Reporting Concerns to the IACUC
Complaints regarding animal care and use at SDSU can be made directly to the IACUC via the Division of Research Affairs (594-5938)(iacuc@mail.sdsu.edu) or through the IACUC Chair (594-5655). The Campus Veterinarian and/or the Vivarium Manager may also be contacted (594-5421). Complaints must ultimately be in writing, and preferably signed by the person filing the complaint. However, there is no requirement that the person bringing a concern to the attention of these campus authorities must do so initially in writing, and anonymous complaints may also be investigated, as appropriate.
A copy of the complaint will be forwarded to the IACUC chair. The IACUC chair will initiate investigation of any written complaint with the assistance of the campus veterinarian and at least one other IACUC member. If warranted, the IACUC chair will establish a subcommittee that includes a non-affiliated member of the IACUC to further investigate the complaint. A written report will be given to the full committee and included in the IACUC minutes. A copy will also be given to the complainant if identified.
Findings are included in IACUC minutes, and a report is forwarded with a copy of the minutes to the Institutional Official (Vice President for Research) for administrative or disciplinary action, if warranted. Diligent efforts will be made by SDSU under the guidance of the IACUC to assure that anyone reporting alleged animal care concerns in good faith is protected from retaliation, and that the reputation of anyone unfairly accused is not damaged or is restored.