Academic coaching is an integral component of student support services designed to promote academic success, personal growth, and professional readiness. Coaching is offered through individualized sessions that target key areas influencing student performance and wellness.

Services include:

• Goal Setting: Supporting students in identifying learning gaps, setting measurable academic goals, and creating structured plans for improvement.
• Study Activation: Guiding students in refining study strategies, managing time effectively, and developing systems for prioritization and academic focus.
• Memory and Retention: Offering evidence-based techniques to enhance information processing, recall, and long-term retention, including self-assessment tools for mastery tracking.
• Test Preparation: Providing support for managing test anxiety, strengthening exam performance, and improving confidence with high-stakes assessments.
• Resilience and Wellbeing: Addressing academic burnout, stress management, and cognitive endurance by teaching strategies for maintaining energy, motivation, and emotional regulation in demanding learning environments.

The Peer Tutoring Program at Michigan State University (MSU) College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) is a student-led program designed to support students academically by connecting them with fellow classmates or upper-level students who have demonstrated strong understanding in specific subject areas. It’s an enriching, collaborative learning environment that complements formal coursework and often helps build a sense of community within the program. Tutors will be recruited to the program bi-annually to ensure the program’s sustainability.

Peer tutors are typically students in later years of the CVM Graduate Professional (DVM) program. This is paid position based on academic performance and subject matter strengths. Tutoring may be offered one-on-one, small groups, or large group review sessions. Approved peer tutors will compile materials for pre-exam reviews to supplemental instructor provided course materials.

Peer tutors have the benefits of developing a deeper understanding of the instructional materials, development of communication skills, faculty and course moderator collaboration, as well as confidence and leadership.

Tutees may select individual and/or small group tutoring sessions. Based on availability, they will then be paired with a tutor match. Benefits of participating in the peer-tutoring program include developing a stronger sense of community in students’ early years of the program, a comfortable and relaxed learning environment, and individualized support.

The Office of Student Engagement and Success (SES) supports students in all phases of career development, beginning in the first year of veterinary school through graduation. Veterinary medicine is a dynamic profession, and SES provides career development services and resources in collaboration with the MSU Career Services Network to help students develop skills to succeed in their job searches and professional lives after veterinary school.

Career development services and resources, include:

• Individual career advising
• Exploring veterinary career pathways
• Help with resume review, cover letter writing, and interview preparation
• Job search strategies
• Career and professional development programs and workshops
• Coordination of the annual CVM Career Fair