Membership of IACUC

1. The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) is advisory to the vice president for Research and dean of the Graduate School. Membership of the committee shall consist of the following:

   At least four faculty members with two members from Biological Sciences and two members from Psychology;

   One administrator with expertise in research policy from the Office of Sponsored Projects (Supportive Professional Staff);

   One community representative, not otherwise affiliated with Northern Illinois University;

   One consulting laboratory animal veterinarian;

   An NIU Biosafety Specialist (Operating Staff member) shall serve as an ex officio, nonvoting member.

   The chair and all members of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee shall be appointed by the vice president for Research
   and dean of the Graduate School, subject to concurrence by the president.

   Length of term shall be three years, staggered.

2. Duties:

   Establish institutional policy governing, and to monitor all research and teaching activities conducted by NIU personnel that involve the use of live, vertebrate animals, to ensure humane treatment, in compliance with the Animal Welfare Act (9 CFR 1, as amended).

3. The composition and duties of this committee are mandated by the federal government, as a condition of NIU receiving federal funding for research. The USDA conducts annual inspections on campus to ensure compliance with the federal guidelines.

   Minutes of meetings shall be copied to members for approval; retained by the Graduate School Office of Research Compliance.