One of the primary goals of the Arkansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine (A-State CVM) Office of Admissions, Students, and Research is to enhance the academic, research, and personal experiences of our DVM and graduate students through outstanding student support services. These services will be delivered collaboratively through the CVM’s OASR and through Arkansas State University’s main campus.
In addition to general student support services, A-State CVM’s student services are designed to promote every student’s (1) Academic Success, (2) Mental Health and Wellness, (3) Financial Wellness, and (4) Career Fulfillment.
Below are overviews of planned DVM student services.
General Student Supportive Services
Each class of DVM students will be supported by a dedicated Academic Year Coordinator alongside the Associate Dean for Admissions, Students, and Research. Together this team will general student supportive services such course registration, scheduling, and academic logistics.
DVM students will have the opportunity to live in University Housing or will be connected to resources provided by Student Affairs for off-campus housing. Regardless of where they live, all students can take advantage of campus dining options such as Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, Freshens, Godfather’s pizza, and the Acansa Dining hall, which serves as the primary location for DVM students who elect to purchase an A-State meal plan. Students may park on campus after purchasing a student parking permit. All students are welcome at a wide variety of sport events, concerts and performances.
Canadian and other international students will receive immigration and visa assistance in collaboration with the A-State International Programs office.
Academic Success
From orientation onward, DVM students will be paired with a faculty mentor (advisor) to support their professional development. Faculty members will provide academic guidance alongside future peer-to-peer and graduate student tutoring programs.
Through A-State Learning Support Services, DVM students can also work with Academic Success Coaches to strengthen executive functioning skills, including, but not limited to, time management, organization, motivation, and study strategies.
The OASR team will partner with Access and Accommodations Services (AAS) to ensure students with disabilities have equitable access to the DVM program. Additionally, DVM students who are pregnant, or plan to become pregnant, will receive tailored support through collaboration with the Title IX Office and Environmental Health and Safety to ensure appropriate accommodations for the health and safety of both mother and child.
Mental Health and Wellness
All DVM students receive free access to the Wilson Counseling Center which is fully accredited by the International Accreditation of Counseling Services (IACS). The counseling center employs six, full-time counselors and two interns who provide individual and group counselling sessions. Teletherapy will also be available through St. Bernards Behavioral Health for when students are away from Jonesboro.
All DVM students have access to the Wellness Program which features programs including group fitness classes and wellness education. Students will have access to a variety of recreational opportunities including intramural sports, the Student Activity Center, and the Red W.O.L.F Center. As the CVM community grows, DVM student organizations will be developed to further enhance the student experience and to foster a sense of belonging in collaboration with the A-State Leadership Center.
Financial Wellness
DVM students are eligible for financial aid assistance through the A-State Financial Aid Office. In collaboration with the OASR , this office also administers both internal and external scholarships awarded to DVM students.
DVM students experiencing temporary financial hardship will be able to apply for assistance through the Philanthropy Council Student Emergency Fund, a one-time award to help with student account debt, tuition, and/or fees.
Beyond financial aid and scholarships, students will benefit from resources offered by the Center for Economic Education and Financial Literacy (CEEFL), including one-on-one financial counseling
Career Fulfillment
In partnership with A-State Career Development and Engagement (CDE), DVM students will have access to a variety of services including cover letter and resume reviews, mock interviews, etiquette training (e.g. how to approach an interview meal), career planning, and customized career workshops for our DVM students. The CDE maintains a job board which may be accessed by A-State students and alumni.
Each year, the CVM will host career fairs and continuing education events to help connect our students with clinical affiliate partners, offering pathways for summer employment, clinical year placements, and post-graduate positions.
