The Office of Health and Wellbeing (OHW) at the College of Veterinary Medicine comprises two units: Veterinary Social Work Services, and the Access, Inclusivity, and Community team.

The College's OWH leads efforts to embed health, belonging, and systemic wellbeing into the fabric of the College. Through its two complementary teams, OHW works to cultivate an environment where every member of our community feels valued, supported, and empowered, which will strengthen the College’s ability to serve the needs of Michigan and beyond.

The Office's mission is to foster a compassionate, connected, and resilient community where individuals thrive and systems are designed to sustain wellbeing, belonging, and access to opportunity.

Veterinary Social Work centers its activities on four pillars: animal-assisted interventions, the link between human and animal violence, intentional wellbeing, and animal-related grief and bereavement. Visit the International Association of Veterinary Social Work to learn more about the profession: About | IAVSW.

Within this team is a dedicated facility dog who plays a vital role in our community. Similar to a therapy dog, he helps reduce stress and promote a positive atmosphere for students, faculty, staff, and Hospital clients. He represents the College at events, outreach programs, and educational initiatives to promote wellness and connection.

The team offers short-term interventions to provide support, stability, and guidance.

• Practical problem-solving
• Emotional support and validation
• Psychoeducation
• Skills coaching
• Crisis triage and safety support
• Resource navigation and referral
• Conflict mediation and facilitated conversation
• Advocacy

The team also offers support to the Veterinary Medical Center. For more information, click here.

Contact: vsws@cvm.msu.edu

The College recognizes that access, inclusivity, and community (AIC) are drivers of equal opportunity and institutional excellence. We believe in the importance of collaboration and exchange of ideas. We are committed to promoting the principles of AIC where all individuals are valued, respected, and afforded the opportunity to flourish in their pursuits of excellence. We encourage and welcome our community members to share ideas and perspectives with the goal of our differences, creating more inclusive and innovative outcomes in our college and world.

Contact: OAIC@cvm.msu.edu