Protocol Review Process
Step 1 - Prepare for Review
- Complete required IACUC Training
- Complete Animal Care and Use Protocol, and any required attachments.
Step 2 - Submit protocol for review
Submit your COMPLETE and SIGNED protocol to the IACUC Administrator. Protocol is to be submitted as a Word Document.
Incomplete protocols will delay review process.
Step 3 - Await review
Protocols must be submitted at least six (6) weeks prior to a scheduled meeting to allow for sufficient review time.
IACUC Vivarium Manager and the IACUC veterinarian will provide an initial review with feedback (approximately 1-2 weeks after submission). You will need to respond promptly to questions/comments, edit protocol as needed, and send response and/or revised protocol to Vivarium Manager via email.
The full committee will then review protocol before the next scheduled monthly meeting. If there are significant questions/comments from the committee, the IACUC Chair will invite you to the next monthly committee meeting to respond to questions/comments.
If protocol is approved at the monthly meeting, you will receive an approval letter via email from the IACUC Administrator.
If protocol is not approved, IACUC administrator will send the committee questions/comments to you. Please respond promptly to the questions/comments and edit protocol as needed. Once complete, send the response and/or revised protocol to IACUC Chair and await response from the committee.
Step 4 - After approval
Once you receive your protocol approval letter from the IACUC committee, your research project can begin.
Changes after approval
MINOR changes to an approved IACUC protocol can be requested by submitting the Change in Protocol form to the IACUC Administrator. SIGNIFICANT changes require the submission of a new protocol. Final determination of whether a minor or significant change will be made by the IACUC.
Continuing review
Protocols can initially be approved for one year with up to two one-year renewals. It is the responsibility of the researcher to submit the Continuing Review/Final Report Form to the IACUC for review and approval.
If the protocol is set to expire, all research must cease until an approved protocol renewal is granted.
Submitting a final report
After three years or when the project is complete, whichever comes first, a Final Report form must to be completed and submitted to the IACUC Administrator.
Protocol expiration
If the protocol expires, all research must cease.