Animal Research Center Facility Access for Students and Staff

Each individual applying to work with animals or requesting access to the Animal Research Center must complete the following training and immunization requirements:

Comet Card Requirement for temporary ARC users

You will need a Comet Card to access the Animal Research Center. You will need the administrator of your program to submit a University Access Authorization Form on your behalf. You will pick up your Comet Card at the Comet Center, Student Union Building 2.204.

Step 1: Online Training

Description: These online training modules are designed to provide an understanding of animal research regulations and proper care and handling of animals in a research setting.

Log-in Instructions:

Username: utdallas
Password: bell

Required Modules

1. The Base Module (The Humane Care & Use of Laboratory Animals)
2. The Safety Module (Occupational Health & Safety)
3. The Species Module (One or more of the species-specific modules pertaining to your research)

Optional Technique Modules **

1. Aseptic Surgery of Rodents
2. Anesthesia and Analgesia of Rodents

** Both are strongly recommended if you will be performing surgery.

Step 2: Immunization Requirements

Description: UT Dallas and IACUC policy require that individuals working with animals receive a Tetanus immunization. If you have already received a Tetanus immunization, please submit the record to the Office of Research Compliance (ORC). The immunization must not be older than 10 years, or you will have to be re-immunized. A tetanus immunization can be obtained from UTD Health Services.

Instructions: Proof of tetanus immunization (shot record) must be provided to ORC prior to obtaining access to the Vivarium.

Office of Research Compliance
Email Contact: Sofi Berhane
Phone: 972-883-4595
Drop Off: Administration (AD) Building 3.218
Fax: 972.883.2310

Step 3: Orientation (by appointment only)

Description: This training is provided by Kathan McCallister, Animal Programs Manager, and is designed to acclimate the individual to the handling of animals and provide training on proper techniques.

Instructions: Steps 1 and 2 must be completed prior to scheduling an appointment for Orientation. Should an individual attempt to attend Orientation without an appointment, that individual will be turned away. If you have completed the requirements and would like to schedule an appointment, contact Sofi Berhane at 972-883-4595 or sofanit.berhane@utdallas.edu.

Techniques and items covered:

• Vivarium tour
• Supplies
• First Aid
• Policies and SOPs, (i.e. needle stick policy, occupational safety, etc.)
• Acclimation to animal handling (upon request)
• Injections (upon request)
• Gavaging (upon request)
• Blood draw (upon request)

Step 4: Building Access Form

Instructions: This form must be signed by your Faculty Sponsor and returned to the Office of Research Compliance before access can be granted.

To acquire the form, contact Sofi Berhane.

Step 5: NSERL Badge

Description: Upon completion of the above four steps, the individual's Comet Card will be activated and a photo ID badge will be issued.

Instructions: Photo ID badges can be obtained at the Comet Center, Student Union (SU) 2.204. http://www.utdallas.edu/cometcenter/.

If you are having trouble obtaining a badge, contact Sofi Berhane.