IRB Committee 3

Student-Led Human Subjects Research

IRB Committee 3 reviews all student-led human subjects research when FDA regulations do not apply. Student-led protocols require a faculty sponsor; the faculty sponsor must ensure that IRB review/approval is obtained prior to research initiation. Specific IRB office hours, assistance, and training are available for students and/or their faculty sponsors.

Need help with your IRB application?

The IRB Office offers dedicated office hours for students to ask questions and receive guidance on the IRB submission and review process. No appointment is necessary.

  • Tuesdays | 9:00–11:30 a.m.
    Virtual via Zoom
  • Thursdays | 9:00–11:30 a.m.
    In person | E. Cullen 403

During office hours, students can:

  • Ask questions about the IRB submission and review process
  • Discuss human subjects research considerations related to their project
  • Receive guidance while developing an IRB application before submission
  • Get help navigating ICON and completing the IRB application
  • Share their screen virtually or bring a laptop for hands-on assistance

Join Tuesday Virtual Office Hours Via Zoom:

For Zoom meeting link click here
Meeting ID: 872 7066 5728
Passcode: 950103  

Meeting ID: 872 7066 5728
Passcode: 950103

If you experience difficulty joining virtual office hours, please call the IRB Office at 713-743-9204 for assistance.

 Guidance for Faculty Sponsors

Faculty sponsors are responsible for helping ensure that student IRB submissions are complete, accurate, and ready for IRB review.

Need assistance reviewing a student's application before providing your approval?

  • Meet with an IRB compliance specialist to discuss the application and what the IRB looks for during its review.
  • Review the Faculty Sponsor Manual for guidance on your responsibilities and supporting student researchers.

Is Your Student Working on an Existing IRB-Approved Study? A student conducting thesis or dissertation research as part of an existing IRB-approved study may not need a separate IRB protocol.

If the student's research activities, aims, and study instruments are covered by the existing approved protocol, the student may be eligible to be added to that study.

Contact the IRB Office before submitting a separate application to determine whether the student should be added to the existing protocol or submit their own IRB application.

2026-2027 Full Committee Meeting Schedule & Submission Deadlines

Submission Deadline Meeting Date
August 12, 2026 September 2, 2026
September 16, 2026 October 7, 2026
October 14, 2026 November 4, 2026
November 4, 2026 December 2, 2026
December 2, 2026 January 6, 2027
January 13, 2027 February 3, 2027
February 10, 2027 March 3, 2027
March 17, 2027 April 7, 2027
April 14, 2027 May 5, 2027
May 12, 2027 June 2, 2027
June 16, 2027 July 7, 2027
July 14, 2027 August 4, 2027

*Dates are subject to change without notice if circumstances require rescheduling.