IACUC FAQs

An annual review is a yearly “check-up”. This review must be submitted to the IACUC prior to the first and second anniversaries of the original approval date using the Annual Review Form. Prior to the third anniversary of original approval, the protocol must be re-submitted for full approval using the 3-Year Renewal Form (Doc).

The first step in obtaining IACUC approval is completing the IACUC Application (Doc). The IACUC office will then consult with the attending veterinarian for a “pre-review.” Once this is completed, the proposal will be sent to the IACUC members who will decide whether or not the proposal needs to go through a Full Committee Review (FCR), or a Designated Member Review (DMR).

• Visit the Applying to the IACUC page for more information.

Any changes in personnel should be reported to the IACUC using the online personnel amendment form. Once received, the IACUC will verify the training status of each individual listed and inform the PI once approved.

• Full Committee Review usually takes place at least once a month. Reviewers will discuss and vote on any research proposals that have been submitted.
  • A single IACUC member can request that a proposed study be sent to full review.
  • If no committee member requests a FCR, the proposal will be sent to designated member review.
• Designated Member Review is a process where one or more IACUC members review a protocol outside of a full meeting.
  • Designated reviewers issue a decision, or refer the protocol back to the full committee.
  • Protocols approved by the DMR process hold the same validity as full approvals.

The IACUC has identified several resources available for helping with statistical analysis for IACUC protocols. Follow one of the links below for assistance:

• Java Applets for Power and Sample Size
• Websites that do Statistical Calculations

Certain studies may be exempt from IACUC review if they are non-invasive and/or observational, do not involve vertebrate animals, and do not receive federal funding. To confirm whether your protocol is exempt, please contact the IACUC: iacuc@liberty.edu. The IACUC will then make a determination, and send a letter if the study is exempt. Otherwise, the protocol will require IACUC approval.

Exemption Request Form (Doc)