Animal Research

Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC)

The Western Carolina University Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) will assure that animal care and use are in compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations as well as university policy and assurances.

The IACUC is the principal advisory source on humane care and use of animals within the University and the appropriate body for reviewing and investigating concerns or complaints involving the appropriate care and use of animals. The committee has the authority to negotiate modifications and suspend or terminate animal activities deemed not in compliance with those regulations.

All WCU personnel using animals for research, education, or testing activities must undergo training and submit an application for review by the IACUC prior to beginning the activity. Forms may be downloaded from the table below, researchers should choose the form most appropriate for their research methods. While undergraduate or graduate students may assist in the completion of the IACUC submission, only WCU faculty or staff may serve as the Principal Investigator.

Animal Use Protocol Submission Instructions