Emory Fiscal Mitigation and the DAR

This page was created as a point of reference to document the DAR's response to Emory University fiscal mitigation. The latest updates and news on this process as it relates to animal resources will appear below as the news is released, Please check back often.

Dear colleagues,

Summary: This message outlines the necessary adjustments to DAR services and recharges in response to university fiscal mitigation.

Details: Like all Emory academic units, DAR is adapting to current financial constraints through strategic mitigation efforts. To minimize the impact on research, we are prioritizing essential services by holding certain vacancies and delaying non-critical purchases. Additional updates to services are outlined below.

These decisions are being made with input from the Animal Resources Advisory Committee, which consists of investigators who use our services, and SOM Research Administration. Changes will be implemented in phases, beginning May 1, 2025. Additional adjustments are likely in September, pending potential shifts in federal policies that may further impact university funding. Details of adjustments to be made May 1 and June 1 are below.

Our top priority remains high-quality animal care and support of your research.  Please see DAR’s website for services offered (https://cores.emory.edu/dar/).  In particular, our technical assistance program may be helpful (https://redcap.emory.edu/surveys/?s=YX89L4FMM8N73N4J).  

We are aware that labs are adjusting their activity, and some are reducing their census.  Below is a very brief survey (3-5 questions) regarding the rationale for that and enquiring how the DAR can help you.  We would be grateful if you would complete the survey.  And, lastly, if you’d like to share a kind word with a DAR staff member, please do so by emailing DAR customer service at DARcust@emory.edu. 

We are all in this together and we thank you for your partnership and understanding,

Sincerely,

Dr. Mook and Dr. Quave

Deborah Mook, DVM, DACLAM
Executive Director, Division of Animal Resources
Associate Professor, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
Emory University School of Medicine

Cassandra L. Quave, PhD
Thomas J. Lawley, MD Professor of Dermatology
Associate Professor of Dermatology and Human Health
Associate Dean for Core Facilities
Emory University School of Medicine 

Brief survey

Recharges: Adjustments are described below and can be viewed on the attached rate sheet.

  • Mid-year rate increase: Effective May 1, there will be a 2% increase in all rates (per diems and recharged services) except for aquatics.  We have evaluated this increase and determined that no cost center is over-recovering and all remain heavily subsidized by SOM.
  • Training: Two new fees will be implemented: 1) a cancellation fee and 2) a recharge for training requiring a faculty veterinarian, to be assessed at the published hourly rate. Additional recharges for skills training may be added in the future.
  • New species/new investigator set up fee: A cost structure for setting up new investigators will be designed.  For each new activity, we will develop appropriate charges to recover the costs, and these will be shared with the department and/or PI. 
  • Rodent surgery suites: Effective June 1, use of rodent surgery suites will no longer be free; labs will be recharged to cover consumables, equipment maintenance, and staff time.  Room consolidation may occur to preserve resources. Details on the new recharge process will be shared soon via email, signage and DAR TV.
  • Animal Care Technical Assistance: To further support researchers, we are launching a new animal care technical assistance program. Beginning June 1, researchers may request help from animal care technicians for tasks that do not require the specialized skills of veterinary technicians.

Adjustments to services        

  • Facility access: To streamline the access process, investigators will be responsible for submitting proof of completed training and required approvals directly to DAR Security for key card activation and specific door access requests. This change is designed to expedite access once documentation is received. Guides on finding and uploading documentation are in the process of being developed and will be available shortly. 
  • Large animal surgery Reduced capacity may lead to scheduling constraints, requiring flexibility from research teams, and benefiting from scheduling in advance.  While emergency procedures will be accommodated as needed, advance scheduling of routine surgeries will help ensure optimal resource use. DAR will no longer provide training in anesthesia for survival surgeries. However, DAR staff can train investigative teams in animal recovery and terminal procedures. Training by a faculty veterinarian remains available at the published hourly rate.
  • Room consolidation: Consolidating rooms helps reduce staff workload and equipment wear. If it won’t impact your research, please consider consolidation and discuss options with your building manager.

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