Discontinuation of Blocks 47-52 for Class of 2020

Dear ISU CVM VM4 Students, Faculty, and Staff,

We deeply appreciate the efforts of clinical faculty and VM4 students who have worked hard to adapt to online delivery of 4th year instruction. Providing clinical instruction on-line has been complicated by a number of factors, including student participation from multiple time zones, variable access to Internet connectivity, and challenges in providing a large volume of relevant clinical learning opportunities in a non face-to-face setting. Additionally, students in the Class of 2020 have completed the hours of clinical instruction required for licensure, and many have current opportunities to work in clinical settings external to the ISU CVM.  Finally, many clinical instructors are also currently focusing on adapting courses in the first three years of the curriculum to an on-line format, and to adapting to changing working environments brought on by COVID-19. Considering all of these factors, the decision has been made to cancel blocks 47-52 (Monday, March 30 - Thursday, May 6) for ISU CVM students in the Class of 2020. This decision does not alter the timing of graduation for the Class of 2020, and students remain enrolled as students. Students who would like additional learning opportunities in any areas of clinical instruction are encouraged to reach out to clinical faculty in those areas, and faculty are requested to make every effort to assist students in meeting their learning goals.

Visiting scholars from Ross University, St. George’s University, and St. Matthew’s University will continue to be supported in their programs, and will receive specific direction from Dr. Rachel Allbaugh, program coordinator, or Sandy Popelka, within the next 48 hours.

Details for ISU CVM VM4 students:

  • Your courses for blocks 47-52 are automatically cancelled.  You don’t need to do anything.
  • A waiver will be in place and you will not receive any grades for courses in blocks 47-52.
  • All of you have successfully completed at least 30 credits in your 4th year and will qualify for graduation regardless of any core or required courses you were scheduled to take in blocks 47-52. However, students with outstanding requirements in prior courses will still be required to fulfill those requirements.
  • Blocks 47-52 will become unscheduled time that you are free to utilize as you wish.

If you have any questions regarding this policy and how it may impact you, please contact Drs. Alex Ramirez or Jared Danielson.

Jared Danielson, PhD
Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs