Animal Research ~ University of Mississippi Vivarium

University of Mississippi Vivarium Space Assignment Guidelines

Developed and unanimously endorsed by the Task Force on UMV Space Allocation, with representation from NCNPR, Biology, Pharmacology, Pharmaceutics, Pharmacognosy, Psychology, NCPA, & ORSP

All reasonable efforts will be made to meet the space needs of investigators without jeopardizing accreditation standards or the health and well-being of animals. Users who have compatible species and compatible protocols may be required to share rooms.

Three principles apply to the priority guidelines below:

1. All room assignments are temporary.
2. Sponsored research has highest priority.
3. Some space must be available for unsponsored research.

Priority (highest to lowest)

• Sponsored research (peer reviewed competitive research from major federal agencies, e.g., NIH, USDA, FDA, CDC, DOD, and other grants and contracts, e.g., industry, foundation, earmarks)
  1. With indirect cost recovery
  2. Without indirect cost recovery
• Unsponsored research
  3. Interdisciplinary projects with anticipated outcomes of publications and/or grant applications
  4. Unsponsored individual investigators with anticipated outcomes of publications and/or grant applications
  5. Graduate student research
  6. Undergraduate student research

Space Allocation Decision-Making Procedures

1. Space requests are made by completing the UMV Space Use Application Form.
2. If there is available space, the University Veterinarian will make space assignments. New PIs or PIs with expanded space needs should also try to capitalize on the strong collegiality among PIs conducting research in the UMV and work out sharing space.
3. If appropriate and adequate space is not available, the UMV Space Use Application will be forwarded to the UM Vivarium Advisory Committee (UMVAC; composed of representatives from departments and units with vertebrate animal PIs ) for recommendations. These recommendations will be forwarded to the Vice Chancellor for Research and Sponsored Programs who will make the final decision.

UMV Space Use Application Procedures

Optimum space allocation requires anticipating future space needs. No commitment of UMV space in grant applications or contracts or during faculty searches may be made without review of a UMV Space Use Application. Department chairs and unit directors searching for new faculty and PIs applying for grants and contracts should consult the University Veterinarian or Director of Research Integrity and Compliance as early as possible on future space needs.

• New faculty candidates
  1. Candidates submit a UMV Space Use Application to the University Veterinarian.
  2. The University Veterinarian and/or the Director of Research Integrity and Compliance assesses feasibility and limits of conducting the research in the UMV and consult the UMVAC as needed.
  3. The final space commitment depends on space available when the candidate receives an offer.
• PIs applying for grants and contracts
  1. PIs submit a UMV Space Use Application to the University Veterinarian, indicating either that 1) existing space is adequate (i.e., they can work in shared space or in space currently assigned to them) or 2) new space will be needed.
  2. The University Veterinarian and/or the Director of Research Integrity and Compliance reviews the Application, consult the UMVAC as needed, and approves sign-off for space under IACUC on the transmittal sheet.
  3. The final space commitment depends on space available at the time of award (e.g., sharing space could become necessary).

Revised 03/19/2006