Student Research

The WWU ACAUP supports undergraduate and graduate students as PIs for animal subject research studies, provided that they have the appropriate knowledge and expertise to carry out the project. Read the following guidance to understand the expectations for students and Faculty Advisors. The steps outlined below are intended to be an overview of the responsibilities.

Student PI Responsibilities

1. Identify and confirm a Faculty (or Staff) member to supervise your proposed protocol and act as a Faculty/Staff Advisor.
2. Read our Getting Started Guide, IACUC Review Process, and Resources for Researchers.
3. Plan ahead! Be sure to work closely with your Faculty/Staff Advisor to make sure you are giving yourself enough time to move through the review process. Check the current Review Timelines.
4. Review the Protocol Submission Checklist to make sure you understand all the requirements including the Required Training. Remember, all materials must be received for a submission to be considered complete and processed for IACUC review.
5. Collaborate closely with your Faculty/Staff advisor to develop your protocol.
6. Work with your Faculty Advisor to locate an appropriate space for your research. Review Preparing for IACUC Facility Inspection to make sure your space meets animal research requirements.
7. Work with your Faculty/Staff Advisor to obtain your Department Chair's signature. This is required to certify that the department has available the resources (e.g. facilities, materials, and personnel) to support this project.
8. Make sure your Faculty/Staff Advisor fully reviews your protocol application (and modifications) before you submit! By submitting a protocol application or modification form to the Animal Care and Use Program, you as the PI attest that your faculty/staff advisor is aware of all details of your project and confirms that it is complete, accurate, and ready for submission.
9. Remember to include your advisor on all ACAUP correspondence, including your submissions. 

Advising Student Research

Faculty Advisors of student PIs must be WWU faculty or staff members with enough time, attention, and knowledge to oversee the study and guide the student(s) in carrying out the protocol.

Faculty Advisor Responsibilities

1. Help your student plan ahead! Be sure to work closely with your student to make sure you both enough time to move through the review process. Check the current Review Timelines.
2. Review the Protocol Submission Checklist with your student to make sure you are both aware of all submission requirements. Advisors must complete Required Training (valid CITI certificates must maintained for the duration of the protocol is active).
3. Collaborate closely with student PI to develop their protocol. Review the IACUC Review Process to familiarize yourself with the processes.
4. Work with student PI and your department to locate an appropriate space for your research. Review Preparing for IACUC Facility Inspection to make sure your space meets animal research requirements.
5. Assist your student to obtain your Department Chair's signature. This is required to certify that the department has available the resources (e.g. facilities, materials, and personnel) to support this project.
6. Your student should be reaching out to you for a final review of their protocol application (or modification) before they submit it. By signing and submitting the protocol the student PI attests that their "faculty/staff advisor is aware of all details of this project and confirms that it is complete, accurate, and ready for submission."