Getting Started: Quick Guide for New Researchers

Getting started with the IACUC process can seem complex, but we're here to help. This page provides an overview of the steps needed to begin research, teaching, or other activities involving animals at the university. You'll find guidance on required training, protocol submissions, forms and supporting documentation, the review and approval process, and key resources to support your project. Our goal is to help investigators and research personnel navigate the process efficiently while promoting the responsible and humane care and use of animals.

Getting Started

A Quick Guide to IACUC for New Researchers

IACUC Project Determination Form

The Project Determination Form should be utilized by Faculty, staff or students who have self-identified as working with animals that may not be subject to traditional IACUC review process. By submitting this form, you will be notifying the IACUC of your activity and within 3-5 business days will have a determination letter from the IACUC acknowledging the activity and providing next steps if required.

  1. IACUC Determination
    1. View the IACUC Flow Chart to understand what must be reviewed by the IACUC.
    2. If you are still unsure if you will need IACUC approval, submit an IACUC Project Determination Form. 
  2. Submitting an Animal Care and Use Protocol
    1. Visit the Forms and Applications page for instructions on how to complete and submit the Animal Study Proposal form.
    2. Get informed on how the IACUC review process works
  3. Occupational Health Department (OHD) Clearance
    1. Visit the OHD website for instructions on how to complete and submit the Animal Exposure Baseline Assessment Questionnaire.
    2. Contact the OHD Office to schedule an appointment for a physical exam. 
    3. Once you have been cleared by OHD, your health clearance is active and must be renewed annually.
  4. CITI Training
    1. Register for the required training in the appropriate care and use of animals, specific to the species and type of work you will be doing.
  1. Occupational Health Clearance
    1. Visit the OHD website for instructions on how to complete and submit the Animal Exposure Baseline Assessment Questionnaire.
    2. Contact the OHD Office to schedule an appointment for a physical exam. 
    3. Once you have been cleared by OHD, your health clearance is active and must be renewed annually.
  2. CITI Training
    1. Register for the required training in the appropriate care and use of animals, specific to the species and type of work you will be doing. 
  3. Once the above requirements have been met:  

    1. Your Principal Investigator will inform the IACUC in writing that (s)he wishes to add you to the approved animal use protocol. This can simply be communicated:

      •  via email (IACUC@montclair.edu) and by updating the personnel section of his/her animal use protocol in the next modification, renewal or de novo submission

      or

      •  if coinciding with submission of his/her animal use protocol renewal, modification or de novo, by updating the personnel section within that submission
    2. The IACUC will notify the PI when you have been approved to begin working on the protocol.
    3. You will be sent an invitation to join the Montclair Animal Research Community CANVAS course.  Please accept this invitation to receive important information.
    4. NOTE: Additional species training may be required, as per recommendation from the PI or Vivarium Director.
  1. Visit the Laboratory Animal Resources (LAR) website for contact details and additional information. 
  2. Researchers who wish to be added to an animal use research protocol must follow the steps outlined above.