As a reminder, Site Visitors from AAALAC International (AAALAC) will be on campus for the U-M’s re-accreditation visit beginning Tuesday, June 13 through Friday, June 16, 2023. During this time, you should anticipate a visit to all animal housing locations as well as visits to many laboratories.
To help you feel confidently prepared to host the AAALAC Site Visit Team in a few short weeks, we would like to direct your attention to the following tools and resources:
New Resources
- AAALAC 2023 Site Visit Schedule – This schedule includes a list of the tentative days that individual buildings/floors will be visited. A more detailed schedule containing all anticipated laboratory visitation times will be provided approximately one week before the Site Visit.
- AAALAC 2023 Preparation Town Hall – An archived recording and copy of the Town Hall PowerPoint presentation slides are now available for viewing in the AAALAC 2023 Site Visit Archived Resources Folder
(or paste animalcare.umich.edu/aaalac-resources into your web browser). Please note that valid Level-1 U-M login credentials are required to access these materials. - Knowledge Bite: Expired Drugs & Medical Materials – This short (15-minute) pre-recorded webinar reiterates programmatic expectations for the responsible use of drugs and other medical materials, provides guidance on determining expiration dates, and offers examples of appropriate labeling and storage.
- Knowledge Bite: Hazards Use in Animal Research – A pre-recorded (28-minute) webinar that outlines the importance of adhering to all applicable laboratory and occupational health/safety procedures, including an overview of recent changes to the Hazardous Substance Administration SOP.
Additional Resources
- Five AAALAC Essentials – Every laboratory should finish – at a minimum – five essential actions prior to the AAALAC Site Visit. Get started at animalcare.umich.edu/aaalac-essentials.
- Designate Your AAALAC Spokesperson – Use this form, now available in eRAM, to identify a spokesperson(s) in your laboratory that will be available to meet with the AAALAC Site Visit Team.
- AAALAC Laboratory Preparation Checklist – Developed specifically for the Site Visit, this checklist will help you focus on key program trends and areas for continued improvement.
- Build Your AAALAC Blueprint – Customize your preparation path by selecting specific topics of interest based on your laboratory’s research and receive a curated list of recommended resources to focus your preparation efforts.
We also want to remind you of our third and final in-person AAALAC Preparation Town Hall happening on Wednesday, May 31 from 2:30pm – 3:30pm. Individuals who have not participated in a prior AAALAC Site Visit or who may be new to animal care and use at the U-M are strongly encouraged to attend, as are individuals who may have any last-minute questions about the visit.
Finally, if you were unable to participate in the first annual GOLD Day on Friday, May 5, please take a moment to Go Organize, Label, and Dispose of drugs, medical materials, surgical supplies, and other substances in your laboratory. This critical task should be completed on a regular (e.g., at least monthly) basis to help protect animal welfare and avoid incidents of non-compliance. Visit our GOLD Day webpage for more information.
Questions?
Questions or concerns about the AAALAC Site Visit should be directed to the Animal Care & Use Office at [email protected] or (734) 763-8028.
Thank you for your diligence in preparing for this most important re-accreditation visit. Your partnership and support are greatly appreciated.
Links marked with a lock icon can only be accessed using valid U-M login credentials.