I. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to support the integrity and operational efficiency of the LMU DVM Program. Clinical year schedules are assigned based on numerous factors, including site availability, caseload, accreditation standards, and student career interests. Therefore, schedule changes disrupt not only the student’s education but also the operations of clinical partners and LMU faculty and staff.
II. Policy Statement
Once clinical rotation schedules are finalized and released, student requests for schedule or rotation site changes will not be accepted except under documented, extenuating circumstances. Students are expected to organize their personal, academic, and employment commitments around their assigned clinical rotations.
III. Definitions
Professionalism
Clinical rotations are a critical component of veterinary medical education. Students are expected to demonstrate professionalism by honoring their assigned schedules and treating clinical obligations with the same commitment expected in professional employment. Each Clinical Site offers a unique opportunity for learning and growth in order to promote a well-rounded veterinary training experience. Students are encouraged to embrace an open-minded approach to every rotation regardless of the circumstances.
Equity
To ensure fairness among all students, changes based on personal preference (e.g., site location, companion scheduling, changes in career interest, perceived workload or unverified individual student feedback) will not be considered.
Clinical Site Agreements
LMU-CVM maintains formal agreements with clinical affiliates who rely on consistent scheduling. Unauthorized or frequent changes may compromise these relationships and may impact future student placements.
IV. Audience
All Students Enrolled in an LMU Clinical DVM Program
V. Compliance
Once clinical rotation schedules are finalized and released, student requests for schedule or rotation site changes will not be accepted except under documented, extenuating circumstances. Students are expected to organize their personal, academic, and employment commitments around their assigned clinical rotations.
Extenuating Circumstances Criteria
Exceptions may be considered only in cases of:
Documented medical emergencies (self or immediate family member)
Death of an immediate family member
Serious, unforeseen personal hardships on a case-by-case basis
Site-initiated displacement
Requests related to travel, weddings, employment, or other personal plans, or financial situations will not be approved.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Failure to adhere to assigned clinical schedules, attempting to switch placements independently, and/or reaching out directly to clinical sites may result in:
Unexcused absences
Professionalism concerns noted in the student's academic file
Disciplinary action per LMU-CVM Academic and Professional Standards
Delayed graduation due to missed or invalidated clinical hours
VI. Roles and Responsibilities
It is the responsibility of all students to comply with this.
It is the role of the Clinical Relations and Outreach Team to make decisions on student requests for schedule changes
VII. Applicable Statutes, Regulations, and Related Policies (If any)
IX. Procedure
Request Procedure
If a student believes they have a valid extenuating circumstance:
Complete and submit the Schedule Change Request Form (available in the Medtrics Resources folder) to the LMU-CVM Clinical Relations and Outreach Office within 48 business hours of the qualifying event.
Include supporting documentation (e.g., physician’s note, obituary, legal documentation).
The request will be reviewed by the Clinical Relations and Outreach Team.
A written decision will be communicated within five (5) business days of submission. All decisions are final.
X. Contact Information
For more information regarding this policy, please contact the LMU-CVM Associate Dean of Clinical Relations and Outreach.
XI. Document History
Effective: 2026-June-15