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Topaz upgrade to go live on March 3

Jan 29, 2026

Topaz Elements will be upgraded on March 3, 2026. The update will have significant impacts to animal protocols and orders/census. Please note the following critical information.

What is changing

Phase 1 (from March 3)

  • Topaz will be accessible via web browser, as opposed to Desktop App. Mac users will no longer need to use the Remote Desktop. The URL for accessing Topaz will be circulated by email to all users prior to March 3.
  • On the upgraded version of Topas, the Experimental Groups section will look slightly different due to data mapping. All historical Experimental Group data has been retained via PDF if labs require it in the future.
  • Topaz will have an improved search function and a robust spellcheck feature.

Phase 2 (expected mid-March)

  • Topaz login will be done via Single Sign On (SSO) on campus or via the Campus VPN when off campus. No more Topaz passwords to maintain and no need to use FortiClient on campus.

Important dates

  • Monday, February 23 to Monday, March 2: Blackout period – Topaz will be unavailable.
  • Friday, February 13 at 12 pm: Protocol submission cutoff for renewals, amendments, etc.
  • There will be no February UACC meeting: submissions will be pushed to the March 25 meeting.
  • Tuesday, February 17 at 12 pm: Deadline for all commercial orders with delivery date on the week of February 23 and/or March 2.
  • Wednesday, February 18 at 11:59 pm: Submission cutoff for cage card requests (non-commercial orders).
  • Tuesday, March 3: Upgraded Topaz launch. Full access to the system resumes.
  • Week of March 16: Single Sign On changes to login will be activated.

Other considerations

  • Plan ahead for the 8-day blackout and submit pending actions before the cutoff.
  • Individuals with protocols in a Returned for Modification or Unsubmitted state have been contacted directly for guidance.
  • All outstanding cage cards must be stopped by Sunday, February 22, 11:59 pm.
  • Inventory will be performed Monday, February 23, therefore no animals should be moved on that day.
  • From February 23 to March 2 no cage cards can be stopped or transferred in Topaz. Labs are responsible for completing these actions upon March 3.
  • E-mail the  UACC Coordinator with any requests for urgent amendments during the blackout period.