Vets Central Placement Grant

Introduction

This grant program has been established to assist veterinary students entering the fifth year of the JCU
Veterinary Science degree to complete three weeks of small animal mixed practice placement with a Vets
Central partner practice during the fifth-year elective component.

This grant is subject to the provisions of the James Cook University Coursework Scholarships, Bursaries and Grants Policy

Value and Payment of the Scholarship

The value of the grant is $1,500 paid in one instalment after confirmation of placement dates at relevant Vets Central Clinic and census date of study period 1.  Please allow up to 6 weeks after census date for payment.

Eligibility Criteria

The Vets Central Placement Grant is open for you to apply if you:

• Are an Australian citizen, New Zealand citizen or permanent visa holder; and
• Will be enrolled full-time in year 5 of the Bachelor of Veterinary Science at the time of the award; and
• Are enrolled at the  JCU Townsville, Bebegu Yumba campus; and
• Have a minimum GPA of 4.0

Selection Criteria

The Selection Committee shall, in the exercise of its absolute discretion, afford consideration to the following criteria:

• Rationale for selecting a particular Vets Central practice (30%);
• Interest in Vets Central graduate program (20%);
• Demonstrated commitment to studies and academic merit (20%);
• Passion for veterinary science and career path (30%).

Application Procedures

Applications must be submitted on the official application form no later than the date set by the Selection Committee for the year in which the award is to be made. Applicants must submit with the official form, where appropriate:

• A copy of your academic record; and
• Resume outlining study history, work experience and previous placements; and
• A written statement of no more than 500 words outlining:
  1. Where do you see yourself as a veterinarian once you graduate.
  2. When would you be available to undertake placement with a Vets Central practice and which practice is your preferred location.
  3. Why have you chosen this particular practice.
  4. Are you interested in our Vet Grad Program? If you are, why?

Applications submitted without the relevant documentation will not be considered.
The applicant authorises the Selection Committee to make such enquires as to the applicant's good character and suitability to receive the scholarship, which includes authorization for the Selection Committee to examine the applicant's academic record, and seek opinions from relevant members of the academic staff of this University or any other academic institution.

Selection Process

The award of the scholarship shall be made in the absolute discretion of the Selection Committee, which shall comprise:

• Head of Veterinary Sciences (chair), or nominee;
• Senior Academic Coordinator, or nominee; and
• A Vets Central representative.

The Selection Committee will determine all matters relating to the selection of the Scholarship awardee.

Conditions of the Scholarship

• If the Recipient takes an approved leave of absence from JCU then, upon discussion and agreement between the Funder and JCU, the award may be deferred for a period of up to twelve months and they may be require to return any grants funds.
• If the proposed activity does not proceed the recipient may be required to return all monies (less non-refundable amounts). A statement of reasons can be submitted to the Selection Panel Chair for assessment.
• The selection committee reserves the right not to award a grant in any year if, in the opinion of the Selection Committee, there is no candidate of sufficient merit to warrant an award.
• Three weeks clinical placement must be undertaken at a Vets Central partner clinic between the end of year four and end of year five.
• Recipients will be required to submit a written report after participation in their placement activity.

A student may lodge a request for review of decision in accordance with the provisions of the Student Complaints Policy and Procedures.

Administration of the Scholarship

The scholarship shall be administered by Scholarships Office of the University, on behalf of the Selection Committee.

The funds of the scholarship shall be held in an account in the name of the University and shall be administered by the scholarship office.

Where an award provides some benefit to the recipient from a body external to the University, or an obligation upon a body external to the University, the University, its servants and agents, shall not be liable for that benefit or obligation.

Please refer to Glossary of Terms