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DVM Years 1-3 Student Handbook

DVM Years 1-3 Program Handbook and Policy Manual

The policies and procedures for the classroom component (Years 1-3 or the 1st and 2nd Classroom Experience) of the DVM program are included in this handbook. These policies and procedures will be applied during the current Academic Year. By accepting admittance to the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, you will be held to the policies and procedures included in this handbook. Students will be notified in the event that a policy or procedure is changed.

Updated February 2, 2023.


2.1 Guidelines for Enrollment, Drop/Add, Scheduling Changes & Auditing

        2.1.1 Curriculum
        2.1.2 Enrollment
        2.1.3 Dropping/Adding courses in the Second Classroom Experience
        2.1.4 Dropping an Elective after the Drop Deadline
        2.1.5 Dropping an Animal/Cadaver/Capped Elective after the Early Drop Deadline
        2.1.6 Auditing Courses

2.2 Guidelines for Attendance and Excused Absences

        2.2.1 Attendance
        2.2.2 Excused Absences
                   2.2.2.1 Approved Reasons
                   2.2.2.2 Notification
                   2.2.2.3 Guidelines for Excused Absences involving Illness
                   2.2.2.4 Guidelines for Excused Absences for Professional Purposes (Years 1-3)
                   2.2.2.5 Guidelines for Excused Absences for Laboratory Classes and Exams
                   2.2.2.6 Guidelines for Rescheduling Missed Required Activities
                   2.2.2.7 Guidelines for Rescheduling Missed Required Activities and MDL
                   2.2.2.8 Guidelines for Unexcused Absences for Mandatory Assessments

2.3 Guidelines for Canceled Classes and Non-Appearance of Instructors

        2.3.1 Cancelled Classes
        2.3.2 Procedure for Non-Appearance of an Instructor

2.4 Guidelines for Assessment

        2.4.1 Dates and Lengths of Exams
        2.4.2 Intra-Semester Examination Procedures
        2.4.3 Use of Electronic Devices during Assessments
        2.4.4 Late Submission of Exams and Assignments
        2.4.5 Exam Accommodations
                   2.4.4.1 Types of Assessments with Accommodations Provided in the College
                   2.4.4.2 Scheduling and Administration of Accommodations
                   2.4.4.3 Responsibilities of Students with Accommodations
        2.4.6 Exam Reviews and Posting of Exam Results
        2.4.7 Grading System
        2.4.8 Guidelines for Calculation Scores
        2.4.9 Guidelines for Calculation of Class Rank
        2.4.10 Submission of Grades and Incomplete (“I”) Grades
        2.4.11 Appeal of a Final DVM Course Grade
                   2.4.11.1 Assignments of Grades and Criteria for Grade Appeals
                   2.4.11.2 Grade Appeal Policy
                   2.4.11.3 Appeal of a Grade that has Resulted in Dismissal
                   2.4.11.4 Progression to Clerkships and Grade Appeals

2.5 Policies for Academic Progression

        2.5.1 Standards for Academic Progress
                   2.5.1.1 Pass/Fail
                   2.6.1.2 Credit Number Required for Progression to Second Clinical Time
                   2.5.1.3 Automatic Dismissal for Academic Causes
                   2.5.1.4 Advancement Exams
                   2.5.1.5 Repeating Courses
        2.5.2 Guidelines for Withdrawal and Reinstatement after Voluntary or Involuntary Withdrawal
        2.5.3 Students “At Risk” during First Classroom Experience

2.6 FERPA Waiver

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