TAMU-CC Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC)

The IACUC is responsible for oversight of the animal care and use program and its components as described in the Public Health Service (PHS) Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (Policy) and the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (Guide). The IACUC has the authority to approve, disapprove, monitor, and require modifications in all research activities that fall within its jurisdiction as specified by both the federal regulations and institutional policy. Its oversight functions include an ongoing assessment of animal care and use. IACUC responsibilities include:

• Reviewing, at least semiannually, the institution's program for the humane care and use of animals;
• Inspecting, at least semiannually, the institution's animal facilities (including satellite facilities);
• Preparing reports to the Institutional Official (IO) of the IACUC evaluations;
• Reviewing animal welfare concerns;
• Making recommendations to the IO on any aspect of the animal program, facilities, or personnel training;
• Reviewing and approving those components of PHS conducted or supported activities related to the care and use of animals;
• Reviewing and approving proposed significant changes to the use of animals in ongoing activities; and
• Obtaining the authority to suspend an activity involving animals.

Membership:

• At least five (5) members;  
• A veterinarian with training or experience in laboratory animal science and medicine, who has direct or delegated program responsibility for activities involving animals at the research facility;  
• A practicing scientist experienced in animal research;  
• At least one member with a primary interest in non-science (non-scientific member); and  
• At least one member who is not affiliated with the organization and who is not part of the immediate family of someone who is affiliated with the organization (unaffiliated member).  
• Not more than three members shall be from the same administrative unit of the facility if the Committee consists of more than three members. 9 CFR 2.31. 
• IACUC member candidates will be recruited based on the recommendations of the Institutional Official, Deans, IACUC members and their colleagues or by self-nomination. IACUC staff will on board IACUC member candidates.
• An IACUC member candidate will be presented to the Institutional Official for final approval of appointment. The member’s term expiration date is three (3) years from the Term Start Date. Members are evaluated annually.

Chair: Appointed by the Institutional Official

Responsible University Official: Institutional Official; Executive Vice President for Research and Innovation