The MSU College of Veterinary Medicine is currently in the process of reinventing its DVM curriculum. One of the goals of this initiative is to reimagine the academic curriculum as it relates to student wellness. To achieve this, the College has put together a Wellness Working Group to identify how the curriculum reinvention will affect student wellness.

One focus of the working group’s proposal is to implement a “house system” for DVM students. Expected to be developed this spring, the system will divide students into four houses that will engage in friendly competitions throughout the year. The goal of the house system is to foster relationships between students in different classes and to provide each incoming class of students with a built-in support system. Each house will have a name, logo, and faculty advisors to assist students throughout their four years at the College.

“We are the second veterinary school in the nation to use the house system,” said Dr. Chandra Grabill, assistant dean for Student Wellness and Engagement. “We hope that it will encourage cross-class connections, as well as promote an overall sense of community within the College.”

In addition to the house system, the Wellness Working Group is considering new ways to evaluate students and increase the flexibility of the DVM program. The Working Group has proposed a wellness advocates program that would train faculty, staff, and students about resources across campus.

“By prioritizing student wellness, we can produce healthier, career-ready graduates,” said Dr. Grabill.