Policies and Procedures

In addition to administering grants and contracts for the University, the Office of Research and Sponsored Projects (ORSP) oversees the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). Federal regulations require all research involving the use of animal subjects undergo a review by the IACUC to ensure that animals are handled in an ethical manner and not exposed to unnecessary risk.

The IACUC is regulated by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and must apply all pertinent federal and state regulations to animal subjects research.

All students and faculty conducting research, which utilizes animals must complete a protocol form and submit it to ORSP. Necessary forms and copies of the federal guidelines for animal related research may be downloaded at the Animal Subjects Research website. Although the IACUC meets only semi-annually, protocols are reviewed throughout the year and may be submitted at any time for review. While some research projects may be exempt from full committee review, protocol forms for all projects should be submitted to ORSP.

In the case of funded projects, failure to obtain approval for research could result in cancellation of current and future funding. Furthermore, any non-approved research, which is conducted by individuals associated with the University (student, faculty, etc.) exposes the researchers as well as the University to legal action.

Please review all of the information at the Animal Subjects Research website.