Abstract

The objective of this study is to evaluate factors that lead to more effective social integration of veterinary students from one campus as they join a larger cohort of peers on a new university campus. A survey of 24 third-year students from the Utah State University campus who transitioned to the Washington State University campus indicated that students who reported satisfaction with others’ attempts at helping them integrate into their new cohort were connected with a stronger perception of group cohesion and social support. Integration attempts from peers rather than WIMU faculty or staff were connected to the highest reported levels of satisfaction of areas assessed. Schools of veterinary medicine should find opportunities to support and encourage student-led integration initiatives.