ACUC Frequently Asked Questions
When must I use the Research Administration Management Portal (RAMP)?
Beginning January 31, 2019, RAMP will be available for new protocol submissions and triennial rewrites. The ACUC will continue to accept new protocol submissions and triennial rewrites using current forms until 11:59 p.m. on February 28, 2019, to allow investigators who may have begun protocol drafts using current forms an opportunity to complete drafts and submit. Beginning at 12 a.m. on March 1, 2019, new protocols submission and triennial rewrites must be submitted in RAMP.
Amendments (significant changes) to existing protocols will be submitted using current forms until a triennial rewrite is entered in RAMP.
How do I access the system?
Beginning January 31, 2019, RAMP will be available within the myFSU portal as an icon under the myFSU Links section. The system is designed to be part of the single sign-on process, allowing users to conveniently access RAMP along with other university systems within a single platform using one set of login credentials. RAMP can also be accessed through clicking on the link within an email notification generated by the system as action items appear in a user’s inbox.
My protocol was approved prior to the RAMP implementation. Will I be forced to convert my protocol to the RAMP system immediately?
No. Existing protocols will be managed through the current ACUC process until the time of triennial rewrite submission. Amendments (significant changes) to existing protocols will be submitted using current forms until a triennial rewrite is entered in RAMP.
Will existing animal protocols automatically be converted to RAMP?
No. At the time of triennial rewrite submission, investigators will enter their protocols in the RAMP system.
What process should be used to submit a modification to an existing animal protocol?
Amendments (significant changes) to existing protocols will be submitted using the current forms until a triennial rewrite is entered in RAMP. Amendments to protocols in the RAMP system will be submitted in RAMP.
What process should be used to submit a triennial rewrite?
The ACUC will accept triennial rewrites using current forms until 11:59 p.m. on February 28, 2019. Beginning at 12 a.m. on March 1, 2019, triennial rewrites must be submitted in RAMP.
What process should be used to submit new protocols?
The ACUC will accept new protocols using current forms until 11:59 p.m. on February 28, 2019. Beginning at 12 a.m. on March 1, 2019, new protocols must be submitted in RAMP.
Will I receive notifications of updates on the status of my protocols?
The Principal Investigator (PI) and the protocol’s primary contact will be notified via email when an action is required on the protocol. These individuals will also be notified via email when a final determination is made on the protocol. Although the PI or team members can log into RAMP to view the status of protocols, notifications will not be sent for every status update.
How do I learn to use the new system?
Laboratory Animal Resources will offer protocol development workshops to assist researchers with the transition to RAMP. These workshops will walk participants through completing the online protocol form, offer best practices for responding to protocol prompts and reviewer comments, and provide ample opportunity for questions and answers. The workshops are scheduled for January 17, 24, 31 and February 7, 14, 21, 28 at 1:30 p.m. Additional workshops will be held on January 18 and February 4 at 9:30 a.m. To register, email Lbrown5@fsu.edu (each class is limited to the first 8 respondents).
How do I get assistance with questions?
Please email ramp-acuc@research.fsu.edu with any questions related to using the ACUC module within RAMP. This email account will be monitored frequently throughout the day and your question will be addressed timely by the most knowledgeable person related to your inquiry.