Student Academic Policies
Students of the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine are directed to Graduate School and campus resources that detail general policies and procedures. The Graduate student catalog outlines general information for all graduate students and the University student handbook Hilltopics further expands on valuable information and links covering every element of student life at UT. These elements include academics, student support services and resources, student governing bodies and organizations, and campus policies and procedures. Professional veterinary students’ primary resource about the college program and community, as well as local procedures, is the DVM student handbook, updated annually. See Handbooks and Policies for access.
Deferred Matriculation
An admitted student may request deferred matriculation after being admitted to the professional DVM program. Admitted students who wish to defer matriculation must consult with the Director of Admissions and Enrollment Services or the Assistant Dean for Students. Permission for a one-time deferral will be granted by the Associate Dean for a period of one or two years following the initial year of admission. Students must confirm their intent to enroll at least 90 days prior to the start of the relevant fall semester.
Withdrawal
Matriculated students may withdraw from the professional curriculum before the term has ended for academic, health, or personal reasons. Students should consult with the Assistant Dean for Students or the Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs to aid in the withdrawal process. Students who withdraw and are in good academic standing may be readmitted at the discretion of the Associate Dean. The process for withdrawal is defined by UTK. Students should consult Hilltopics and the Graduate Catalog, which describe general withdrawal procedures, academic dismissal and suspension, and appeals.
Students who withdraw from the professional program are asked to declare their withdrawal in writing to the Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs. Specific instructions and/or reenrollment terms will be provided in writing upon receipt of the withdrawal letter.
Tuition and Fee Refunds
Because the veterinary admissions process is a competitive process for a restricted number of seats, tuition and mandatory fees paid to reserve registration may not be refunded, and refunds may depend on the college’s ability to fill the vacated seat. Full or partial refunds are issued by the Bursar’s Office. Tuition and fees generally will NOT be refunded when withdrawal or deferral is requested after the first day of classes for the relevant semester of withdrawal. Students have the right to submit an appeal for an exception to the refund policy as described here if extenuating circumstance(s) exist. Appeals may be made to the Associate Dean following the general procedures and for the approved reasons outlined for UTK students at Bursar. Decisions made by the Associate Dean can be appealed to the Dean of the college. Any pending tuition or fees owed to the university must be paid before re-enrollment will be allowed.
Academic Status
Each student must remain in good academic standing as he/she progress through the DVM degree curriculum. We expect all students to perform at a high level, given the importance of content and application for practicing veterinarians. A student may be suspended and will be placed on academic probation when his/her cumulative GPA falls below the minimum acceptable level or if clinical performance or professional behavior falls short of expectations. Academic dismissal is the end result of a pattern of receiving grades that are below the college’s standards for good academic status. Updated academic standards and requirements for progression are described more fully in the professional DVM student handbook.
Faculty Advising Program
Each incoming veterinary student is assigned to a faculty advisor at the beginning of their first semester. The process attempts to pair students with faculty with similar subject, personal or career interests when possible. At this stage, advising is intended to be primarily academic. Each semester the academic adviser and student are expected to meet to review academic progress. However, depending on the rapport established, some students consult with their faculty advisor for non-academic mentoring as well. Advisement may entail assisting with student resource identification, help with academic progress, selection and supervision of the clinical electives, career choices, etc.
The Office of the Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, and the Director of the Veterinary Social Work program are also available to all veterinary students for counseling on academic, financial, or personal problems. When appropriate, referral can be made to other on campus or off-campus resources, such as psychological or learning support assessments, long-term counselors, psychiatric services, mental health clinics, rehabilitation and recovery services, etc.
Tutoring Services
Student tutors are available through SCAVMA and the Office of the Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs. Interested students are encouraged to contact the SCAVMA Vice President or the Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs to arrange tutoring assistance.
Other Student Support Services
UTCVM students are supported by a team of individuals including the preclinical and clinical phase coordinators, the health and safety coordinator and instructional resources personnel. Registration, class and examination scheduling, clinical placements, IT support, and assistance with injury, illness or basic needs is provided within the college.
