Gallaudet University is guided by the ethical principals regarding all research with human subjects as determined by federal regulations. All research projects performed at Gallaudet University or by the Gallaudet faculty and staff who involve human subjects must be submitted for review to the IRB. This review ensures that risks to human subjects are minimized and are reasonable, there is informed consent and the rights and welfare of the subjects are maintained.

Gallaudet also requires IRB review for research projects performed at the University by off-campus researchers. Off-campus researchers are required to have a full-time or part-time continious Gallaudet faculty or staff sponsor. Many Gallaudet faculty and staff have been and will continue to be contacted by outside investigators to sponsor their research projects. Because of the great frequency of these contacts and the unfamiliarity of many outside investigators with research considerations for deaf populations, faculty or staff who agree to sponsor must understand the seriousness of this responsibility. The following responsibilities apply to off-campus researchers and their Gallaudet faculty and staff sponsors:

• All off-campus investigators performing research at Gallaudet University are required to have a  full-time or part-time continious Gallaudet faculty or professional staff sponsor. The Gallaudet sponsor must agree to accept responsibility for the scientific merit of the project. The Gallaudet sponsor must completely review the research methodology with the investigator. Special attention should be given to the adequacy of informed consent for deaf subjects (proficiency of the investigator in sign language or appropriate use of certified interpreters), appropriate reading level for written materials and respect for the values of the deaf community.

• All projects, involving Gallaudet subjects, which are performed by an off-campus investigator, must have prior approval from the home institution's IRB.

• The Gallaudet faculty or professional staff sponsor should be from an academic or research discipline related to the proposed research.

• An application for review must be submitted to the Gallaudet IRB at least 4 weeks before the anticipated start date of the research and must contain the signature of the Gallaudet sponsor.

• The Gallaudet sponsor must attend an IRB meeting upon request to answer any questions regarding the use of human subjects in the research project.

• The Gallaudet sponsor is responsible for monitoring the research during all phases of data collection to ensure that the investigator respects all regulations regarding the use of human subjects.

• The Gallaudet sponsor should maintain a file containing copies of the research proposal, IRB certifications from the home institution and Gallaudet and copies of final reports or publications that result from the research.