IACUC Application Procedures
Important Dates

The following are the protocol forms currently in use on Campus. The research form is used for all research activities. The teaching form is used for all teaching activities. Please note that the teaching protocol MUST include any laboratory materials given to the students. The annual review form is required at each anniversary of the study.

Protocols expire on the third year anniversary of their approval date and cannot be administratively extended. Full de novo reviews are required to continue a study beyond three years and will be identified under a new protocol number at that time.

The Instructions for Emergency Animal Treatment and Care Form must be completed and submitted with the protocol. This form lists emergency contact information emergency treatment instructions. It will be on file in the animal facility and in the office of the Attending Veterinarian. Modifications to protocols (addenda) can be made to an active protocol at any time. A letter should be written to the IACUC detailing the specifics of the addendum. Information which should be included are: rationale for the changes, detailed description of the procedures, justifications for the animals and the animal numbers, etc. Remember that if the procedures described are in Animal Welfare Category 2 or 3, a literature search and a description of the procedures to minimize animal discomfort MUST be included. When applicable, a copy of the addendum letter must be sent to the facility supervisor.

Only UM faculty and staff can be listed as primary investigators. The facility manager or veterinarian signature is for the UM facility in which the animals will be housed. A facility supervisor signature is not required for field studies.

The Department Chair signature is for the department of the primary investigator. This signature certifies that the research program of the PI has been reviewed and approved for scientific merit and that resources to conduct the research are available. Protocols originating from a Department Chair require the concurring signature of the College Dean.

Signatures of the representatives of the Division of Environmental Safety (DES) are required for studies using hazardous agents. The signature must be obtained during the review process.

Individuals conducting field studies must also submit an animal research protocol form for IACUC review. The standards used for evaluating animal procedures are those espoused by the relevant associations. These field guides can be read at the following web-sites:

American Society of Ichthyologists & Herpetologists (ASIH)
Guidelines for Use of Live Amphibians and Reptiles in Field Research

American Fisheries Society (AFR)
Guidelines for the Use of Fishes in Research

American Society of Mammalogists (ASM)
Guidelines for the Capture, Handling, and Care of Mammals

The Ornithological Council (from BIRDNET)
Guidelines to the Use of Wild Birds in Research

The completed protocol form, renewal or addendum with the necessary signatures and supporting documentation MUST be submitted by the FIRST OF THE MONTH that you wish to have the protocol, renewal or addendum reviewed. These forms must be submitted to the IACUC Manager and may be dropped off at the Central Animal Resource Facility.

Please give yourself adequate time to have the protocol reviewed and approved.

The IACUC usually meets during the 3^rd week of the month, except in August when it does not meet. The decision of the IACUC is generally relayed to the investigator by the following week.

Important Dates for 2009
IACUC Meeting Dates	Final date for applications in IACUC Office:
22 October 2009 19 November 2009 17 December 2009 22 January 2010 19 February 2010	1 October 2009 1 November 2009 1 December 2009 3 January 2010 1 February, 2009

The IACUC also conducts semiannual inspections of animal research facilities on- and off-campus, usually during the months of April and October.