Protocol Review Process
This page provides an overview of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) protocol review and approval process, from initial submission through approval and ongoing oversight. Understanding each step of the process can help investigators plan for protocol review, respond to committee requests, and maintain compliance throughout the life of an approved study.
Animal use protocols are approved for a maximum period of one year, in accordance with institutional and regulatory requirements. Principal Investigators (PIs) will receive courtesy reminder notifications approximately 45–60 days before a protocol's expiration date to allow sufficient time for renewal processing and to help prevent interruptions to approved animal activities.
New Protocol Initial Review Process
1. Submit IACUC Form
Completion and Submission of IACUC FORM
Studies submitted to the Montclair State University IACUC must include a completed application including all required signatures. All submissions should be turned in via email attachment to IACUC@montclair.edu.
2. Submission of Animal Protocol Review
Submission of Animal Protocol Review to the IACUC
The IACUC administrator will acknowledge receipt and send the PI a protocol number to be used in all future correspondence. The IACUC administrator will conduct an administrative review of the application. Any missing components or findings will be returned to the PI within three business days.
3. Preliminary Committee Review
Preliminary IACUC Review
The purpose of this review will be to determine whether the application requires approval through a designated reviewer procedure (DRP) or through a full committee meeting (FCMP). All committee members are provided ample time (5-7 days) to decide if the protocol requires a full committee meeting.
4. Main Review
Designated Member Review
The IACUC administrator will forward the protocol to an appropriate reviewer as determined by the IACUC chair. The reviewer has 14 business days to review the protocol. All changes and concerns requested by the designated reviewer will be returned back to the IACUC administrator with copies to the IACUC veterinarian and IACUC chair. The IACUC administrator will notify the PI of the requested changes, and the PI will be asked to respond within 15 days. The designated review and veterinarian will then review the responses and changes within 5-10 business days.
Full Committee Meeting
The IACUC administrator will forward the protocol and documents to the entire committee at least 14 business days prior to the meeting day. During the full committee members may recommend changes to the protocol. The IACUC administrator will notify the PI of the committee findings within two business days of the meeting. The PI will be asked to respond to the committee findings within 15 days.
5. Protocol Determination
Protocol Approved
A final approval letter will be issued to the PI by the IACUC administrator and signed by the IACUC chair. All protocols must abide by their expiration dates noted on the approval letters. All research activity must cease if a protocol has expired.
Protocol Dissapproved
A PI will be notified of disapproval through a signed letter from the IACUC chair.