Vet School Update: It’s not over by a long chalk.
Staff, Students, and the public turned out in force on the 4th of March, to protest at the very idea that The University Of Cambridge would even consider shutting down its prestigious Vet School, in the wake of a critical report by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).
Matter Of Concern
According to Varsity, the General Board gave the Veterinary Department “around four weeks” to outline a plan to address accreditation concerns in November 2024, which the Department is now raising as a matter of concern to the University’s Council.
A Notice submitted by 86 members of Regent House on 4 March questioned “reasonable processes” within the University regarding the length of time it has taken for the General Board’s Veterinary School Review Group to produce a report following its establishment in May 2023.
A large crowd assembled outside the Senate house, to show their solidarity, and the centre of Cambridge was filled with sound of support. Chants of “Save The Vet School” and “Whose University? OUR, University!” Rang out.
Speakers Including representatives of the British Veterinary Union in Unite. Put the case for Keeping the Vet school open and in house, not closing it down or outsourcing.
The local branch of the RSPCA explained, as well as training the next generation of vets, the school also provides Veterinary services for vulnerable people and animals in the wider community.
More Campaigning took place ahead of the General Board meeting to discuss the issue the next day (5th March).
Varsity reports that,
“The University’s General Board has decided not to pause admissions to its Veterinary Medicine course after students, staff, and trade unions staged a rally outside Senate House to ‘Save the Vet School’”
A spokesperson for the University said: “We can confirm that admissions to Veterinary Medicine for 2026 entry will proceed as planned. The University recognises the progress being made by the department on its accreditation plan.”
Urgent Meeting
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has also called for an “urgent meeting” with the University over the Vet School’s future, noting the “crucial role” that the Cambridge Vet School plays in “producing a healthy pipeline” of veterinary professionals.
Dr. Elizabeth Mullineaux, president of the BVA stated: “The ongoing uncertainty around the future of Cambridge will be hugely concerning for students, alumni and staff, as well as the wider veterinary profession.”
Professor Paul Freeman, Principal Clinical Neurologist at the Department of Veterinary Medicine, told Varsity that, “On the face of it that is very good news.”
However, he explained that he “would like to see more detail of what the General Board has actually said. What staff at QVSH [The Queen’s Veterinary School Hospital] really need to hear is that the University is willing to support the continued teaching of veterinary students through a high quality research based referral hospital, and that this is a realistic possibility here at Cambridge.”
Union Statement
The Joint Unions and Student organisations
(Cambridge University Veterinary Society
Cambridge Students Union
Cambridge University Unite
Cambridge University Unison
Cambridge UCU)
Were cautious, they said in a statement, We must emphasise there is still a long way to go in the Campaign, and we will keep fighting to ensure the University commits to the long-term future of the Department. As student and staff organisations, we remain united in our commitment to stand up for the Department, and believe this early success of the Campaign highlights how powerful our collective voice can be in protecting the Vet School going forward.
The General Board’s decision comes just a couple of weeks after the formal launch of the Campaign, and yet the strength of feeling it has demonstrated in such a short period of time is testament to how treasured the Vet School is amongst students, staff, and alumni. We are extremely grateful to all of the 1700 Open Letter signatories, the hundreds of students and staff who attended our rally, and every one of the community members and groups who lent their support to the Campaign and ensured the General Board were aware of the local, national, and international opposition toward steps that endanger the Department’s future.
Vet School Update: Find out more:
https://uniteuoc.org.uk/whats-going-on-at-the-vet-school/