UTSA Animal User Training Program

Why is this necessary?

UTSA is demonstrating their commitment to responsible animal care and use by providing the training necessary to ensure the ethical and humane treatment of research animals.

Federal regulations require scientists, animal technicians and other personnel involved in animal care to undergo specialized training. This includes training in the humane practice of animal care and use, research or testing methods that minimize the number of animals required to obtain valid results, and methods to minimize animal pain or distress. (http://www.NabrAnimalLaw.org) The Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International (AAALAC) also requires this training for accreditation by their organization. (http://www.aaalac.org/) Obtaining AAALAC accreditation is a major step to attaining the status of a Tier One Research University, one of President Ricardo Romo's main goals for UTSA.

How does it work?

The PI or Lab Manager informs the IACUC office of any new personnel who will be handling animals and submits their names and e-mail addresses (Lonestar or UTSA staff account preferred).

The IACUC office will establish an individual account in the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) Learning Library for each such person. An e-mail message will then be sent to each individual that will contain:

1. The internet link to the AALAS Learning Library (ALL)

2. Their username and password

3. A Memo listing the courses in the ALL which the IACUC has selected for the various levels of animal interaction

4. Directions for navigating within the website.

During the training, one can exit a course at any point and return to finish it. Once the quiz at the end of each course is taken and passed, a Course Completion Certificate will be generated. Two copies should be printed, one for your personal training file and one for your Lab's Training File. Passing scores will be displayed on your individual transcript, to which the Group Coordinator (in the IACUC office) will have access for documentation-of-training purposes.

If you forget your username and password, contact the Group Coordinator at james.macmillan@utsa.edu.