The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) is responsible for overseeing the care and use of all animals at Notre Dame of Maryland University for research and instructional purposes.

The role, responsibilities, composition and operating procedures of this committee are fully detailed in the Animal Welfare Act of 1966, its amendments and best practices set forth by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the United States Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

The committee will ensure institutional compliance with federal and state laws as well as best practices governing the humane care and treatment of animals.

The committee will:

  1. Make policy recommendations to the President regarding the use and care of animals on campus.
  2. Review, approve and require modification of  proposals submitted by faculty involving the use of animals for research and instructional purposes.
  3. Biannually inspect animal holding facilities in accordance with guidelines set by the USDA and/or the Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW), a division of the DHHS.
  4. Biannually review the University’s program for the humane care and use of animals
  5. Apply for and maintain certification/registration with appropriate federal agencies that oversee the use of research animals at academic institutions
  6. Identify animal care and use training opportunities for faculty and staff