Effective Date: March 14, 2024
Issuing Authority: Provost
Policy Contact: Senior Vice Provost of Research, provost@mercer.edu, 478-301-2110
Purpose
Mercer University has provided a formal assurance to the Public Health Service (PHS) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) that it will follow procedures that will assure the humane care and use of all animals involved in teaching and research projects.
Scope
This policy applies to all students, faculty, and staff at Mercer University.
Exclusions
None
Policy Statement
In order to comply with this assurance, Mercer University has established an institutional committee competent to review research and teaching projects that involve the use of animals. Under the provisions of the PHS Policy for the Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (September 1986) and the Animal Welfare Act (September 1989), this committee has been designated as the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). The primary function of the IACUC is to assist the teachers and investigators in using and providing humane care to laboratory animals. All activities that involve the use of live animals are to be conducted under these guidelines.
The full text of the Guidelines for the Protection of Animals used in Research and Teaching Studies is located in the Office of the Dean of each impacted school or college and in the Office of Research Compliance.
Website Address
Office of Research Compliance: https://orc.mercer.edu/