Triennial Expiration

AUPs are approved for three years and it is important to remember that all activities described in the protocol must halt on or before the expiration date. Additionally, the IACUC is not allowed under federal regulation to extend the approval period beyond the original expiration date.

iRIS will send a system generated notification to the PI when the AUP nears expiration. The PI must take action in a timely manner to address the expiring protocol and may choose to close the AUP, or continue the work by combining the project with another AUP or submitting a new or copied AUP in iRIS. See the applicable iRIS Manual for additional help with these processes (Texas A&M NetID authentication required), or contact the Animal Welfare Office staff at 979.845.1828 or animalcompliance@tamu.edu for assistance.

If the project is complete:

• Submit the Final Report of Expiring AUP in iRIS prior to the expiration date to close the AUP
• The PI must ensure there are no animals remaining on the AUP prior to closure. Animals may be transferred to another AUP, if applicable.

If the project is continuing:

• The PI may elect to:
  • Submit a new or copied AUP in iRIS to replace the expiring AUP
  • Combine the continuing activity from the expiring AUP with another AUP that has a similar scope of work. This may be done by amendment or by starting a new, combined AUP in iRIS. It is best to work with the AWO Animal Activity Liaison staff when selecting this option.
• The amendment, new/copied or combined AUP must be approved before the old AUP expires for continuing activities. This is especially critical if animals remain on the expiring AUP. Working with the AWO staff on your draft before submission in iRIS may help speed the IACUC review and approval process, though prompt submission is still advised.