At the beginning of Year 1, veterinary students are assigned a faculty advisor for their first two semesters. The Office of Student Affairs is responsible for making these assignments. Primary goals for advisors include establishing rapport and trust with advisees, discussing roles and expectations of advisor/advisee, evaluating and assisting advisee with his/her adjustment to vet school, and discussing advisee’s future plans, aspirations, and preferences. Advisors should contact and/or meet with their advisees throughout the semester to ensure they are aware of resources available (academic counseling, mental health counseling, tutoring, etc.). Advisors work closely with the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs and the Director of Academic Success to identify students who need additional help or accountability.
In the remaining semesters of the program, students will be able to establish a mentoring relationship with a faculty member of their choosing so long as the faculty member agrees to be a “career advisor” for the purposes of aiding in clinical year planning.