Updates and News
Animal Care and Use Program
Submission Deadline for Summer and Early Fall 2026 Projects
New protocols and major modifications are not reviewed during the summer. All materials for new protocols and major modifications must be received by the dates below to be on track for IACUC review before the end of spring quarter. We recommend requesting a Veterinary Consult if you have questions before submission.
New Protocols: March 31
- Major Modifications
- Includes a new facility/location or a new species: March 31
- No new facility/location or new species: April 13
- Minor Modifications: Accepted, reviewed, and determinations issued year-round by ACAUP staff.
Read more about review timelines including what to expect during summer and university breaks.
Announcements
Veterinary Consults Available for Projects in Development: PIs are encouraged to request a virtual consultation with the Attending Veterinarian (AV) early in their protocol or major modification development. We strongly recommend that researchers reach out early to share upcoming animal research/teaching ideas that are in the ideation stage (like when you are applying for funding). A brief conversation with us about your ideas and plans can help us provide specific initial guidance for a well written and complete protocol that moves through the IACUC review process efficiently. Note: These consultations will not take the place of pre-review (steps 3-5 of the protocol and major modification review process). Appointments must be scheduled in advance and are not available the same day as the request is sent. Contact us to request an appointment.
Review of New Protocols and Major Modifications during Summer and University Breaks: IACUC review during university breaks and during the summer is different from fall, winter, and spring quarter review. Read more on the Review Timelines page.
Resources for Efficient Review Including Checklists, and Tips for Efficiency: We have numerous resources available as you develop your projects.
Resources for Researchers including guidance for Alternatives to Animal Use, 3Rs, Literature Searches, Species Specific Resources, Required Facility Inspections, Required Training, Occupational Safety, and more.
New Protocols
- Preparing for Submission
- Veterinary Consult
- Submission Checklist
- Tips for Efficient Review
Modifications
- Protocol Management: Information about types of modifications, Continuing Oversight, Renewals (Triennial/de novo Review)
- Veterinary Consult
- Submission Checklist
- Tips for Efficient Review
Submit Modifications to Add/Remove Personnel from Protocols: PIs are responsible for ensuring that all individuals currently working with animals are included in the protocol file. For adding or removing personnel, including student research assistants, use the updated Modification Form. The appropriate required training certificate(s) for all personnel working with animals must be received for the personnel modification form submission to be complete.
Annual Protocol Report: At the end of each protocol year (first and second anniversaries of protocol approval) PIs must complete an annual report to confirm protocol status, document annual animal use numbers, share details about adverse or unexpected events, and remove personnel (like student research assistants). ACAUP staff will send the report form to PIs before the protocol approval anniversary date. Reports are due back no later than the anniversary date.
Current Review Timelines
Visit the review timelines page for details about current estimated review times, information about review during the summer and university breaks, and tips for efficient review.
Your specific protocol or modification review timeline can vary depending on the completeness, clarity of the submission, and complexity of the procedures.
Reminders
Updated Submission Materials: Our forms, including initial protocol submission and modifications, have been updated for winter quarter. Always use the most recent forms posted on our website, and do not download forms for future use. We do not accept submissions using outdated forms.
Required Trainings: A certificate in animal welfare and protections must be on file for everyone named in a protocol prior to any interaction or intervention with live vertebrate animals in research or teaching settings. All protocols and personnel modification submissions must include PDF copies of the valid required training completion certificates in order to be processed for review. Read more about required trainings.
Medical Evaluations for Employees and Students: Over the past year, we’ve collaborated with our colleagues in Environmental Health and Safety and the Student Health Center to update our institutional occupational health program for animal research. These updates help ensure we stay in compliance with WWU's assurance for the National Institute of Health’s Office of Laboratory Welfare (OLAW). You can find more details, including an explanation of the requirement, how to complete the evaluation forms and answers to frequently asked questions on the ACAUP Occupational Health page of our website:
Federal Agency Update for Animal Research: Effective 10/1/2025 "Updated NIH Policy on Allowable Costs for Animals" (NOT-OD-25-163): Updates the NIH Grants Policy Statement 7.9.1, Selected Items of Cost. NIH will allow recipients to charge costs for rehoming/retirement of experimental animals. Allowable for the acquisition, care, use, and rehoming/retirement of experimental animals, contingent upon compliance with the applicable requirements of the PHS Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. If the recipient operates an animal resource facility, charges for use of the facility should be determined in accordance with the Cost Analysis and Rate Setting Manual.
Updated Email Address: To better align with the mission of the Research Integrity and Compliance area and this updated website that we launched last fall, we have a new email alias researchintegrity@wwu.edu. All emails sent to compliance@wwu.edu and researchintegrity@wwu.edu go to the same inbox. Thank you in advance for your patience as we update webpages and other materials.
Educational Outreach
We're here to help your research happen! The ACAUP, together with other staff in Research Integrity and Compliance, offers a variety of educational outreach opportunities for campus faculty, staff, and students. Contact us to talk about what options are available.
- Please contact us at least 30 days in advance of desired date.
- For sessions involving individual consultations, timeframe will depend on group size.
- Brief, informal online appointments or phone inquiries have more flexibility in booking.
Are you looking for a specific page or resource?
You can search the entire Vice Provost for Research site using the search box at the top of the screen.
