Animal Care and Use Program at Saint Joseph's University (IACUC)

Saint Joseph's University maintains an Assurance of Compliance (Assurance # D16-00630) with the Public Health Service (PHS) Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. This assurance applies to all activities involving live, vertebrate animals conducted at SJU, including those subcontracted or subgranted by the institution.

We strictly comply with:

• The Animal Welfare Act and all other relevant Federal statutes and regulations.
• The "U.S. Government Principles for the Utilization and Care of Vertebrate Animals Used in Testing, Research, and Training" (Principles).

The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (Guide), informs our animal care program and facilities.

Members of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) are appointed by the University’s Institutional Official. Members possess the necessary experience and expertise to oversee all aspects of SJU's animal program, facilities, and procedures.

The IACUC's core responsibilities include:

• Program Review & Inspection:
  • Reviewing the Institution’s program for humane care and use of animals at least every six months, using the PHS Guide as a basis.
  • Inspecting all animal facilities at least every six months, also based on the Guide.
• Recommendations: Preparing reports of evaluations and submitting written recommendations regarding animal programs, facilities, or personnel training to the Vice President for Academic Affairs.
• Concern Resolution: Reviewing and addressing all concerns related to animal care and use within the Institution.
• Protocol Review & Approval:
  • Reviewing and approving, requiring modifications for, or withholding approval of applications and proposals for activities involving animals, as well as significant changes to previously approved activities, as outlined in the PHS Policy.
  • Confirming that all activities align with the Institution’s Assurance.
  • Notifying investigators and the Institution in writing of decisions regarding protocol approval or required modifications.
• Continuing Review: Conducting continuing review of PHS Policy-covered protocols no less than annually.
• Suspension Authority: Possessing the authority to suspend any previously approved activity if it deviates from the approved protocol or applicable regulations (Animal Welfare Act, Guide, Institution’s Assurance, or PHS Policy).

IACUC guidelines and forms are available through the Office of Research Services (ORS) and on the ORS website.

Saint Joseph's University is profoundly dedicated to safeguarding the care, maintenance, and ethical use of all animals in teaching and research. This commitment extends to ensuring investigators protect animals and comply with specific requirements established by research sponsors. The University established the IACUC to support a high-quality animal care and use program, define policies, procedures, resources, and facilities that uphold these standards.

The following protocol forms are currently in use for both teaching and research. The renewal form should be used for renewing either type of protocol.

• IACUC Form A: New Protocol Review form
• IACUC Form B: Request for Reapproval of Research Involving Laboratory Animals
• IACUC Form C: Research Conducted at Collaborating Institutions or Facilities
• IACUC Form D: Biological and/or Chemical Hazards

Modifications (Addenda) to Protocols

You can submit modifications (addenda) to an active protocol at any time. A letter detailing the addendum specifics should be submitted to the IACUC. This letter must include:

• Rationale for the changes.
• Detailed description of the new procedures.
• Justifications for the animals and the number of animals involved.
• For procedures in Animal Welfare Category 2 or 3: A literature search and a description of procedures to minimize animal discomfort must be included.

A copy of the addendum letter must also be sent to the Animal Facility Manager.

These publications are highly recommended to assist you in completing your protocol forms:

• How to Write an Application Involving Research Animals: http://www.niaid.nih.gov/ncn/clinical/researchanimals/tutorial/animal_pf.htm
• Guidelines for the Design and Statistical Analysis of Experiments Using Laboratory Animals
• Use of Factorial Designs to Optimize Animal Experiments and Reduce Animal Use
• Practical Aspects of Experimental Design in Animal Research

Field Studies

Researchers conducting field studies must also submit an animal research protocol form for IACUC review. The standards for evaluating animal procedures in field studies align with those from relevant professional associations. You can find these field guides at the following websites:

• American Society of Ichthyologists & Herpetologists (ASIH): Guidelines for Use of Live Amphibians and Reptiles in Field Research
• American Fisheries Society (AFS): 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 IACUC typically meets on the 2nd Thursday of each month.

Your completed protocol form (new, renewal, or addendum), along with all necessary signatures and supporting documentation, MUST be submitted by the 25th of the previous month.

Please submit these forms to the Office of Research Services (ORS) located at 215 City Avenue, Merion Place.

The IACUC's decision is generally communicated to the investigator by the following week.