Measuring Progress

Through the DiVersity Matters initiative, efforts of our member institutions have reaped benefits: enrollment of underrepresented students has increased by 37%, an incredible figure in just 5 years.  Student-led diversity related organizations have grown dramatically, with more than half of the US colleges now having an active student organization.   

In 2009, AAVMC launched its Strategic Plan which includes a specific goal to increase the number of individuals from historically underrepresented racial and ethnic backgrounds in veterinary medicine.  AAVMC will continue to work diligently to advance our efforts to create a more diverse profession with the ability to meet societal needs.

Understanding that information on key indicators can be used by our member institutions to formulate and implement effective policies that will reduce barriers to academic success and foster a supportive learning environment, AAVMC has implemented an evaluation program to provide essential information on admissions policies and practices, campus climate, and student and faculty involvement in local diversity initiatives and curriculum development.  More than 80% of the US colleges of veterinary medicine have participated in this program and many have enhanced their recruiting efforts, bolstered their curriculum and co-curriculum offerings and sought additional staff expertise to create more diverse and successful college environments.