Policy Statement
The awarding of the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree by Xavier University School of Veterinary Medicine (XUSOVM) is contingent upon a student meeting all academic, clinical, professional, and institutional requirements established by the Faculty Senate, Curriculum Committee, and Promotions and Progress Review Committee (PPRC).
Students must demonstrate the knowledge, clinical skills, professional behaviors, ethical conduct, and competencies expected of an entry-level veterinarian and must satisfy all graduation requirements of the DVM program.
The University maintains a common standard for graduation irrespective of the country in which the graduate intends to pursue licensure, postgraduate training, or professional practice.
Graduation Requirements
To be eligible for the award of the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree, students must:
- Successfully complete all required pre-clinical coursework within the DVM curriculum.
- Successfully complete all required clinical rotations and experiential learning activities.
- Achieve all Program Educational Objectives (PEOs), Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs), and Competency-Based Veterinary Education (CBVE) competencies established by the DVM program.
- Successfully complete all required assessments, examinations, practical evaluations, clinical competency assessments, and other graduation requirements established by the Curriculum Committee.
- Satisfy all Essential Veterinary Skills requirements and demonstrate competency in the required clinical and professional skills.
- Demonstrate professional conduct, ethical behavior, integrity, and adherence to the standards of the veterinary profession throughout the program.
- Be in good academic standing and meet all progression requirements established by the Promotions and Progress Review Committee.
- Satisfy all financial obligations to the University.
- Comply with all institutional policies, procedures, and regulations.
Assessment of Graduation Competencies
The determination of graduation eligibility shall be based upon multiple assessment methods, including but not limited to:
- Course examinations and assessments
- Integrated Quizzes (IQs)
- Semester Ending Examinations (SEEs)
- Laboratory and practical assessments
- Clinical performance evaluations
- Essential Veterinary Skills assessments
- Professionalism evaluations
- Competency-based assessments
- Portfolio and experiential learning documentation, where applicable
- Other standardized assessments approved by the Curriculum Committee
The University may utilize additional standardized examinations or competency assessments to evaluate readiness for graduation and entry-level veterinary practice.
Professionalism Requirement
Professionalism is an essential requirement for graduation.
No student with an unresolved professionalism concern, disciplinary sanction, academic integrity violation, ethical misconduct finding, or other unremediated professional behavior concern shall be eligible for the award of the DVM degree.
The Promotions and Progress Review Committee shall review such matters and determine whether the student has satisfactorily demonstrated the professional attributes expected of a graduate veterinarian.
Certification for Graduation
The Promotions and Progress Review Committee shall certify that all graduation requirements have been met and shall recommend eligible students for the award of the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree.
Final approval for graduation shall be granted in accordance with University governance procedures.
Policy Contact
Chair, Promotions and Progress Review Committee (PPRC)
Dean of Veterinary Medicine