Campus Bulletin

OVC receives accreditation from AVMA

The Ontario Veterinary College has received full accreditation for up to seven years – subject to satisfactory annual progress with respect to issues raised – from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). However, the accreditation report highlights several concerns for the College and University.

Every seven years all veterinary colleges in North America are reviewed by the AVMA to determine whether they meet acceptable standards for teaching, research and service.

“This is very positive and welcome news for our College and entire University,” says Jill McCutcheon, OVC acting dean. “This outcome, especially in the context of funding constraints, is a tribute to our outstanding faculty, staff, students, alumni and other stakeholders.”

OVC was commended for its strengths in several areas, including:

-- Dedication and commitment of faculty.

-- Strong research programs.

-- Enthusiastic student leadership.

-- DVM curriculum that integrates core learning objectives and stresses numeracy, literacy and communication skills.

-- Leadership and dedication to curricular review and implementation of an integrated DVM 2000 program.

-- Strength of the biomedical sciences program, which adds depth to the College.

-- Positive relationship between the Veterinary Teaching Hospital and academic departments.

-- Promotion of self-directed student learning through the OVC Learning Commons.

-- Strong development activities in support of College programs.

However, the AVMA identified several areas where OVC must make improvements to ensure ongoing accreditation. The two main concerns identified have to do with physical facilities and equipment, and finances. The report stated that the College must pursue aggressively plans to update and expand its physical facilities. It also indicated that insufficient financial support could compromise the education of professional veterinary and post-graduate students.

“Whilst we are pleased the OVC has been re-accredited for up to seven years, the AVMA has issued a number of warnings that we must take seriously,” says Alastair Summerlee, provost and vice-president (academic).

“The University continues to face fiscal challenges, particularly with aging facilities and infrastructure that need renovating and upgrading. This is already an area of concern across the university, and indeed the province, and will be part of planning for the future.” Summerlee notes that OVC has an important role, working with other veterinary colleges and government laboratories in areas related to biosecurity and food safety and security. “Development in these critical areas will need additional support if we are to fulfill our role to protect animals and people against new and emerging diseases.”

Founded in 1862, OVC has been in continuous operation longer than any other veterinary college in North America.

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