Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC)(A-77)
Original Implementation: April 17, 2012
Last Revision: None
The Stephen F. Austin State University Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) is responsible for the review of research and teaching activities that involve vertebrate animals. This review process ensures that all university activities comply with government regulations set forth by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW) and by the United States Department of Agriculture-Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS) under the Animal Welfare Act (AWA). The IACUC shall consist of a minimum of five (5) members, including: at least one faculty member representing an academic department utilizing vertebrate animals for research, testing, or training; one member from a department that does not utilize animals in research; one Doctor of Veterinary Medicine; and one member of the community not associated with the university. The committee will meet at least twice per year and on an as-needed basis to review faculty research proposals that involve vertebrate animals and complete any additional tasks required by law. The IACUC will establish and publish the processes that must be followed when vertebrate animals are to be used in research. The vice president for academic affairs shall serve as the Institutional Official (IO). The IACUC reports to the IO, who possesses administrative and operational authority to ensure compliance with relevant policies from OLAW and the AWA.
No activities involving vertebrate animals can be carried out without approval from the IACUC. This includes activities that may be considered exempt activities and/or exempt animals.
This policy applies to all activities, teaching and research, that involve vertebrate animals that are: sponsored by the university; conducted by university faculty, staff, visitors, or students; and conducted using property and/or facilities owned by the university.
Failure to comply with applicable federal policies related to animal care and use may result in civil and/or criminal penalties, and may also result in loss of federal funding to the university.
Cross References: 9 C.F.R. § 2.31; Animal Welfare Act, 7 U.S.C. 2131 et. seq.; Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare, Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, 8th edition; Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare, Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee Guidebook, 2nd edition.
Responsible for Implementation: Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Contact for Revision: Director, Office of Research and Sponsored Programs
Forms: Animals in Research Protocol
Board Committee Assignment: Academic and Student Affairs