MinerAlert
MinerAlert
Kelly Hall
2101 Sun Bowl Drive
500 W University Ave (general address)
El Paso, TX 79968
pave@utep.edu
While oversight committees at UTEP are responsible for the initial review and approval of research protocols, and the PAVE Program oversees post-approval activities, Principal Investigators (PIs) hold the primary responsibility for maintaining the integrity, safety, and compliance of their research throughout its duration. Post-approval monitoring is a mandatory component of UTEP’s institutional research accreditation, and all protocols overseen by UTEP’s committees are subject to participation in evaluations. By actively engaging with the PAVE Program, PIs demonstrate their commitment to accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement. Honesty and openness throughout this collaboration are essential to uphold the integrity of research at UTEP.
As part of this commitment, PIs play a critical leadership role in facilitating the evaluation process and ensuring adherence to institutional and regulatory standards. PIs are expected to actively support the PAVE team by providing timely access to records, personnel, and facilities, and by uploading all requested documentation to the secure PAVE digital review system. They should remain available to clarify procedures, address questions, and assist in verifying compliance throughout the evaluation. Any immediate issues affecting participant or animal welfare, biosafety, or regulatory compliance are promptly escalated to institutional leadership.
Researchers are expected to engage collaboratively with PAVE staff, review and acknowledge evaluation findings and recommendations, and participate in corrective action planning when necessary. They share in the collective responsibility of promoting a culture of compliance, transparency, and ethical research across the institution. The PAVE Program, in turn, serves as a partner and resource—its role is to evaluate research activities for adherence to approved protocols and applicable standards, not to assess individual performance, investigate misconduct, or enforce disciplinary actions. These matters are addressed under separate institutional policies and offices.
Following each evaluation, PIs receive a Final Evaluation Report summarizing findings, and recommendations. When corrective actions are required, PIs are responsible for implementing and documenting these improvements, and follow-up evaluations may be scheduled to confirm completion. The PAVE Program partners with PIs not only to ensure studies remain aligned with approved protocols but also to prepare them for external audits or regulatory reviews, providing guidance, clarity, and resources to support their success. Ultimately, the PAVE Program and PIs work collaboratively to safeguard research integrity, protect participants and subjects, preserve environmental safety, and uphold UTEP’s reputation for research excellence.
To ensure successful post approval evaluations, it’s important for Principal Investigators (PIs) to be thoroughly prepared.
Ensure that all research activities are conducted exactly as outlined in the approved protocol, with any deviations properly documented and reported. Additionally, confirm that any modifications or amendments to the protocol have been appropriately reviewed and approved by the relevant oversight committees (e.g., IACUC, IRB, or IBC).
Keep through and current documentation to ensure research compliance and accountability. These records should be digitalized and readily accessible for digital review. To access the full list of key documents that should be maintained based on your oversight committee, please visit our PI Resource Center.
Note: please keep in mind that according to regulatory compliance and state record retention guidelines, research records must be kept for as long as the protocol stays active and 3 years after the expiration date.
Before post-approval evaluations, conduct an internal review of your research activities to identify areas that may need improvement or clarification. If you discover any compliance issues during this self-assessment, address them promptly to prevent complications.
To access helpful self-assessment tools for internal evaluations, please visit our PI Resource Center.
During the post-approval evaluation process, Principal Investigators should maintain open and transparent communication by discussing their study’s progress and any challenges encountered. If difficulties arise in maintaining compliance or if additional support is needed, PIs are encouraged to inform their PAVE Monitor to receive appropriate guidance and resources.
If the PAVE Monitor has any questions regarding any aspect of your protocol, records, or research activities, be prepared to provide clear context and clarification. Should any deviations have occurred, explain the reasons for these and describe the corrective actions that have been implemented.
To access useful resources and tools to address issues and develop corrective actions, please visit our PI Resource Center.
The PAVE Program focuses on education, support, and continuous improvement—not enforcement. The program works collaboratively with research teams to strengthen research quality, clarify expectations, and provide tools and guidance for ongoing compliance.
If you have any questions or need support, don’t hesitate to Contact Us before your evaluation.
We are here to help!