What is AVMA, SAVMA, SAVMA chapter, MVMA?

American Veterinary Medical Association:

• The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), established in 1863, is a not-for-profit association representing veterinarians working in private and corporate practice, government, industry, academia, and uniformed services. Structured to work for its members, the AVMA acts as a collective voice for its membership and for the profession.

Student American Veterinary Medical Association:

• Structurally, the Student AVMA consists of an Executive Board and a House of Delegates (HOD) composed of two representatives from each member chapter. Members of the Executive Board are selected by the House of Delegates.

• The formation of a national organization of veterinary students has enabled what were once isolated student chapters to function effectively as a single unit on the national scene. The Student AVMA coordinates student chapter functions, promotes the exchange of ideas and information among students, and represents its members in matters that concern them, both as students and as future veterinarians.

Student American Veterinary Medical Association chapter:

• SAVMA chapter is a non-profit, student-run group modeled after its parent organization, the American Veterinary Medical Association. Although SAVMA chapter is a local organization, we are part of over 10,000 student members nationally. The Minnesota chapter is active in community philanthropy efforts, student externship/travel grants, informative lunch seminars, furthering education, social events, and supporting student camaraderie.

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Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association:

• The MVMA was created when Drs. C.C. Lyford, Richard Price and M.H. Reynolds called a meeting on January 28, 1897 for the purpose of starting a state veterinary organization. The MVMA promotes leadership, professional success, continuing education, and participation in government and public relations. For more information, visit the MVMA website.

AVMA 4th year roll-over?

SAVMA chapter members who meet their our requirements to be in good standing (see 2 questions below for the definition of "good standing") at the time of graduation will be granted automatic membership to the AVMA upon graduation. This means:

• No application to file and no dues to pay for the remainder of the year of graduation

• Two additional years of reduced membership dues

• Free registration to the AVMA Convention the year you graduate

• A certificate for one free registration to the AVMA Annual Convention valid for the next five years

How do I pay dues?

SAVMA chapter created the Bundle, which includes the payment of your membership dues. Therefore, after first year, your dues for the remaining years have been paid for and SAVMA chapter will re-register you with SAVMA/AVMA each year.​

What does it mean to be a member in good standing?

• Attend and sign in for 12 meetings before January 1st of your graduating year

What is PLIT liability insurance? Should I sign up?

• AVMA Professional and Liability Insurance Trust provides professional liability protection for students with a sponsoring veterinarian, whether you are on an externship, working part-time, or as a volunteer.

• You are covered by the University’s Professional Liability Policy for 4th year clinical rotations but some externship sites require AVMA PLIT in addition to the University’s insurance.

• Yes! You should definitely sign up because it is FREE for students and it is always better to be safe rather than sorry.

What is the SAVMA Symposium and how does it benefit students?

SAVMA Symposium is the largest annual gathering of veterinary students, where students come together to enrich their education and engage in professional development. The program includes three days of interactive wetlabs, lectures, academic and athletic competitions, an exhibit hall, and the SAVMA House of Delegates bi-annual meeting. SAVMA Symposium is an educational opportunity that exposes students to a variety of topics outside their typical curriculum, while offering unique networking experiences and career building skills.

What events does SAVMA chapter host?

• Monthly meetings for members

• Hoof N’ Woof

• Social events (all students and within classes)

• First Friday's at Station 280

• Wellbeing Wednesday's 

• Coverall Brewery Crawl

• Scrub Crawl Bar Crawl

• Line Dancing Nights 

• Member's Appreciation Event

• Mixers and Elixers with Dr. Erin Burton

• Dog Olympics

• Clothing/merchandise sales

• Legislative Fly-In

What memberships are included with my dues?

When you pay your Bundle dues, you become a member of SAVMA chapter, SAVMA, IVSA, and the MVMA.

Do I have to be in a Gold Committee every year to keep gold status?

You only have to be on a gold committee for one year and complete a certain amount of hours (minimum of 12 service hours) in order to obtain gold status. Once you complete your hours, you are a gold member and receive benefits all four years.

What are the benefits of SAVMA chapter?

• Gold members - eligibility for travel and externship grants each school year

• Maroon members - full benefits of the Student AVMA

• Easy transition to AVMA - reduced dues for the first year