Recipient Organization
RUTGERS, THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW JERSEY
3 RUTGERS PLZA
NEW BRUNSWICK,NJ 08901-8559
Performing Department
(N/A)
Non Technical Summary
The Animal Science major at Rutgers University has had increased recruitment and enrollment of students from underserved and underrepresented groups between 2019-2023. However, there were disproportionately fewer number of veterinary medical school application service (VMCAS) applications and admissions to DVM programs. The Rutgers University Veterinary Learning and Preparation program (RU-VETLEAP) isa single function education projectthat will have singular focus on 1) increasing the number of B.S. Prevet students from underrepresented communities that are successful inbeing accepted into DVM programs, and 2) increasing the number of B.S. Lab Animal Science and Equine and Production Animal Science students that enter careers in USDA mission critical areas of food, agriculture, and human and animal health thus enhancing the diversity of USDA workforce. Timelyopportunities in global engagement (study abroad) opportunities, veterinary clinical experiences, research opportunities, rigorous academic mentoring, and leadership skills training will be provided to pre-veterinary students.The program's timeline is distributed over the baccalaureate program along with structured summer semesters, allowing students to integrate their academic and experiential learning seamlessly.The program's projected outcomes include increasing the number of VMCAS applications from underrepresented students by 50% in 5 years; enhancing GPA and entrance parameters; providing a minimum of 500 high quality experiential learning hours; ensuring 1:1 mentorship with a variety of faculty, staff, and veterinary professionals; and boosting global engagement participation by 30%, thus achieving a 90% placement rate for qualified applicants into DVM programs. RU-VETLEAP is an endeavor that not only aspires to bridge the educational gap for underrepresented communities but also equips them to be competitive in the global veterinary field.
Animal Health Component
20%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
80%
Applied
20%
Developmental
(N/A)
Goals / Objectives
The Rutgers University Veterinary Learning and Preparation program (RU-VETLEAP) represents a transformative step toward addressing the critical need for diversity and representation within the veterinary field. This program is designed to provide multicultural scholars with a strong foundation in the preveterinary curriculum at Rutgers, guiding them toward successful matriculation into Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) programs. At its core, RU-VETLEAP seeks to dismantle barriers for underrepresented student populations, equipping them with the tools, knowledge, and experiences necessary to develop competitive applications for prestigious DVM programs. The major goals of the program are: 1. To provide Specialized Experiential Learning (VETLEAP-SEL), 2. Provide Academic Assistance (VETLEAP-AA), 3. VMCAS Preparation and Assistance (VETLEAP-PREP), and 4. Leadership Skills Development.Major Goal 1: VETLEAP-SEL.Our analysis of VMCAS data shows that students from underserved communities often are unable to complete coursework in a timely manner or gain valuable experiential learning and have to choose employment "that pays the bills" rather than acquiring high quality experiential learning hours for competitive VMCAS applications. The RU-VETLEAP-SEL aims to integrate experiential learning with regular summer coursework, allowing students to gain necessary experience without falling behind academically. The following are the tasks within this goal. Task 1.1 Veterinary Clinical Learning Opportunities:Engagement with a consortium of Rutgers-alumni veterinarians for mentoring within clinical settings. Task 1.2 Study Abroad Experiences:Opportunities for two- to four-week study abroad programs at CELA Belize or other locations to gain international exposure. Task 1.3 Research Experiences:Opportunities to shadow research labs at Rutgers SEBS and other Rutgers schools, providing a foundation in research. Task 1.4 Animal Handling Experiences:Access to various animal handling opportunities to develop animal skills essential for future veterinary success.Major Goal 2: VETLEAP-AA.This goal focuses on bridging academic gaps and enhancing the academic foundation for veterinary studies through:Task 2.1 Summer Scheduling: Assistance for students placing into intermediate algebra and basic composition to progress to general biology and chemistry by the summer prior to sophomore year preventing delays in completing core prerequisites for vet school applications. Task 2.2 Residential Opportunities:Residential opportunities will be provided on campus for students who cannot commute in the summer. Task 2.3 Targeted Academic Mentoring:Intensive summer programs aimed at completing pre-calculus, general biology, or general chemistry to prepare for higher-level coursework.Major Goal 3: VETLEAP-PREP.Focused on preparing students for veterinary careers and the VMCAS application process through: Task 3.1 Veterinary Science Club:Peer-to-peer career advice and guidance from vet school admissions counselors. Task 3.2 Pre-Veterinary Advising:Faculty mentoring for pre-veterinary advising. Task 3.3 Early Introduction to VMCAS Preparation:Guidance on navigating the VMCAS portal, understanding experiential learning categories, and self-assessment within the veterinary field.Major Goal 4: Leadership Skills Development. Task 4.1 Enrollment in Careers in Animal Science Course:Exposure to USDA-related careers and other opportunities within the animal science field, enabling students to explore a variety of career paths. Task 4.2 Veterinary Alumni Networkwill be created for 1:1 mentorship where they develop veterinary skills (see Task 1.1). Task 4.3 Increase the number of students participating and leading student organizationssuch as MANNRS and RUVETSCI Club. Task 4.4 Increase participation in professional developmentby peer-mentoring and attending faculty meetings, conferences, and professional development events.Overall, the RU-VETLEAP program integrates experiential learning with academic and career preparation, ensuring a holistic approach to veterinary and agricultural education and career readiness.
Project Methods
The RU-VETLEAP program will employ the following methods to engage with MSP students:classroom instruction in the courses Studies in Animal Science, Careers in Animal Science, and Introduction to Veterinary Technology;instruction and involvement in research in mentors' labs;participation in practicums and animal handling courses; participation in study abroad experiences; attendance in 1:1 veterinary-alumnimentoring; participation in academic advising and career development activities.The outcomes will be evaluated utilizing the following indicators: #students attending information sessions, #students applying for study abroad programs, #students applying for veterinary clinical internships, #students attending academic advisingsessions, #students completing pre-and post-surveys at the events, #students trained to serve as RU-VETLEAP peer mentors, #students involved in forming team of academic peer instructors, #academic peer mentors hired, #students enrolled and receiving assistance in the peer mentoring program, %increase in course grades and GPA before and after academic tutoring, #students signed up for pre- and post- enrollment services, #early interventions filed, #academic advising appointments filed, #students eligible to apply for the scholarship, #students applying for the scholarship, #students awarded the scholarship, #networking events established, #students enrolled in DVM programs, #students opting for non-veterinary medicine careers, #students employed as veterinarians in 5 years, #students employed in non-veterinary, FANH and USDA-specific careers, #alumni veterinarians that participate in mentoring network, #students that apply for the matching opportunity, #students engaged in student club activities, #points accrued in campus engagement app, and #networking and conferences attended.