Human Subjects in Research

Responsibilities of Conducting Human Subject Research 

CSUMB assumes responsibility for the protection of the rights and welfare of human subjects in accordance with the Code of Federal Regulations Title 45 Part 46, and promulgated by the Federal Office for Human Research Protections at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It is the policy of California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB) that all researchers undertaking studies involving human beings as participants shall take all necessary steps to ensure their protection and well-being throughout the study. Researchers shall fully honor the values of respect for persons, beneficence, and justice and not merely adhere to the minimal letter of the law, regulation, and policy. CSUMB's Human Subjects in Research policy is intended to provide additional guidance regarding CSUMB's compliance with such regulations.

The Committee for the Protection of Human Subjects (CPHS)

The Provost has appointed CSUMB's Committee for the Protection of Human Subjects (CPHS) to ensure the protection of the rights of human subjects and serve as the university's Institutional Review Board (IRB) for purposes of local, state, and federal requirements. The CPHS reviews human subject research when procedures are proposed to obtain information about a living individual. All research involving human subjects shall be reviewed and approved by the CPHS prior to commencing work on the study. The CPHS is also the campus authority to approve research at CSUMB by non-CSUMB principle investigators.

Policy

As of January, 2008, CSUMB has an updated Human Subjects in Research policy. Among the changes, the revised policy newly identifies certain types of inquiry which are likely to be excluded from CPHS review (most types of oral histories and research practica). Faculty advisors and students are encouraged to read more on subsequent web pages (specifically the Policy & Guidelines section of this website) and contact a CPHS committee member or the staff at the Office of Grants & Contracts for more information.

For questions regarding process please contact Jennifer Bliss at jbliss@csumb.edu, (831) 582-5130.