Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

If you are seeking IRB approval for your new project, an amendment or a continuation please submit your request in eIRB. The site uses single-sign on method with your UTRGV credentials. If you are unable to login contact an IRB coordinator.

All online surveys are required to be conducted using Qualtrics survey software. Access to this software is provided by UTRGV and managed by UTRGV's IT department. This service can be used to create, manage, distribute and analyze surveys.

YOU MUST OBTAIN IRB APPROVAL PRIOR TO DISTRIBUTING YOUR SURVEY. DISTRIBUTING ANY SURVEYS WITHOUT IRB APPROVAL IS AGAINST UTRGV POLICY.

Note: Effective 6 / 29 / 2017 all persons conducting research are required to complete the Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) training on the CITI Program website, in addition to any other training required by the committee in which approval is being sought.

An active CITI Human Subjects Protection Training and Responsible Conduct of Research Training   is required for all members of the research team. The Human Subjects Protection Courses are good for 2 years, while the Responsible Conduct of Research Courses are good for 4 years.

As per University policy, all individuals involved in research must complete financial conflicts of interest in research reporting on a yearly basis.

Students who are not employed by UTRGV must complete the paper form found in the section above titled “Submit for IRB Approval on tick@lab” under UTRGV IRB Templates. The form is titled “Outside Activity Disclosure (OAD) Form” and is located in the folder for Researchers. Please submit your OAD form on Tick@Lab with your submission. If you are submitting a new project, you may attach the completed form on the Personnel tab. If you are being added to a project either through an amendment or a continuation, please include the completed form on either the Amendment tab, Continuation tab, or the Personnel tab.

All UTRGV employees must log into the UT System Outside Activity Portal

• Acknowledge the policies and answer the status questions in the Portal.
• Report any outside activity disclosures by clicking on ‘Make New Disclosure’ in the Portal.
• If you have nothing to report, please click on ‘Report No Activity’ in the Portal.

Note: If a new financial interest is acquired that requires disclosure (relates to a project you are working on) you must submit a new form or report it online within 30 days.

For more information, please contact the Office of Research Compliance at (956) 882-7731.

The payment of compensation is subject to Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and that I am responsible for complying with such regulations. I also understand that I will need to provide the corresponding disclaimers in the participants’ consent form, to the effect that: (1) compensation is to be provided by me and not UTRGV, and (2) compensation received is considered income for tax purposes. I agree to keep track of the amount and quantity of compensation provided to study participants for a minimum period of 3 years after the study is completed.  

Compensation Agreement Form

No. Participant payments, reimbursements, stipends, or incentives may not be issued through Greenphire or Tango until the applicable protocol has received final IRB approval and the payment is permitted under the approved protocol.

Yes, if the amendment modifies the amount, method, or timing of the compensation.

Yes, if the IRB suspends, terminates, or places an administrative hold on your study. There should be no payments as of the date of the IRB suspension, termination, or administrative hold until it is removed by the IRB.  

Study teams should:

• Contact the Office of Clinical Research (OCR) to determine the appropriate platform and process.
  • Provide the required study, account, and participant payment information.
  • Complete any required platform setup or training.
  • Confirm that the participant payment or incentive is consistent with the IRB-approved protocol.
  • Work with Accounts Payable on applicable purchasing, funding, and payment requirements for Greenphire.
  • Begin issuing participant payments or incentives only after final IRB approval and all other required approvals have been obtained.

Important: Setting up an account or beginning the purchasing process does not authorize participant payments. No participant payments, reimbursements, or incentives may be issued until final IRB approval and all other applicable requirements have been satisfied.