News

AAALAC

Preparations for the AAALAC 2023 Site Visit Now Underway

The University of Michigan’s next mandatory re-accreditation visit by AAALAC, International (AAALAC) will take place this Summer (e.g., June – July 2023). AAALAC accreditation is critical to the success of our Animal Care & Use (ACU) Program as well as the larger U-M research enterprise. Full continued accreditation demonstrates to our peers, collaborators, and funding ...
AAALAC International logo with 2023 Site Visit text underneath

ULAM

Nominations Sought for Excellence in Research Animal Care & Use Awards Program

Established in 2019, the Excellence in Research Animal Care & Use Awards Program celebrates staff excellence in the humane care and use of animals within the University of Michigan (U-M) research community. This annual awards program recognizes a member of each of the following: Awardees will receive a $500.00 honorarium. Award winners will be announced later ...
Laboratory technician holding small black mouse

eRAM IACUC

A Glimpse Into the Future: New IACUC Protocol Application Form

We are excited to announce that the Animal Care & Use Office (ACUO) will begin implementing a new Institutional Animal Care & Use Committee (IACUC) protocol application and submission form – commonly referred to as “V2” – in eRAM early next year. The ACUO has spent the past two years diligently evaluating and fine-tuning the ...
Blue V2 protocol template icon with NEW yellow burst

Animal Care & Use Office Moves to NCRC

After several years in the Victor Vaughan building on U-M’s medical campus, the Animal Care & Use Office (ACUO) has moved to the North Campus Research Complex (NCRC). Although the ACUO’s physical address has changed, the primary methods for contacting the office – phone and email – remain the same. The ACUO Main Office can ...
Blue We Have Moved callout bubble

AAALAC Forms IACUC

AAALAC 2023 Preparations Start Here: Updated Self-Guided Evaluation Form

The University of Michigan’s next re-accreditation visit by AAALAC, International (AAALAC) will take place in Summer (i.e., June – July 2023). As we work toward the collective goal of full continued accreditation – demonstrating that U-M values and upholds the highest animal welfare standards in the conduct of responsible research – we ask that all members of the ...
Yellow start here map icon with path to AAALAC 2023 Site Visit sign

Facilities Husbandry Safety SOP ULAM

Handle With Care: Reminders for Safe Animal Transport

Transporting animals on campus (either from room to room, building to building, or through a public area) requires heightened attention to detail to ensure that animal health and welfare is maintained at all times. This includes, but is NOT limited to, preventing injury or escape, reducing environmental stressors (e.g., ambient temperature extremes, odors, and excessive ...
Handle with Care blue and green hands icon with yellow health shield

ULAM

New ULAM Husbandry Per-Diem Rates Go Into Effect January 1, 2023

As the veterinary and animal care providers for all animal use protocols at the University of Michigan (U-M), the Unit for Laboratory Animal Medicine (ULAM) takes great pride in its service, partnership, and support of the U-M research community. View the list of revised per-diem rates that have been reviewed and approved by the University’s Financial ...
January 1 calendar reminder icon

QA

Kathy Ignatoski Joins the Quality Assurance Team

Kathy Ignatoski, PhD, has recently joined the Quality Assurance (QA) Team in the Animal Care & Use Office (ACUO). In her new role, Kathy will be responsible for: Kathy brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the QA Team, including 30+ years in all levels of research – postdoc, research investigator, PI, lab manager, ...
Kathy Ignatoski headshot

Drugs Facilities Guidelines Husbandry IACUC Policies Safety

Lessons Learned from Fall 2022 Semi-Annual Facility Inspections

The Institutional Animal Care & Use Committee (IACUC) completed its latest round of semi-annual facility inspections in mid-September. These inspections are one of the most important tools we have for routinely assessing programmatic strengths and identifying areas for individual and collective improvement(s) in service to the animals entrusted to our care. Through this lens of ...
Multi-colored graph showing common deficiency areas identified during Fall 2022 semi-annual facility inspections

Controlled Substances Drugs Guidelines IACUC Policies

Important Expectations & Updates: Use of Expired Drugs and Medical Materials in Animals

Earlier this fall, we shared several important updates that will impact our research operations moving forward, including preparations for the U-M’s next re-accreditation visit by AAALAC, International in Summer 2023. Today, we are providing additional information on two of these updates – the revised Policy on the Use, Storage, and Expiration of Substances, Agents, and ...
Icon showing expired and in-date drugs separated on a shelf with a link to the Policy on the Use of Expired Drugs and Medical Materials in Animals

ULAM, ACUO Announce Winter 2022 Holiday Hours

Several service areas within the Animal Care & Use Program, including the Animal Care & Use Office (ACUO) and the Unit for Laboratory Animal Medicine (ULAM), will be closed or operating at limited capacity during the upcoming holiday season. Below is a list of operating schedules and plans for areas that may have a direct impact ...
Snow covered pine tree branch