Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC)

What is the IACUC?

New Mexico Highlands University maintains a supervisory committee for the use of animals in research and teaching, known as the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, or IACUC. The IACUC reviews and regulates the use of vertebrate animals for both research and teaching in coordination with federal and state regulations. The IACUC and the Attending Veterinarian provide oversight and responsibility for all activities across all NMHU locations, relating to animal care and use. The IACUC inspects all facilities and reviews the animal care program twice per year. Members of the IACUC include scientist experts, a veterinarian, other members of the NMHU professional community, and a community member non-scientist.

Who needs approval from the IACUC to work with animals?

All use of vertebrate animals in research or teaching activities at NMHU must be reviewed and approved in advance by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. The IACUC approves animal use protocols only when necessity of use and human treatment are thoroughly demonstrated. Approved animal research must be conducted by trained personnel. The IACUC and the university follow policies and procedures to ensure that no animal in the university’s care will experience severe or unrelieved pain and/or distress.

What help does the IACUC provide researchers and instructors?

The IACUC serves as a resource for all NMHU researchers and instructors in all aspects of animal welfare in research and teaching. IACUC members and experts may be consulted with any questions during protocol development, revision, and implementation. The IACUC provides annual training in animal care and occupational health and safety as it relates to animal care and handling.

Further information about the IACUC review process and resources can be found at https://olaw.nih.gov/resources/tutorial/iacuc.htm

Guidance on trainings for new investigators, instructors, personnel, and IACUC members

The NMHU IACUC uses a combination of CITI Program training courses and in-person annual trainings.

Guidance for New Investigators:

1. Request an IACUC proposal template from the IACUC Chair (sjcorey@nmhu.edu) and submit an initial draft to the Chair for review. Revise and resubmit if needed.
   1. Please note that the lead investigator on a proposal must be an NMHU faculty
2. IACUC will review the proposal and may ask for additional details or revisions.
3. If the proposal is approved, the approval date is the start date for beginning the project.
4. Lead investigator and all personnel working with animals complete CITI Program course modules identified as required from the IACUC. Instructions to login and complete trainings can be obtained from the IACUC Chair.
5. Personnel new to working on the project must complete a pre-health screening with a primary medical provider or the NMHU campus health clinic. The health screening form will be provided by the IACUC Chair. Health records will be submitted directly to the Environmental Health and Safety Office Manager and Safety Officer, Lee Martinez (leemartinez@nmhu.edu).
6. Approved IACUC proposals are active for three years. The lead investigator will be asked to submit an annual report to IACUC each year.

Guidance for Instructors:

IACUC approval may be needed for any classes handling or interacting with vertebrate animals in a lab or field setting. Some behavioral studies that do not involve handling may still require IACUC approval. Please contact the IACUC Chair to determine if IACUC approval is required in your case. An instructor with an IACUC approved proposal can generally follow the steps of new investigators above.

IACUC Members:

New members will complete CITI Program course modules for the IACUC assigned by the IACUC Chair. Additional training will be provided through one on one mentorship with established committee members and the Chair.

NMHU IACUC Assurance

NMHU has an OLAW Animal Assurance for Domestic Institutions, #D16-00522, effective May 24, 2024 through February 29, 2028.

Reporting Concerns

For any Animal Welfare concerns related to university activities or research, please submit an anonymous form below or contact us directly:

Dr. Sarah Corey-Rivas, IACUC Chair
Email: sjcorey@nmhu.edu
Phone: 505-454-3301

Dr. Ben Nelson, IACUC Veterinarian
Email: nelson_ben@nmhu.edu
Veterinarian Clinic: 505-425-3538

Anonymous Confidential Complaints and Reporting Form

If you would like to file a complaint or concern about an NMHU IACUC approved study or classroom activity, please use this form below.

Please include:

1. Details about the research or teaching concern relating to animals,
2. How you would like to see your concern or complaint resolved,
3. Indicate whether you would like to remain anonymous to the IACUC as we investigate your complaint and whether you would like us to follow up with you.

Employees, students, and IACUC members are free from retaliation for reporting concerns and cooperating with investigations.