Welcome to the Homepage of Siena Heights University’s
Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC)

What is the IACUC and what are its purposes?

• An institutional animal care and use committee (IACUC) is required by federal regulations for most institutions that use animals in research, teaching, and testing (U.S. Department of Health and Human Service, Office of Research Integrity).
• The IACUC evaluates if the use of living vertebrates other than fish in institutional research and teaching follows common ethical rules by minimizing death and suffering of the animals.
• As Siena Heights University does not have animal housing facilities and does not permit long-term laboratory research on animals or any invasive methods, our IACUC application process first evaluates if a full review is needed (Exemption Form) before a full application needs to be submitted. A full application and review is currently only needed for vertebrate wildlife research (Full Application for Wildlife Research).
• The SHU IACUC committee consists of 5 members and includes:
  • a veterinarian;
  • two practicing scientist experienced in research with animals;
  • one member in a nonscientific area (a ethicist, lawyer or member of the clergy); and
  • one community member, who is not affiliated with the institution other than as a member of the IACUC.

The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) is appointed by the President of the University to oversee and evaluate all aspects of the institution’s animal care and use program. The IACUC includes scientists, veterinarians, and local community representation.

The IACUC advises the University President and the Institutional Official regarding all aspects of the responsible use of animals in university research and instructional activities. The IACUC reviews protocols, and the animal care and use program, and monitors related activities to ensure compliance with standards and regulatory requirements.

Important Notes

1. All applicants must provide proof that they successfully passed the “WORKING WITH THE IACUC” training. To access the free course (that will provide you with a certificate) follow these directions:
   a. Go to the aalaslearninglibrary.org website
   b. Create a FREE account
   c. On the left hand side menu you will click ‘Free Courses’ > ‘Animal Care and Use Courses’ > ‘Compliance and IACUC Training’ > ‘Working with the IACUC’
   d. Carefully review the 20 sections of the course, you should be prepared to take notes.
   e. Take the 20 question Final Exam
   f. Take a screen shot of your final score showing your registration name. You will need to provide proof of successful completion of this course as an appendix in your  application.
   IF YOU HAVE A CURRENT CERTIFICATE FROM A DIFFERENT TRAINING (CITI, NIH, ect.) YOU MAY UTILIZE IT
2. Only use your SHU email for correspondence with the IACUC (otherwise your application material may not be received).
3. Applications are processed at a first-come, first served basis. Review of research proposals by the IACUC will typically occur as needed, from the 1st day of classes in the Fall semester to the last day of classes in the Winter semester, reviews will be suspended for University recognized holidays and breaks.
4. Preliminary review may take 2-4 weeks.
5. Most applications will require revisions. The entire process length will vary and is greatly affected by the length of time it takes for revisions to be completed and submitted. 
6. Applications and supporting documents with the following problems will be returned immediately for revisions:
   • Grammar, spelling, or punctuation errors
   • Lack of professionalism
   • Lack of consistency or clarity
   • Incomplete applications
   • Plagiarism
7. **Failure to minimize these errors will cause delays in your processing time**