General Information

This handbook is designed to serve as a guide for the academic D.V.M. program. On its pages, you will find descriptions of many of the opportunities Tufts offers and the policies, rules and regulations governing all aspects of your status as a student and as a member and representative of the Tufts Community. The University reserves the right to make changes, without notice, of any course offering, requirement, policy, regulation, date, and financial or other information contained in the handbook. We reserve the right to correct any clerical errors that may appear in this handbook.

Cummings School

Accreditation

Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University (Cummings School) is currently fully accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Council on Education. As an accredited program, Cummings School’s D.V.M. program meets the educational requirements for professional licensure in all states in the U.S. (Current and prospective students are reminded that other licensure requirements exist on a state-by-state basis.)

Students may offer suggestions, comments, and complaints for the School related to the Standards for Accreditation. Such comments may be made anonymously by sending them to the Dean’s or Student Affairs offices via U.S. mail or using this web form.

Mission

Cummings School serves Massachusetts, New England and beyond by providing outstanding veterinary and graduate education that prepares students to excel in diverse careers; by developing and delivering innovative, state-of-the-art veterinary care for domestic and wild animals through the discovery of new knowledge and innovations that help achieve health and well-being for all species; and by fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community and profession.

Curriculum Mission Statement

The mission of Cummings School's curriculum is to prepare graduates for independent, entry-level practice in any of the major domestic species, provide exposure to innovative Cummings School programs, and provide enough flexibility and access to resources to allow our students to pursue non-practice or non-traditional practice careers (such as public health, wildlife, international veterinary medicine, and biomedical research). The curriculum is designed to nurture students who will become leaders in developing the science, technology and ethics that will shape veterinary medicine in the future and to foster students to become
lifelong learners.

Diversity as a School Priority

Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University understands the importance of diversity, inclusion, and equity as an integral component of the educational excellence for which it is renowned. Its campus-wide efforts are underscored within Cummings School's Strategic Vision 2030 Strategic Plan with its focus on prioritizing people.

We value the many experiences and perspectives each individual member brings to our community and welcome diverse ideas and experiences. By promoting a culture that attracts, recognizes and values people as our greatest resource, Cummings School students, faculty and staff, departments, and organizations work together to create an optimal graduate and professional student experience that is respectful of diversity, inclusion, and equity practices.

Learning Communities

We encourage a diverse and inclusive learning community where students, faculty, and staff are supported to explore issues of diversity, inclusion, and equity.

Office of Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, and Climate

The Office of Community Engagement and Outreach serves as a central hub to bring awareness of and positive change regarding these issues to the entire community. The CEO office, led by Megan Rokop, Ph.D., is responsible for leadership, coordination, consultation, and strategic oversight for increasing diversity, broadly defined, at Cummings School. The Office is also responsible for building a culture of inclusion and fostering a climate of belonging in Cummings School through engagement at all levels with faculty, staff, trainees, and students. Working together with the university Provost for Institutional Inclusive Excellence and other groups, the Office seeks to raise the profile of diversity and inclusion at Cummings School, enhance communication and facilitate provision of services to students, faculty, and staff, and contribute to a culture of belonging and equity.

Tufts Veterinary Council on Diversity

The Diversity Council at Cummings School includes faculty, staff and students who meet regularly to discuss programs, initiatives, and opportunities to educate across the entire school.

Support from the Administration

All members of the Administration, including the Dean, Associate and Assistant Deans, Department Chairs, Medical Directors, and the staff of the Office of Professional Education support our students and the important educational mission of Cummings School.

Students are encouraged to contact the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs (ADSA), Associate Dean for Professional Education (ADPE), or Assistant Dean for Community Engagement and Outreach (ADCEO) for support and guidance. If any help is required with identifying resources, please contact the Office of Student Affairs.
Reasons for contacting an assistant or associate dean may include:

Occurrence of personal events that affect attendance (ADSA)
Leave of Absence requests (ADSA)
Academic difficulties (ADPE)
Advice on connecting with counselors at the school or in the region (ADSA)
Feedback on educational programs (ADPE)
Feedback on student support services (ADSA)
Mentoring on handling interpersonal issues (ADSA)
Concerns regarding diversity (ADCEO)
Information on managing professional conduct violations (e.g., exam cheating) (ADPE)

Learning Environment

Prompt Communications

Students are expected to check their email and respond promptly (within 24 hours) to emails from the Office of Professional Education, Office of Student Affairs, and course and rotation directors or their representatives. Communications with faculty, staff, and colleagues should be professional and respectful at all times.

Breaks Between Classes

Faculty and other instructors are directed to conclude lectures at 10 minutes to the hour, providing students with 10-minute breaks between classes.

Maintaining a Positive Learning Environment

Students, faculty, and staff are expected to engage in respectful dialogue. Students should bring forth concerns or complaints in a respectful and collegial manner so that a positive learning environment is maintained for both learners and educators. Students are strongly encouraged to provide feedback to Veterinary Education Review Committee (VERC) representatives and student class officers if concerns arise regarding the learning environment at Cummings School.

Disability and Accommodations

Cummings School Policy of Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity

Tufts University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in a fair and equitable manner and in accordance with applicable federal and state law, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We seek to promote a diverse and inclusive university community. Tufts Office of Equal Opportunity (OEO) urges everyone in Tufts community to join us in this commitment.

REQUESTING AN ACCOMMODATION

After reviewing the technical standards, D.V.M. students who determine that they will need reasonable accommodation, to fully engage in the program and achieve the technical standards, should contact the Accommodations Administrator to confidentially discuss their needs. Cummings School is committed to providing support services and reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities to ensure a comprehensively accessible experience. Specific accommodations for a student depend on their individual circumstances and their current experiences. Accommodations cannot be given retroactively, and should be requested as early as possible, as some accommodations may take longer than others to effectively put in place. Accommodations cannot result in change to the fundamental nature of the academic or professional training program.

For pregnancy, lactation, childcare, please refer to the Office of Student Affairs Student Information & Resource Guide.

ACCOMMODATIONS FOR NAVLE

See NAVLE website where students can access information on "Candidates with Disabilities" in the drop-down menu.

OFFICE OF EQUAL OPPORTUNITY (OEO) AND OEO REPORTING PROCEDURES

Tufts University Office of Equal Opportunity (OEO) responds to discrimination and harassment complaints, allegations of sexual misconduct and requests for accommodation from students, faculty, staff, as well as community members, visitors, and patients. They also partner with other key resources at Tufts University that have a mutual commitment of ensuring compliance with all federal, state, and local laws and that are uniformly guided by Tufts’ vision and mission.

In the event that you need to report sexual misconduct or discrimination and/or harassment to the OEO, the first thing to know is that you have choices on how you want to proceed. A report against someone does not automatically trigger an OEO investigation, and you are not “locked in” to a particular option just because you made a report. When in doubt, reach out.

Learn more about Tufts OEO and OEO reporting procedures for sexual misconduct or discrimination and/or harassment.

Office of Professional Education

WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO
The Office of Professional Education (OPE) is dedicated to supporting faculty and student endeavors in the classroom and across campus. We work to ensure excellence in teaching and learning and take pride in graduating professionals who become leaders in their field.

OFFICE OF PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION ORGANIZATIONAL STAFF