To the Campus Community:

Oregon State University is the leading public research university in Oregon. With a record $275 million in research funding in fiscal year 2010, the impact of our research enterprise is felt across the state, nation and globe. As a result, Oregon State increasingly attracts high-achieving students with nationally recognized programs in areas such as conservation biology, agricultural sciences, fisheries and wildlife, public health, pharmacy, zoology and others. With this broad impact, it is essential that the OSU community holds itself to the highest standards for conducting research responsibly.


In this pursuit and spirit of excellence, I am pleased to announce a significant step that Oregon State University is undertaking to build and document the quality and breadth of our research activities. OSU has initiated efforts to attain accreditation of our vertebrate animal program, including all teaching, research and testing activities through the Association for the Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International (AAALAC). In preparing for accreditation, we will undergo a comprehensive self-evaluation, designed to mirror AAALAC’s own review process.  Our ultimate goal of being awarded AAALAC accreditation will attest to the commitment of humane care and use of animals in all of our teaching, research and related activities that is part of our daily life at OSU.


Over the next 11 months, a team of dedicated individuals led by Vice President for Research Richard Spinrad will prepare documents, facilities and personnel for assessment and review of all animal facilities and university processes that govern our use of animals on campus.   To accomplish this in a timely manner, I request the participation of all members of the university community in assisting the assessment team completing this assessment. Once completed, these materials will be submitted to AAALAC in August 2011.  Upon receiving these materials, AAALAC will review the materials submitted, and then, in the Fall of 2011, a team of AAALAC reviewers will arrive on campus to conduct a detailed review and on-site assessment of our program. We fully expect this team to affirm the high standards our faculty, students and staff routinely employ in their work involving animals.


Accreditation from AAALAC will attest to our funding agencies and regulating agencies that we are leaders in the humane care and use of animals in our research and teaching activities.

Edward J. Ray
President