Announcement from the Office of Research Integrity and Outreach (ORIO)

Dear Faculty and Staff, We would like to request a moment of your time to share some important information with you.

ORIO NEWS and transition to e-protocol for research involving human subjects:

-We have created a ORIO listserv, ORIO NEWS. On a monthly basis all subscribers will receive an email from ORIO. Subscribers will be provided with relevant information. Initially all principal investigators with an active, approved, IRB, IACUC or IBC protocol will be automatically subscribed. We encourage all researchers to subscribe. Our intent is to use the listserv as a meaningful way to keep PI's informed. Instructions on how to subscribe and unsubscribe can be found here: http://lists.usm.maine.edu/subscribe/ORIO-NEWS

-On September 1st, of this year we will be making a transition that will impact the IRB review process at USM. We are initiating use of an e-protocol system. This means all protocol submissions to the Institutional Review Board (IRB) will be done through the web (the great news is that this can be done from any computer, anywhere). This means no more hard copy submissions, no more independent filings of amendments or continuing review forms. This will all be done through the system.

-One of the reasons the system was selected is because it's easy to use. We will have many resources available to PI's and other research staff including in-person, group, and individual training opportunities, FAQ's, videos, and user guides. To help you through this transition we will be scheduling training sessions this summer and fall so please follow the listserv and refer to the website for dates-http://usm.maine.edu/node/1000/events/2012-08 We are relying on you for feedback as you begin to use the system, so we can make improvements as needed. Quicker turnaround time for protocol submissions? That's the goal! We think we have worked out most of the "kinks" but we thank you in advance for your patience as we make this transition.

We are here to help, and we hope that you will call on us with questions. You can email us at usmorio@usm.maine.edu or call Casey Webster at 780-4517. Casey will make sure that your question gets answered in a timely manner. Visit our website: http://usm.maine.edu/orio