Introduction
The mission of the Office of Student Affairs is to promote the physical, emotional, psychological, social, academic, and professional wellbeing of students enrolled in the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program at Xavier University School of Veterinary Medicine (XUSOVM).
Through partnerships with healthcare providers, counselors, fitness facilities, community organizations, and wellness professionals, XUSOVM strives to provide comprehensive and integrated support services that foster student wellness, resilience, academic success, and personal growth.
The University recognizes that veterinary medical education is rigorous and demanding. Therefore, promoting student wellbeing is considered an essential component of student success and professional development.
XUSOVM is committed to creating a supportive environment where students can thrive academically while maintaining their overall health and wellbeing.
Health Insurance
All students must maintain health insurance in accordance with the Student Health Insurance Policy in Section II. Students should confirm active coverage and policy exclusions directly with the insurer.
As part of the veterinary curriculum, students participate in laboratory exercises, animal handling, clinical experiences, field activities, and other educational experiences that may expose them to zoonotic diseases, injuries, and occupational hazards. Appropriate health insurance coverage helps protect students from unexpected medical expenses arising from illness, injury, or other health-related events.
Aruba General Health Insurance
Aruba provides universal health coverage through the Algemene Ziektekosten Verzekering (AZV).
Eligibility and benefits are determined by AZV under its registration requirements. Students must obtain confirmation of active coverage and must not assume that all services are covered.
Students must complete the required registration process to obtain proof of insurance and select their preferred:
- Family physician
- Pharmacy
- Dental provider
Additional information is available at:
https://www.azv.aw
Disability Insurance
XUSOVM does not require students to purchase disability insurance; however, students are encouraged to consider disability coverage, particularly those with dependents or significant financial obligations.
Disability insurance may provide income protection in the event of illness or injury that interferes with educational or professional responsibilities.
Students seeking additional information may contact the Student Finance Department.
Student Fitness and Recreation
XUSOVM encourages all students to engage in regular physical activity as part of a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
Fitness Facilities
Student housing and affiliated recreational facilities may provide access to:
- Gymnasium and fitness equipment
- Swimming pool
- Basketball court
- Volleyball court
- Tennis court
- Recreational sports facilities
XUSOVM also maintains relationships with local fitness centers that may offer discounted memberships to students.
Available activities may include:
- Strength and conditioning programs
- Group fitness classes
- CrossFit training
- Boxing and martial arts programs
- Personal fitness coaching
Yoga and Mindfulness Activities
Students interested in yoga, meditation, mindfulness, and stress reduction activities are encouraged to participate in wellness initiatives and student-led programs organized through the Student Government Association (SGA).
These activities promote physical fitness, emotional wellbeing, stress reduction, and resilience.
Outdoor Activities
Aruba provides numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation and wellness activities.
Students may participate in activities such as:
- Walking and jogging
- Swimming
- Snorkeling
- Scuba diving
- Cycling
- Beach fitness activities
- Recreational sports
The University encourages students to take advantage of Aruba's natural environment to support their overall wellbeing.
Intramural Sports
XUSOVM periodically organizes intramural sports and recreational activities to promote:
- Physical fitness
- Teamwork
- Community engagement
- Leadership
- Stress management
Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to participate.
Personal and Psychological Counseling
Veterinary medical education can be academically and emotionally demanding. XUSOVM recognizes the importance of supporting students through personal and professional challenges.
Confidential counseling services are available to assist students in managing:
- Stress and anxiety
- Depression
- Adjustment to veterinary school
- Transition to island life
- Academic challenges
- Relationship concerns
- Family issues
- Burnout prevention
- Time management
- Personal growth and development
Counseling services are provided by qualified mental health professionals.
Psychiatric Referral Services
When clinically appropriate, students may be referred to a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional for further evaluation and treatment.
Referrals may be coordinated through applicable health insurance plans, including AZV coverage where available.
Occupational Health and Wellness
Veterinary students face unique occupational health and safety risks associated with animal handling, clinical activities, laboratory work, field experiences, and research.
XUSOVM is committed to promoting a safe learning environment and educating students regarding occupational health risks and preventive practices.
Rabies Immunization
Students must satisfy the rabies immunization requirements in Section II and the Exposure to Infectious and Environmental Hazards Policy in Section VII before activities involving rabies exposure risk.
Certain clinical affiliates, externship sites, and clinical training facilities may require proof of rabies vaccination before participation in animal-related activities.
Students are responsible for meeting vaccination requirements established by XUSOVM and affiliated institutions.
Animal Bites, Scratches, and Exposure Incidents
Animal bites, scratches, kicks, crush injuries, and other animal-related incidents must be reported promptly to the supervising faculty member, clinical instructor, or designated University official.
Students involved in exposure incidents should:
- Seek immediate first aid
- Obtain medical evaluation when appropriate
- Complete incident reports
- Follow recommended medical follow-up procedures
Needlestick and Sharps Injuries
Students must immediately report any:
- Needlestick injuries
- Scalpel injuries
- Sharps-related exposures
Appropriate medical evaluation, documentation, and follow-up will be conducted according to University safety protocols.
Zoonotic Disease Prevention
Students may encounter zoonotic diseases during:
- Clinical training
- Animal handling
- Laboratory exercises
- Necropsy procedures
- Research activities
- Field experiences
Students are expected to:
- Follow biosafety protocols
- Utilize appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Practice proper hand hygiene
- Report exposures promptly
- Comply with disease control measures
Training regarding zoonotic diseases and occupational safety is incorporated throughout the DVM curriculum.
Laboratory, Necropsy, and Biosafety Practices
Students participating in laboratory, pathology, microbiology, parasitology, research, or necropsy activities must comply with all University safety and biosafety requirements.
These may include:
- PPE requirements
- Safe specimen handling
- Proper waste disposal
- Chemical safety procedures
- Biosafety protocols
- Completion of required safety training
Failure to comply with safety procedures may result in removal from educational activities until corrective action is completed.
Compassion Fatigue and Mental Health Awareness
Veterinary medicine presents unique emotional challenges including:
- Animal suffering
- Euthanasia
- Client grief
- Ethical dilemmas
- High-performance expectations
Students are encouraged to recognize signs of:
- Compassion fatigue
- Burnout
- Chronic stress
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Emotional exhaustion
Students are encouraged to seek support through counseling services, faculty mentors, and wellness resources whenever needed.
Wellness and Resilience
Students are encouraged to cultivate healthy habits that promote long-term wellbeing.
Recommended wellness practices include:
- Regular physical activity
- Adequate sleep
- Balanced nutrition
- Stress management
- Mindfulness practices
- Social support
- Professional counseling when needed
Developing resilience and self-care skills is considered an important component of professional identity formation and lifelong success in veterinary medicine.
Confidentiality of Health and Counseling Services
All counseling, psychological, psychiatric, and health services are confidential.
Information disclosed during counseling or treatment will not be shared with faculty members, academic administrators, or University committees except:
- With the student's written authorization;
- When required by law; or
- When necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or others.
Seeking health, counseling, or wellness services will not adversely affect a student's:
- Academic standing
- Evaluations
- Promotion status
- Graduation eligibility
- Participation in educational activities
Availability of Services
Students may access wellness services directly or through referral by:
- Faculty mentors
- Course Chairs
- Dean of Student Affairs
- Dean of Veterinary Medicine
- Student Support Services
Appointments may be scheduled based on student needs and provider availability.
Commitment to Student Wellbeing
XUSOVM is committed to fostering a culture that promotes:
- Student wellbeing
- Professional growth
- Resilience
- Inclusiveness
- Work-life balance
- Mental health awareness
- Lifelong wellness practices
Students are encouraged to seek assistance early whenever personal, academic, financial, health, or wellness concerns arise.
Contact Information
Office of Student Affairs
Dean of Student Affairs
Dr. Sabin Ranabhat, Dean of Student Affairs: sabinmd@xusom.com
Personal and Psychological Counseling Services
Diana C. Wever-Salcedo
Email: d.salcedo@xusom.com or d.salcedo@mindplus.aw
Students may also contact the Office of Student Affairs for assistance in accessing counseling, wellness, occupational health, or support services.