Frequently Asked Questions
How do I report a concern about animal welfare at Pace?
Animal Care and Use Reporting at Pace University
Pace University is committed to maintaining the highest standards of ethical and humane care in the use of animals for research and teaching. We encourage all members of the university community to report any concerns related to animal care or use.
Institutional Oversight
All concerns will be reviewed, investigated, and addressed in accordance with university policy and in compliance with:
- The Public Health Service (PHS) Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals
- The Animal Welfare Act (AWA)
Pace University is required to promptly report any serious or continuing noncompliance with these policies to the Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW). Examples include:
- Conducting research involving animals without prior IACUC approval
- Deviation from approved animal use protocols
- Suspension of any animal-related activity by the IACUC
How to Report a Concern
Reports can be made confidentially or anonymously, and the university strictly prohibits any form of retaliation against individuals who raise concerns in good faith.
To report a concern related to animal care and use, please contact:
Dr. Rebecca Tierce
Attending Veterinarian
Phone: (917) 574-8053
Email: rtierce_tmp@pace.edu
Dr. Sonia Suchday
Institutional Official
Email: ssuchday@pace.edu
Pace’s toll-free hotline for reporting Wrongful Conduct: 1 (800) 821-2456
We thank you for helping to ensure the responsible and ethical use of animals in research at Pace University.
How long will it take to get my protocol approved?
IACUC Review Outcomes and Timeline
After submission, protocols are reviewed either through Full Committee Review (FCR) or Designated Member Review (DMR). Investigators can expect an initial decision within two weeks following a full committee meeting, or within a comparable timeframe for DMR protocols, depending on submission date and reviewer availability.
Protocols will receive one of the following determinations:
Approval
The IACUC determines that the protocol fully complies with all regulatory and ethical requirements. No revisions are needed, and the research may proceed as proposed.
- Timeline: Approval is typically communicated within 2 weeks of the review meeting.
Required Modifications (to Secure Approval)
The IACUC identifies areas needing clarification, revision, or additional justification to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and animal welfare standards. The principal investigator (PI) will receive a summary of requested changes.
- Next Steps: The PI must submit a revised version addressing the committee’s comments.
- Follow-Up Review: Depending on the scope of the revisions, the response may be reviewed through Designated Member Review.
- Timeline: Overall approval time varies based on how quickly revisions are submitted and reviewed, but the IACUC aims to respond promptly after resubmission.
Withhold Approval
The IACUC concludes that the protocol, as submitted, does not meet ethical or regulatory standards, and that the issues are significant enough that approval cannot be granted—even with revisions.
- Next Steps: The PI will be informed of the reasons for the decision and may choose to submit a substantially revised protocol for future review.
- Timeline: There is no fixed timeframe for resubmission; it will depend on the PI’s preparation and timing of the next review cycle.
Who do I contact if I have questions?
For general inquiries about topics covered on this website, please contact Lindsey Lee at llee2@pace.edu.
For more detailed questions related to animal protocols or animal care and use, please reach out to the Attending Veterinarian or the IACUC members listed on the Contact Us page.