Training
Maintaining a comprehensive training and education program is essential to the University of Michiganās ongoing commitment to sustained excellence and compassion in animal care and use.
Accordingly, all personnel who work with animals in either research, testing, or teaching receive training in the proper care and use of research animals PRIOR TO beginning their work.
To ensure that procedures are conducted by experienced and qualified personnel, and that the highest animal welfare standards are maintained at all times, the Institutional Animal Care & Use Committee (IACUC) requires that certain animal care and use training classes be completed based on the specific tasks listed in an animal use protocol.
Training Timeline
1
Personnel are Added to a New Personnel Amendment or New Animal Use Protocol
The Principal Investigator (PI) assigns roles and updates animal handling details according to the tasks that personnel will perform on the animal use protocol. This step is a prerequisite to accessing animal care and use training in Cornerstone Learning.
2
Animal Care and Use Training is Assigned in Cornerstone Learning
Based on an individual’s animal handling details, Cornerstone Learning creates a specific Transcript containing IACUC required animal care and use training. An email notification is sent with instructions for logging in to Cornerstone Learning, or individuals may check their Transcript for updates after being added to a new amendment or protocol.
3
Complete IACUC Required Onboarding Training
Personnel have initial training requirements to complete when new tasks are assigned in their animal handling details. Online training is due within 10 days of assignment in order to be approved to protocol by the IACUC. In-person training, including lectures and workshops, is due within 60 days of assignment to remain on protocol.
4
Complete IACUC Continuing Education Training
Online training classes are reassigned every three years, keeping research personnel well-informed of advancements and updates to U-M’s Animal Care & Use Program. Personnel receive an email notification when training is coming due.
Failure to complete any training requirements by the specified timelines will result in a report to the IACUC for training non-compliance. Learn more about possible IACUC responses to issues of non-compliance by reviewing the Policy on Investigating Noncompliance and Animal Welfare Concerns.
TheĀ Unit for Laboratory Animal Medicine (ULAM)Ā also requires additional training to be completed before access to ULAM-managed housing areas can be granted. Additional details on these training requirements can be found on theĀ Animal Housing AccessĀ page.Ā
In order to meet the needs of the Universityās research community and maintain full program compliance, training content and materials are continually evaluated and refined to assure that all information is current, accurate, and meets or exceeds all standards and guidelines.
Training FAQs
If you will work under an IACUC approved protocol, you must first be added to the protocol’s handling details by your Principal Investigator.
Once added, IACUC required training will automatically be assigned to you and you will be given access to Cornerstone Learning. You will receive a confirmation email from Cornerstone Learning with login and training details.
ULAM online training must be completed first, and is required for approval to the protocol by the Animal Care & Use Office.
You have 60 days to complete any in-person training required in order to remain on protocol.
All IACUC required online training classes will be reassigned every three years. Check your Cornerstone Learning Transcript to view your training due now.
If you do not have training due now, you will be notified by email when training is reassigned. Online training is reassigned three years from your most recent completion date and is due in 10 days. This does not apply to in-person workshops.
ULAM online classes are due within 10 days of assignment. New protocols and amendments, and protocol renewals, are not approved by the Animal Care & Use Office (ACUO) until all online training is complete.
ULAM in-person workshops are due within 60 days of assignment. Staff with incomplete in-person workshop training are subject to removal from IACUC protocol and PIs are subject to IACUC review and suspension of IACUC protocol.
No, Training Core workshops meet promptly at the scheduled start time, due to the nature of the training and amount of content covered in the allotted timeframe.
Late arrivals will be rescheduled for the next available session. If attending for the first time, we suggest allowing extra time to navigate building and parking considerations; contact the Training Core for assistance.
For your safety and protection, shorts and open-toed shoes are not allowed in laboratory training workshops.
Your personal attire must cover your torso, legs and feet; scrubs and crocs are available for use.
Food and drinks are not allowed in the laboratory.
Additional Training Resources
In addition to providing IACUC required training, our program also encourages personnel to further their education by signing up for additional training classes in animal care and use. The ULAM Training Core offers continued training support to personnel upon request, once all IACUC required training has been completed.
Techniques for which training is commonly requested include, but are not limited to:
- Methods of handling/restraint
- Dosing and administration methods
- Euthanasia
- Blood and sample collection techniques
- Aseptic technique, surgical techniques, and incision closure
Training is tailored to individual or laboratory-specific learning objectives, and scheduled at the requestor’s convenience. Individuals are welcome to return as often as needed, at no cost.
Complete the Training Request Form to request additional training for yourself or your lab.
Personnel who are interested in training their own laboratory staff in rat or mouse handling/restraint techniques are encouraged to enroll in the ULAM Training Coreās Qualified Laboratory Trainer Program.
Qualified trainers must have the approval of their Principal Investigator (PI) and be listed as an animal handler on the IACUC approved animal use protocol of laboratory for which training is being provided. Training will be provided according to IACUC/ULAM Training Core accepted curriculum and standards.
If you would like to know more about the Qualified Laboratory Trainer Program, please contact the ULAM Training Core at ulam-trainingcore@umich.eduor (734) 763-8039.
Related A-Z Documents
References and Resources
Animal Care & Use Program Training Requirements Summary (PDF download)
Quick Reference Sheet: How to Run Training Reports in eRAM
Access via Level-1 login on the Animal Care A-Z website
AALAS Learning Library Request for Enrollment Form
Use this form to request access to external online training offered through the AALAS Learning Library
Questions?
Questions or concerns about animal care and use training requirements should be directed to the ULAM Training Core at ulam-trainingcore@umich.edu or (734) 763-8039.