Frequently Asked Questions

General IACUC FAQs are given below. More specific FAQs have been separated into the following topic areas to make it easier to find the information you're looking for:

Q1: I need to submit a new application for animal research to the committee for review. How do I start?

A: There are usually two basic components to receiving IACUC approval; 1) submission and review of your IACUC protocol application via IRBNet and 2) ensuring those involved in handling live vertebrates on the project have received the appropriate training. You can find information on using IRBNet to submit your forms for review by the IACUC under the link to the left on "IRBNet Instructions". All UAF affiliated personnel who will be handling or caring for any live vertebrates must complete the IACUC approved research personnel training courses; see "Training" link to the left. Contact the IACUC Administrator for further information at uaf-iacuc@alaska.edu or 907-474-7800.

Q2: I have never used IRBNet before; where do I begin?

A: First, you must create an IRBNet account by registering at www.irbnet.org.  After registering, you will need to respond to an activation message sent to the email address you entered when you registered before you can log in. Use the "IRBNet Instructions" link to the left to read more on using IRBNet to submit applications to the IACUC for review.

Q3: I submitted an application through IRBNet recently and have now received an email notice saying the committee posted a decision. What do I do now?

A: If the committee posted an Approval, Modifications Required, or Tabled Without Action letter, log in to IRBNet, click on your project title, and then click on the "Reviews" button on the left side of the IRBNet page. The committee's letter will be there for you to download and review. If it's an Approval letter, you may download it for your files. If it's a Modifications Required letter or Tabled WIthout Action letter, you need to submit revisions to your application; follow the instructions posted in the "IRBNet Instructions" link to the left.

Q4: I submitted an amendment to my IACUC protocol a few months ago and it was approved, but I just received an auto-reminder that my protocol will be expiring next month; is this a mistake?

A: No; submitting a modification to your protocol does not automatically renew it for another year; you must submit a separate Annual Progress Report through IRBNet to extend the expiration date of your protocol.  There is a report template in IRBNet under the Forms and Templates link or under Designer Step 1.

Q5: I'm submitting my annual Progress Report through IRBNet and have some minor changes I want to make to the procedures the IACUC has already approved; can I submit the renewal and the updated protocol in the same package?

A: No.  It is best to submit Annual Progress Reports and Amendments or Modifications to approved procedures in separate packages.  

Q6: I submitted an Annual Progress Report to the IACUC a few weeks ago but am still receiving notices that the protocol will be expiring next month or have received a notice that the protocol expired. What happened?

A: First, check to make sure your Progress Report was actually submitted to the IACUC; after uploading your Progress Report into IRBNet, you MUST use the "Submit this Package" button on the left side of the IRBNet pages in order for the report to be released to the IACUC administrator. The IACUC cannot review or process any requests if they are only uploaded but not submitted. If your Progress Report was submitted to the IACUC and has a status of "Pending Review" then the IACUC has your submission. IRBNet does not have the capability of recognizing when a renewal is under review by the committee and will continue to send you expiration reminders while the request is pending. If you are within a week of your expiration date, contact the IACUC Admininstrator to check on the status of your renewal; uaf-iacuc@alaska.edu or 907-474-7800.

Q7: I have an approved IACUC protocol, but never started the work due to funding issues/scheduling issues/seasonal timing/etc, and have just received an expiration notice from IRBNet. Can the IACUC extend my approval since I haven't actually started the work?

A: The IACUC approval is only good for 365 days from the original approval date. The IACUC is required to review a protocol at that point even if the work has not started. If the project has not been cancelled but merely postponed, you will need to file an Annual Progress Report to maintain IACUC approval. You can simply note on the report that work has not yet begun.

Q8: I will be hiring some field technicians/seasonal assistants/students/employees to my approved IACUC; what do I need to do to add them?

A: 1)  All personnel handling or caring for live vertebrates must take the IACUC training.  2)  All UAF personnel must submit a Personnel Information Form (PIF).  3)  Personnel will need to register with IRBNet in order for the PI to share the protocol information with them in IRBNet.  4)  The PI of the protocol will need to submit a modified Personnel List in IRBNet.

Q9: I am having one of the following issues with my IRBNet account: I can't remember my username, I can't get the activation email to function properly, I think I may have created two IRBNet accounts. How do I get this fixed?

A: The UAF ORI staff does not have access to account controls and cannot modify or fix your account for you. You must contact the IRBNet Support staff from the "Forgot Your Password?" link at the top of the home page or call them at 1-877-261-6461 and ask for assistance.