Summer enrichment program prepares students for Tuskegee veterinary curriculum
August 02, 2017
Contact: Anissa L. Riley, Director of External Affairs
Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine, 334-724-4509
Students from across the U.S. recently completed a seven-week program, hosted by Tuskegee University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, designed to prepare them to apply to and succeed in a collegiate veterinary program.
The college’s Summer Enrichment and Reinforcement Program is a long-standing enhancement program that has benefitted students for more than 30 years. This year’s cohort included 18 students nearing the completion of their bachelor’s degrees, nearing application for admittance to the veterinary program, and currently enrolled and desiring additional academic enrichment.
“SERP has proven to be a very useful program to help motivated students who may need an extra edge to succeed in a demanding veterinary curriculum,” said Dr. Roslyn Casimir-Whittington, the college’s interim associate dean for academic and student affairs, and an assistant professor in the Department of Pathobiology.
The program seeks to improve students’ ability to process scientific concepts, as well as their critical thinking and academic survival skills, which include effective communication, note-taking, time management, and test-taking. During the seven-week, on-campus program, students were introduced to all areas of the veterinary medical curriculum, such as veterinary anatomy, pathology, parasitology, pharmacology, necropsy, large and small animal surgery, and public health. At the end of the program, SERP participants present a clinical case to college faculty, who provide the students with constructive feedback.
“During SERP, I learned how to handle a large workload without becoming too stressed. I also acquired techniques to minimize my test anxiety, which will help me as I move forward in my education,” said program participant Danielle Bass, a doctoral veterinary medicine candidate from Frankfort, Kentucky.
In addition, the college expanded SERP programming to address a rising epidemic of suicide within the veterinary medical profession. This year, wellness activities reinforced the importance of achieving work-life balance and included mindfulness-focused walking, coloring and meditation; playing golf; and participating in Zumba and tai chi classes.
“Health and wellness have become a major focus in veterinary medical education and the veterinary profession, and we are finding innovative ways to promote better well-being among our students,” said Dr. Ruby L. Perry, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine.
To learn more about Tuskegee University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and its summer programs, visit www.tuskegee.edu/vetmed.
© 2017 Tuskegee University