Welcome to the Xavier University School of Veterinary Medicine (XUSOVM), Aruba.
This Student Handbook has been developed to provide students with essential information regarding academic policies, student services, professional expectations, institutional procedures, and resources available throughout the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program. The handbook serves as an important reference guide and is designed to support students in successfully navigating their veterinary medical education.
All students are strongly encouraged to read this handbook in its entirety upon matriculation and to refer to it regularly throughout their studies. Familiarity with the policies, procedures, and expectations outlined herein is an important component of professional responsibility and academic success.
To facilitate ease of use, the handbook is organized into the following sections:
Section I DVM Program at XUSOVM
This section provides an overview of Xavier University School of Veterinary Medicine, including its mission, vision, values, Program Educational Objectives (PEOs), competency-based curriculum framework, accreditation pathway, and the overall structure of the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program.
Section II Starting Veterinary School
This section outlines requirements prior to matriculation and arrival in Aruba, including admissions requirements, transfer credits, technical standards, health and immunization requirements, housing information, orientation, registration procedures, and other information necessary for a successful transition into veterinary school.
Section III Curriculum
This section presents the structure of the DVM curriculum, course sequence, grading system, assessment policies, academic standards, promotion requirements, progression policies, remediation procedures, clinical training requirements, and graduation requirements.
Section IV Registration, Leave of Absence, Transcripts, and Code of Conduct
This section provides information regarding registration procedures, leave of absence policies, withdrawal and readmission procedures, student records, transcript requests, professionalism expectations, student conduct standards, academic integrity, information technology policies, and institutional regulations.
Section V Financial Requirements and Services
This section addresses tuition and fees, payment plans, refunds, financial obligations, health insurance requirements, financial services, student accounts, and other administrative matters related to enrollment and financial standing.
Section VI Student Resources
This section describes the academic, personal, and professional support services available to students, including academic advising, mentoring, tutoring, counseling services, student wellness initiatives, library resources, learning resources, student organizations, leadership opportunities, campus facilities, healthcare services, and community engagement activities.
Section VII University Committees, Policies Affecting Students, and Related Procedures
This section outlines the University committees that oversee student affairs and academic governance, including the Admissions Committee, Curriculum Committee, Promotions and Progress Review Committee, Grievances Committee, Research Committee, Institutional Review Board, and other policies and procedures that directly affect students.
Section VIII Appendices
This section contains supporting documents, forms, reference materials, templates, contact information, technical standards, reporting forms, and other resources relevant to students throughout their enrollment.
The policies and procedures contained in this handbook are subject to periodic review and revision. Students are responsible for remaining informed of any updates communicated by the University. Questions regarding any aspect of this handbook should be directed to the appropriate University office.
We are pleased to welcome you to the XUSOVM community and look forward to supporting your development as a compassionate, competent, and ethical veterinary professional dedicated to advancing animal health, public health, and One Health principles worldwide.