These are the questions we hear most often from families and support networks. If your question isn’t answered here, contact the Office of Student Services — we are glad to help with what we can share.
Why isn’t my student always available?
Veterinary school is comparable to more than a full-time job. Students manage lectures, labs, clinical skills sessions, and frequent exams — often simultaneously. During exam periods, late nights and weekend study sessions are the norm, not the exception. Reduced availability is a sign that your student is managing a demanding workload, not a sign that something is wrong.
What is the Veterinary Educational Assessment (VEA)?
The VEA is a nationally standardized assessment taken during Year 2. It evaluates students’ foundational knowledge and readiness to progress toward clinical training. Preparation for the VEA typically begins weeks in advance and represents one of the higher-stress periods of the pre-clinical years.
Why is Year 4 so different from the earlier years?
Year 4 is the clinical year (DVTP — Distributed Veterinary Teaching Program). Instead of attending classes on campus, students complete full-time clinical rotations at approved veterinary sites. These sites may require travel, and schedules are determined by the site rather than the college calendar. Early mornings, evenings, weekends, and on-call duties are common. It is a major lifestyle shift, and students often benefit from extra patience and encouragement during this transition.
What is the NAVLE?
The North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) is the national licensing exam required to practice veterinary medicine. It is typically taken during or after the clinical year. Preparing for the NAVLE while managing clinical responsibilities is a significant challenge, and this period often involves heightened stress and reduced availability.
How can I help if my student is struggling?
The most helpful things you can do are listen without judgment, validate their experience, and encourage them to connect with the college’s support resources. The Office of Student Services, the SMART mentoring program, the PASS peer support program, and the CVM Student Health & Wellness Center are all available to students at no additional cost. If your student expresses feelings of hopelessness or you are seriously concerned for their safety or wellbeing, the USU CARE Team is available and can coordinate a supportive response.
Can I contact the college about my student’s performance or situation?
Due to federal privacy laws (FERPA — the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act), the college cannot share information about a student’s academic performance, standing, or personal situation without the student’s explicit written consent. If your student has designated you as an authorized delegate, we can speak with you directly. For general program questions — not specific to your student — we are happy to help. For emergencies, contact 911. For serious wellbeing concerns, contact the USU CARE Team.
What if I have serious concerns about my student’s wellbeing?
If you believe your student is in immediate danger, contact 911. For serious but non-emergency wellbeing concerns, you can contact the USU CARE Team, who can coordinate a supportive, confidential response. You may also contact the CVM Office of Student Services, and we will do our best to support your student within the boundaries of applicable privacy law.
What is FERPA and why does it matter?
FERPA (the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) is a federal law that protects the privacy of students’ educational records. Once a student is enrolled in a post-secondary institution, those records belong to the student — not the parents or family. The college cannot confirm or discuss grades, academic standing, or personal situations with family members without the student’s consent. This is not a bureaucratic barrier — it is a legal protection for your student.