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CSI IACUC

IACUC at College of Staten Island

Both federal and state regulations require the humane treatment of animals used in research and educational activities. Meeting these requirements is the function of the College of Staten Island’s Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). Quality science requires quality animal care. The IACUC works together with the researcher to ensure that animal experiments and educational activities are conducted in accordance with the highest scientific, humane, and ethical principles.

All studies involving the use of live animals must be approved by the IACUC. This applies to all animals, even those that do not enter the animal facilities, those that may be sacrificed upon arrival, and those found in the field. It also includes animal studies performed at other institutions by CSI faculty and staff.

Performing Research at CSI

All CSI faculty, staff, students and administrators who are conducting research with animal subjects must apply for and receive IACUC approval before commencement of their research project. No retroactive approval is ever given. In addition, all non-CSI researchers wishing to conduct research involving animals housed at CSI must also apply for and receive IACUC approval. The members of the IACUC are willing to provide education concerning animal subject regulations and the process of applying. Academic Departments may wish to invite an IACUC member to speak at a meeting concerning IACUC issues.

About the CSI IACUC

The College of Staten Island Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee is responsible for oversight of all aspects of animal care and use. The committee includes faculty members with experience in animal studies, the facility director, a veterinarian, the IACUC Administrator, a non-science faculty member, and a non-affiliated community member. The Chair and all members are appointed by the college President. The IACUC conforms to the general public health service guidelines (PHS policy at IV.A.3.B) concerning membership. IACUC responsibilities include the inspection of the animal facilities as well as all laboratories where animals are used. The IACUC must approve all protocols before animals may be ordered and must certify that all individuals are appropriately trained.

The IACUC meets regularly to review all research or educational use of animals at the college. This may include work with animals that is performed at other institutions by CSI faculty and students. No use of animals may begin without the written approval of the IACUC. New animal proposals must be submitted to the IACUC using the the IACUC Research application. Protocols must be reviewed by designated committee members, and may require full review at a convened meeting. Protocols may be approved for up to three years but require annual review by the IACUC (an Update of Approval application must be submitted annually.) Continuation beyond three years requires a new protocol submission. Minor changes to approved protocols such as addition of personnel must be submitted in writing to the IACUC for approval (an Amendment of Approval application must be submitted.) All significant changes require a new application be submitted. All individuals working on animal protocols must be trained and approved by the IACUC before they may work with animals (a Training and Experience Form must be submitted by all PIs and key personnel to the IACUC office with current College photo ID.) Guidelines for writing and submitting animal protocols and for determining the optimal number of experimental animals needed are available. It is recommended that protocols should be submitted at least four to eight weeks prior to the start date of the project to provide sufficient time for IACUC review and possible modifications needed for approval.

IACUC Meeting and Deadline Information:

Meeting Schedules/Deadlines for Submission

IACUC review meetings will occur at least once per semester. The next IACUC meeting is scheduled for:

September 2009

March 2010

Any full reviews to be submitted on any of the above meeting dates must be submitted 2 weeks prior.

IACUC Review Process

The IACUC Review Process at College of Staten Island

Initial Review Process

  1. Submit an IACUC Research application to the IACUC office, 6S 137. Electronic submissions of application are acceptable. However, a signed hard copy must be delivered to 6S-137 for the file. In addition each investigator and their key personnel must complete a Training and Experience Form. This form is to be submitted in person to the IACUC office (6S-137). Updated College Photo ID is also required at the time of form submission.
  2. Two members of the IACUC will review the application and the Administrator will inform you of the decision, usually within two weeks of receipt. If revisions are necessary, directions will be provided. Please note that every effort is made to move this process along. However, the speed of completion is dependent upon your speed of response to revisions.
  3. If Full Committee review is needed, your proposal will be reviewed at a scheduled meeting. You will be informed of the IACUC’s meeting date, time, and location. You are encouraged to be available to answer any questions the committee may have during the meeting. If minor revisions are needed, your proposal will be approved awaiting your revisions. If substantive revisions are needed, your proposal needs to be revised and resubmitted for review at the IACUC’s next meeting.

Annual Update of Approval

  1. Submit an Update of Approval application to the IACUC office, 6S 137 prior to the protocol's date of annual review. Electronic submissions of application are acceptable. However, a signed hard copy must be delivered to 6S-137 for the file. In addition if an investigator or key personnel is added to the protocol, they must complete a Training and Experience Form. This form is to be submitted in person to the IACUC office (6S-137). Updated College Photo ID is also required at the time of form submission.
  2. The IACUC Chair will review the application and the Administrator will inform you of the decision, usually within two weeks of receipt. If revisions are necessary, directions will be provided. Please note that every effort is made to move this process along. However, the speed of completion is dependent upon your speed of response to revisions.

Protocol Amendments or Modifications - Prior to the Expiration or Annual Review date

  1. Submit an Amendment of Approval application to the IACUC office, 6S 137 prior to implementing any changes to your protocol. Electronic submissions of application are acceptable. However, a signed hard copy must be delivered to 6S-137 for the file. In addition if an investigator or key personnel is added to the protocol, they must complete a Training and Experience Form. This form is to be submitted in person to the IACUC office (6S-137). Updated College Photo ID is also required at the time of form submission.
  2. The IACUC Chair will review the application and the Administrator will inform you of the decision, usually within two weeks of receipt. If revisions are necessary, directions will be provided. Please note that every effort is made to move this process along. However, the speed of completion is dependent upon your speed of response to revisions.
  • Contact the IACUC office for additional instructions, 718-982-3867.

    • IACUC TRAINING

    Training

    All PI’s, Co-PI’s, and research staff (all those handling animals) must be trained on the procedures that are to be performed. Proof of training must be explained in the initial protocol application. In addition each investigator and their key personnel must complete a Training and Experience Form. This form is to be submitted in person to the IACUC office (6S-137). Updated College Photo ID is also required at the time of form submission. If the training is not found to be sufficient, IACUC members are available to assist. Please contact the IACUC office if there are questions or concerns (718-982-3867)

    Vivarium Charges

    IACUC Contact Information

    For additional information or to receive an application, please contact IACUC@mail.csi.cuny.edu or 718-982-3867