Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between designated member and full committee review?
Full committee review requires a convened meeting of a quorum of the IACUC members. The proposals are reviewed by the full committee and must receive the approval vote of a majority (>50%) of the quorum present in
2. How long will it take to review my application?
Allow sufficient time for the review of your application. Approximate time for Designated Member Review is 6 – 15 days and Full Committee Review 4 – 10 weeks from the time you submit the application.
3. How do I submit my protocol for IACUC review?
All IACUC protocol submissions must be submitted electronically through IRBNet at IRBNet
Protocols must be submitted by the deadline posted on IACUC website to be considered for that month’s scheduled meeting
4. Which forms do I need to complete for my protocol?
All forms can be found on the IACUC website FORMS or on IRBNet.
5. Who do I contact should I have questions about my animal protocol?
Contact the IACUC office by phone (915) 747-6056 or email iacuc@utep.edu. For consultation on veterinary care, anesthesia, analgesia or surgery, please contact the Attending Veterinarian by phone 915-747-8751 or email larc@utep.edu. Consultation with the Attending Veterinarian is required for procedures categorized under D & E using USDA covered species prior to submitting on IRBNet.
6. How do I make changes to my IACUC protocol?
Modifications to a protocol must have proposed changes in RED font on all applicable forms and submitted as a new package on IRBNet for review. Please refer to the IRBNet guides on FORMS page for more information on how to upload online. Please contact the IACUC office by phone (915) 747-7913 or email iacuc@utep.edu if you have any questions.
7. Do I need IACUC approval for field studies?
Yes. All research, training, experimentation, biological testing, and related activities involving live vertebrate animals must be reviewed by the IACUC and approved before any work can begin. For more information please contact the IACUC office by phone (915) 747-6056 or email iacuc@utep.edu.
8. I will only be working with tissues/blood. Do I need IACUC approval?
IACUC review and approval will vary on a case by case basis. Please contact the IACUC office by phone (915) 747-6056 or email iacuc@utep.edu for more information.
9. Do I need to submit an IBC protocol with my IACUC protocol?
If your research involves the use of recombinant or synthetic DNA, infectious agents (pathogens), biological toxins, or select agents an IBC application must be submitted for review. For more information about the IBC application and process please contact the IBC office at ibc@utep.edu or (915) 747-7913. The IBC protocol must be approved before the IACUC protocol
10. How long is the IACUC protocol approved for?
Protocols are approved for three years. Notification of protocol expiration will be electronically sent via IRBNet prior to the protocol expiration date. It is the PI’s responsibility to renew the protocol in a timely manner and research must cease at the time of expiration. If no renewal is submitted within the respected timeframe, the protocol will be administratively closed. For more information please refer to IACUC policy 011.
11. Can I refer to an IACUC policy in my application?
Yes. IACUC policies are to be followed and may be referred to in the protocol. Any exceptions to the policies must be justified in the application and approved by the IACUC before implementation. Click Here to view policies.
12. Who do I list on the IACUC protocol?
All personnel (student, collaborators, breeding managers, PI’s, lab managers, etc.) involved with animal activities must be listed on the protocol.
13. What training is required?
Requirements are listed on the training page. Ensure all personnel listed on the application have completed all basic training requirements prior to submitting forms on IRBNet. Personnel pending completion of training requirements are NOT allowed to participate in any activities detailed in the protocol. Principal Investigators pending completion of training will result in the delay of forms being approved.
14. How do I get access to the animal facilities?
Requirements are listed on the training page. Visitors entering the animal facilities must contact the Attending Veterinary or Animal Facility Manager and sign a Liability Form acknowledging the risks by entering the vivarium as presented by the AV/AFM.