Before working with animals...

Students

1. Students must complete relevant portions of the online CITI: Animal Care and Use training program.

  • CITI training is valid for 3 years from the date of completion. If a student continues to work with animals beyond that expiration date they must retake all relevant modules.
  • Go to the CITI Training Program website.
  • Use the register link to create an account, or log in with an already existing account.
  • Affiliate with Mount Holyoke College (if you are not so affiliated already.) If you are affiliated with another institution you can add Mount Holyoke College as an additional institution.
  • When registering, you will be presented with a series of questions to identify the correct Learner Group. Under Step 7, "Select Curriculum", be sure to select "Working with the IACUC Course," (Question 5). Then, select the appropriate species you will be working with. More detailed instructions on how to enroll in the Animal Care and Use course can be found here.
  • Students should consult with faculty member(s) with whom they are doing research, or taking class, if they are uncertain which modules to take.

2. Students must also obtain an Animal Lab Health Clearance prior to working with animals.

  • Download the Animal Lab Health Questionnaire.
  • Complete the questionnaire and drop it off at the Health Center. If Health Center staff have any questions, or need additional information about your medical history, they will reach out to you.
  • Students continuing to work with animals are required to obtain a new health clearance at the beginning of each academic year.
  • Students should notify the Health Center immediately of any significant changes to their health.

Faculty/Staff

1. Ensure that an active animal care protocol has been approved and is on file with the IACUC prior to the use of animals for teaching and research purposes. Information on submitting an animal care protocol can be found here.

2. Faculty and staff must complete relevant portions of the online CITI: Animal Care and Use training program.

  • CITI training is valid for 3 years from the date of completion. Faculty and staff must retake all relevant modules every three years if they continue to work with animals.
  • Go to the CITI Training Program website.
  • Use the register link to create an account, or log in with an already existing account.
  • Affiliate with Mount Holyoke College (if you are not so affiliated already.) If you are affiliated with another institution you can add Mount Holyoke College as an additional institution.
  • When registering, you will be presented with a series of questions to identify the correct Learner Group. Under Step 7, "Select Curriculum", be sure to select "Working with the IACUC Course," (Question 5). Then, select the appropriate species you will be working with. More detailed instructions on how to enroll in the Animal Care and Use course can be found here.

3. Faculty and staff must also obtain an Animal Lab Health Clearance prior to working with animals.

  • Complete the Animal Lab Health Questionnaire
  • Email the completed form, along with record of the relevant immunizations, to AEIOU.
  • To maintain their Animal Lab Health Clearance faculty and staff must either certify on an annual basis that there has been no change to their medical history, or alternately they may complete and submit a revised Animal Lab Health Questionnaire to AEIOU for re-examination. Proof of updated tetanus must also be sent to AEIOU when needed to show current vaccination status.

Questions? Contact Cheryl McGraw