Animal Research: IACUC

All researchers must complete the Working With the SFSU IACUC training in the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) Program and have valid (non-expired) completion certificates as a condition for review. 

Before beginning any work involving animals, use the IACUC Review Decision Tree to determine whether your project requires IACUC review and approval. If IACUC oversight is required, you must submit a protocol for review. 

Submit protocols, modifications and renewals through IRBManager. Follow the steps below to submit a protocol. For more information on using IRB Manager, see the SFSU IRBManager User Guide.   

1. Log in to IRBManager with SFSU credentials.
2. Under “Actions,” select “Start xForm.”
   • Click “IACUC Animal Protocol Submission.”
3. Complete the application.
   • Clearly explain the purpose and procedures of the research.
   • Attach all required and relevant materials.
   • Complete the electronic signature and submission.  

We will screen the submission for completeness, personnel training, permits and overlap with other institutional agencies. If major revisions are needed, we will return it. Address these requests in a timely manner, then resubmit. If only minor revisions are needed, the IACUC chair and attending veterinarian pre-review the protocol. Once pre-review items are addressed, the IACUC reviews the submission at scheduled meetings as needed. If full committee review is not needed, then a designated member reviews the protocol. 

See the SFSU IRBManager User Guide for information on how to submit in IRBManager for each scenario. 

Modification 

• Any changes to IACUC-approved protocols must be approved prior to implementation.
• Human and Animal Protections or the IACUC conducts a review depending on the significance of the changes. 

Annual Continuation 

• All protocols must be reviewed in the first and second years of a protocol, before the original approval date.
• An annual progress report noting animal usage, adverse events and refinements is required.
• The IACUC reserves the right to expire a protocol if an annual continuation is not submitted and approved on time. 

Three-Year De Novo Renewal 

• A protocol undergoes a full review by the IACUC every three years.
• A protocol expires if it is not reviewed and approved before the expiration date. 

Animal Use Guidance  

Occupational Health Program for Individuals With Animal Contact  

Laboratory Animal Occupational Health Screening Initial Questionnaire  

Survival Surgery Form  

Euthanasia Guidelines  

Safety Guidelines for Field Researchers  

Avian Embryo Guidelines  

Intent to Use Embryos Form 

All concerns reported to the IACUC are confidential. Examples of concerns include deviations from an approved protocol; unanticipated animal deaths; animal injury, illness or disease; illness or injury to personnel due to animal activities; emergencies involving an IACUC protocol; facility issues that affect animal well-being and involving animals in research or instruction without IACUC approval. Report concerns to Human and Animal Protections at protocol@sfsu.edu or the CSU whistleblower hotline: (800) 952-5665.