IACUC Responsibilities

Scope and Responsibilities

The IACUC meets semi-annually and at other times as needed. The functions of the committee include:

  • Reviewing annually the University's program for humane care and use of animals and inspecting semi-annually all of the University's animal facilities
  • Bringing about any changes in procedures or facilities necessary to rectify deficiencies found during reviews
  • Reviewing any concerns involving the care and use of animals at the University
  • Making recommendations to the pertinent University official(s) regarding the animal program, animal facilities, or training for those involved with handling animals
  • Reviewing the use of animals in course laboratory programs
  • Reviewing all research projects at the University that involve the use of vertebrate animals, either to approve them, approve them with requested modifications, or withhold approval
  • Reviewing all proposed significant changes regarding the use of animals in ongoing research projects, either to approve them, approve them with requested modifications, or withhold approval
  • Suspending an ongoing research project involving animals that is not in accord with rules set forth by the NIH
  • A full committee following guidelines established by the "Public Health Service Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals," and the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals is established and can be contacted via email at IACUCcommittee@sjf.edu.

All research using live vertebrate animals conducted under the auspices of the University must be submitted to the IACUC for approval. A form has been created for this use.

The investigator is required to wait for approval from the IACUC prior to initiation of the research study. Using animals prior to approval of your protocol can lead to suspension of your research project and future animal usage.

Committee Composition

The institutional officer, currently the dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, appoints the IACUC annually. The term of appointment for all voting members of the IACUC shall begin on September 1, or as otherwise specified in the letter of appointment, and shall expire the following August 31. Members are chosen following the guidelines set forth in the "Public Health Service Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals," and the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. All members are required to complete and maintain the online CITI training while serving on the committee.

No committee member may participate in the review process of a project in which he/she has a conflict of interest, except to provide information to the committee.

The IACUC is comprised of a minimum of five members and includes at least one member in each of the following categories:

  • Veterinarian certified in lab animal medicine
  • Scientist with experience in research involving animals
  • Member from a nonscientific background affiliated with the college
  • Public member not affiliated with the college or research involving animals