UAA has contracted with the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) for the IACUC training courses.  Additional courses specific to UAA research will be added to the CITI course as needed.

Directions to login to complete the IACUC training modules are as follows:

1. Click the "Register Here" link on the main page. Select "University of Alaska Anchorage" as your participating institution from the drop down menu. Complete the registration process.
2. In the CITI Course Registration page, enter your contact information. If you do not have a UAA identification number, enter "0000000" (no quotation marks).
3. Once you've completed registration, click on the "Courses" link at the top of the page. This will display CITI courses that you have not started or may have already completed.
4. If you have not selected any courses, or need to take additional courses, click the "Add a Course" link under "Learner Tools" at the bottom of the Courses page.
5. After you have clicked "Add a Course", you will see questions that relate to the all the CITI training courses available for UAA personnel. Scroll down to Question 2, which covers the training options that apply to animal research. Check boxes that apply to the required course, "Animal Investigators, Staff and Students", which is also labeled as "Working with the IACUC" in some places, and also add any specific courses related to your activities.
6. Then click Submit button at the bottom of the page to gain access to the appropriate courses.
7. Once you have completed each training, save the IACUC certificate for future reference or protocols.

This course fulfills the formal training requirement for UAA faculty, research associates, graduate students, undergraduate students, staff, part-time help, summer interns or externs, etc. —anyone working with live vertebrates in a research, teaching, or diagnostic setting. This formal training requirement is described in the Animal Welfare Regulations and Public Health Service Policy governing the use of live vertebrates and is incorporated into the University of Alaska Anchorage Animal Care Program. Please be aware that certain activities or procedures may require demonstration of competence or additional hands-on training. This may be arranged through the UAA Attending Veterinarian.

The primary goal of this course is to promote a sensitivity and concern for the needs of the research animal and to ensure that optimal care is provided. Not only is this required under a wide range of regulations and guidelines, but the proper housing and handling of vertebrates with a focus on the reduction of pain and distress will ultimately lead to better results in research, teaching, or diagnostics.

All protocols reviewed by the IACUC will require completion of the Working with the IACUC course, and other relevant courses.  No individual may conduct or participate in any activity involving live vertebrates until they have completed the appropriate courses and training. It is the principal investigator's or instructor's responsibility to ensure that all individuals involved in their research or course receive proper training.   

Any problems with the IACUC training site should be reported to the IACUC Coordinator at 907-786-0916.