify the Human Protections Analyst and the current IRB chair (see contact info below) that you have been appointed to serve on the IRB. The Human Protections Analyst will provide you with a training packet that outlines the responsibilities of IRB members and instructions for protocol review.
Complete the mandatory online training course for IRB reviewers through the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI). After creating an account with CITI using your SJSU email address, select San Jose State University Courses. Click on "add a course or update learner groups." Go to question #3 and select "IRB Members." You must complete all of the required modules under this course in order to obtain your training certificate. Many more modules are identified as supplemental. These modules are not required and you may complete any of the supplemental courses that are of interest to you. Once you have completed the training, email a pdf copy of your transcript report to the Human Protections Analyst.
Review the IRB Mentor User Guide for Reviewers [pdf] in order to understand how to navigate our cloud-based submission system and how to conduct your review within the system.
Review IRB procedures, forms, and related materials on this website.

Reviewer Availability and IRB Meetings

Communicate your availability to the Human Protections Analyst; if you will be unavailable by email, please notify the analyst, so that protocols are not sent to you. Keep in mind that extended periods of unavailability result in other reviewers having to take more protocols. Reviewers are expected to complete their review within 10 business days or sooner.

IRB meetings are usually held once a month. The meeting schedule and location will be determined by the IRB chair at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters. A reminder email will be sent out prior to the meeting. Please be sure to check your email in case a meeting is canceled.

IRB Meeting Schedule - Fall 2024

The IRB will meet from 9am - 10am via Zoom on the following dates:

August 16, 2024 (tentative)
September 20, 2024
October 18, 2024
November 15, 2024
December 20, 2024

IRB Meeting Schedule - Spring 2025

The IRB will meet from 9am - 10am via Zoom on the following dates:

January 17, 2025 (tentative)
February 21, 2025
March 21, 2025
April 18, 2025
May 16, 2025

IRB Contact and Membership Information

Alena Filip
Human Protections Analyst
Office of Research
408-924-2479
Alena.Filip@sjsu.edu

Dr. Areum K. Jensen
IRB Chair
(408) 924-8153
Areum.Jensen@sjsu.edu

Dr. Jessica Trask
Institutional Official and Interim Associate Vice President of Research
408-924-2460
Jessica.Trask@sjsu.edu

Current IRB members: Committee membership information is posted and updated on the Academic Senate website.

Federal Regulations

In addition to having thorough knowledge of SJSU policy for protection of human research subjects, IRB reviewers are expected to be familiar with the corresponding federal regulations posted on the Office of Human Research Protections (OHRP) website.

Code of Federal Regulations 45CFR46 Policy for Protection of Human Research Subjects