SP 04-31 - Animal Research

Policy File:
SP 04-31 Animal Research

Purpose: To establish guidelines for forming an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) that will institute procedures for the management of vertebrate animals used for teaching, experimentation and research which is acceptable to state and federal agencies and funding organizations.

Accountability: Vice President of Academic Affairs, or designee

Applicability: All faculty, staff, students using live vertebrate animals in teaching and/or research

Policy:
The institution will establish an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee which is qualified through experience and expertise of its members to oversee the institutions animal program, facilities and procedures.

It shall be the responsibility of the committee to develop, oversee, implement, supervise, and assure compliance with the institutional animal care and use procedures and any federal or state laws that apply, including subsequent amendments and new laws. The committee may delegate authority.

The IACUC will be appointed by the president and the chair of the committee will be elected by its members and will have at least six members including:

1) At least three representatives qualified by training and experience to judge the appropriateness of animal use in experimentation and teaching. Each program using animals for research or teaching will be allowed at least one representative.

2) One Doctor of Veterinary Medicine with training or experience in laboratory animal science and medicine who has direct or delegated responsibility for activities involving animals at the University.

3) One institutional member whose primary concerns are in a non-scientific area

4) One individual who is not affiliated with the University in any way other than as a member of the committee and is not a member of the immediate family of a person who is affiliated with the University

5) Faculty members shall serve three-year appointments. Community members shall serve one-year appointments.