Ahead of the ARCH go-live on September 30, 2026, we will send weekly updates covering essential action items and priorities for the upcoming week. This week’s items include:
Action Required
1. Current Census Data Collection
- The census data collection Google sheets will be distributed today (September 8) to PIs, Primary Contacts, and Responsible Users and are due on September 14. The specific details needed for the review will be in the instructions tab of the Google Sheet.
- Failure to review and update the data, including providing the number of animals in each cage, may result in a formula being applied to all of your cages and the deduction of additional available animals from your protocol.
2. Breeding Protocol Animal Numbers
- Investigators with breeding protocols will receive a request for information regarding how many animals have been bred in house. Please look for an email with the subject, “Action Required: IACUC Protocol In-House Bred Numbers Needed“ from [email protected] and return it no later than September 14.
3. Topical Training Sessions Begin Today
- Hybrid training kicks off today at 10 a.m. with an ARCH Overview (register for webinar or join us in HSEC 2-132). See the schedule for available sessions throughout September.
Clarification of training requirements:
- The only required training for ARCH is the ARCH Orientation and Navigation Training Hub course. This must be completed before receiving access to the system. Individuals are encouraged to complete this course as soon as possible, to gain access to the training system before September 30.
- All other training resources are provided after the Training Hub course is completed and include: training exercises, how-to guides, videos, and hybrid topical sessions. These resources are optional. Individual users should determine the most appropriate method to fit their learning style.
For Awareness
Entering Animal Census Changes
Beginning on September 14, the RAR Business Office will be entering animal census changes into both our legacy system and ARCH.
- To maintain an accurate record in ARCH, we will ask labs to place a sticker on the backside of each activation or temp card placed into the cage card outbox.
- Stickers will be printed and provided in each animal room. On the sticker, the lab must indicate the total number of animals housed within the cage.
- Optionally, labs can also include the strain, gender, and birthdate of the animals within the newly activated cage. If no strain, gender, or birthdate are indicated on the sticker, a default value will be entered into ARCH.
Colony Management in ARCH
While ARCH requires a record for every animal, extensive use of the colony management functionality is not required. Many of the data elements will flow in through the animal procurement and weaning processes. Labs will be required to:
- Update each animal’s pain category when animals are transferred or exited from the system
- Provide a secondary identifier and use the health record portion when there are issues affecting animal welfare.
Lab Concerns
As you proceed through ARCH training, learning the functionality and workflows, please reach out to [email protected] with any questions or concerns. This includes those needing assistance with devices to use in the vivariums. We understand that no two labs are the same, and we want to make sure we're meeting the needs of every lab.
System Issues
If you experience any issues, including slowness with page reloading, please contact [email protected]. We want to address any issues that occur promptly.
For questions, please contact [email protected] or visit the ARCH website for more details and FAQs.