Frequently Asked Questions

What kinds of projects must be submitted for IACUC review?

The IACUC reviews ALL projects in teaching or research endeavors that incorporate the use of live vertebrate animals for any purpose to ensure compliance with federal regulations and University policy. If using animal tissue(s) for your research or teaching please contact the Office of Research Protections. Villanova does not currently support any USDA animal research on campus.

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Who can submit a project to the IACUC for review?

Any faculty or staff member who is the principal investigator of a research project or course instructor may submit an IACUC animal use protocol for review. Students who will be conducting research that involves live vertebrate animal handling and use (e.g. for a thesis project) may submit a protocol in collaboration with their faculty advisor as the principal investigator. Any individual listed as the principal investigator of a project that includes live animals must demonstrate appropriate training in handling, use and care of the particular animal species for which the protocol applies.

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What is submitted to the IACUC for project review?

The principal investigator or course instructor must complete a new research or teaching animal use protocol application on Cayuse Animal Oversight.

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Where can I find IACUC forms and to whom must they be submitted?

The IACUC uses Cayuse Animal Oversight to review all animal use applications. Cayuse can be accessed via MyNova. Questions regarding the questions of the application can be sent to the Office of Research Protections (iacuc@villanova.edu, 9-4228).

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When must protocols be submitted for review and how long does the review process take?

All protocols must be submitted to the IACUC for review and the committee must provide written notification of approval of the protocol PRIOR to the start of any work with animals. The length of the review may vary two weeks to two months depending upon when the application was submitted, and the time required for completion of any requested revisions and supplements to the protocol. The IACUC chair or the Office of Research Protections may provide answers to any questions regarding protocol completion and the review timeline.

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What additional information must be provided to the IACUC?

All personnel who handle live vertebrate animals either in the field or in a laboratory setting are required to complete required CITI training. In addition, all faculty, staff and students participate in the Medical Surveillance Program. Faculty supervisors of students working with live animals must review safety information and discuss animal hazards relevant to particular species with which the student is working in conjunction with completion of the Medical Surveillance Declaration Form.  Failure to submit necessary documentation prior to work with live animals is a violation of IACUC policy and may result in suspension of activity and investigator or instructor sanctions.

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What types of training do I need to complete?

All personnel who handle live vertebrate animals either in the field, laboratory setting, or class instruction are required to complete the necessary training before working with live vertebrate animals. The IACUC mandates that all personnel who are listed on a protocol with live vertebrate animals are required to take the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative Program (CITI). Animal handler training with appropriate personnel (i.e. study PIs or veterinary staff) is also required. 

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What CITI courses do I need to complete before submitting my application?

Currently there are multiple CITI courses that are required for all personnel listed on an IACUC approved protocol.

Responsible Conduct of Research (University requirement)
Conflicts of Interest (University requirement)
“Working with the IACUC” course (IACUC requirement)
Species specific modules (IACUC requirement)
Aseptic surgery module if applicable (IACUC requirement)
Animal Biosafety (IACUC requirement)

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Do I have to participate in the Occupational Health Surveillance Program?

Yes, all faculty, staff, and students must participate in the Occupational Health Surveillance Program. Faculty supervisors of students working with live animals must review safety information and discuss animal hazards relevant to particular species with which the student is working in conjunction with completion of the Medical Surveillance Declaration Form. Failure to submit necessary documentation prior to work with live animals is a violation of IACUC policy and may result in suspension of activity and investigator or instructor sanctions.

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Where can I find resources about IACUC requirements and guidelines?

ORP provides Villanova specific policies and guidelines as well as references to federal regulations on the Policies/Guidelines/SOPs section of the IACUC website. 

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