The University of Calgary's Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UCVM) is settling into a new rhythm with the opening of the Veterinary Learning Commons (VLC).
Officially opened Sept. 15, the $68.5-million facility at the Spy Hill campus funded through a capital contribution from the Government of Alberta features flexible classrooms, collaborative gathering spaces and wellness areas designed to support both learning and well-being.
The VLC also increases student capacity, centralizes administrative functions and co-locates classroom and clinical spaces.
VLC to shape vet-med student experiences
For students, the VLC is much more than a building.
"It is a symbol of commitment and of belief in the future of veterinary medicine," says third-year student Meagan Bradbury. "This space represents a generational investment in what I truly believe is the best profession in the world."
That sense of belonging is already shaping student experiences. "We feel supported and inspired," says fourth-year student Justin Nicholson. "It's a place to gather where we can communicate and grow as future veterinarians and connect with our peers and mentors."
Meagan Bradbury, a Faculty of Veterinary Medicine student, gets ready to snip the ribbon as education and government leaders, including UCalgary president Ed McCauley, celebrate the opening of the new Veterinary Learning Commons. Photo Credit: Riley Brandt, University of Calgary
Turning vision into reality
Faculty members are equally enthusiastic about the VLC's potential. Among other benefits, it will allow UCVM to double its annual Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) enrolment from 50 to 100 students and making it Alberta's largest veterinary program.
"This has truly been a passion project for us over the past three years," says Dr. Angelica Galezowski, DVM, an associate professor and associate dean student experience at UCVM.
"We had the opportunity to take feedback from our current students and alumni and put it into action in a meaningful way." That feedback informed both the design of the facility and UCVM's evolving approach to teaching.
"We're excited to host our new expanded class in our new facilities," says Dr. John Remnant, PhD, professor and associate dean, curriculum.
"Our new curriculum uses an integrated approach to enable students to build connections between topics and skills as they progress through the program. The new curriculum also has a focus on encouraging lifelong learning in our students, by incorporating structured self-regulated learning sessions into the schedule. The new facilities in the VLC, with a mixture of traditional classrooms, quiet work areas, and both indoor and outdoor communal spaces, will enable students to work through these activities in a setting that works for them."
More than classrooms
Beyond academics, the VLC is designed to foster a sense of community. Flexible seating, open gathering areas and wellness zones encourage interaction and balance.
"Students spend a considerable amount of time on campus, so not only do they need a space for hands-on training, they also need areas to connect socially and places to recharge and re-energize," says Galezowski.
Investing in the future
The VLC stands as a reflection of UCVM's commitment to student-centred education, hands-on training and well-being. It's a space designed to support learning, collaboration and community preparing the next generation of veterinary professionals to make a difference in Alberta and beyond.
Founded in 2005, UCalgary's Faculty of Veterinary Medicine is Canada's newest veterinary school and has quickly earned recognition as a leader in research and education. Ranked among the top three vet-med schools in Canada and 34th globally, the faculty partners with private practices and organizations across the province to provide students with hands-on, workplace-based learning experiences that translate directly into real-world skills.
