Apply to be an AVMA Council on Education site visitor

If you’re looking for a unique opportunity to “give back” to veterinary medicine while expanding your horizons and learning about something new, the AVMA Council on Education® (COE) may have your answer.

From now through mid-January, the COE is accepting applications from veterinarians interested in serving as site visitors at veterinary colleges for the period 2026–2032. Applications are due January 15, 2026, and veterinarians representing all areas of professional practice are encouraged to apply.

Site visitors conduct evaluations of veterinary medical education programs, working collaboratively in teams to assess each program’s compliance with the COE Standards of Accreditation. The COE provides free training, which all new site visitors must undergo before taking part in site visits. This training will be held September 25–27, 2026, in Schaumburg, Illinois, so all applicants must be able to set aside those dates to attend in person. All costs associated with attending are covered.

What do site visitors do?

Serving as a site visitor involves carefully reviewing a college’s self-study report; conducting a comprehensive, in-person visit at the college to verify the information from the self-study, and reporting back to the COE.

COE site visitors play a critical role in the accreditation process for veterinary medical colleges. The process begins with a comprehensive review of the college’s self-study report and supporting documentation, followed by a virtual team meeting to discuss preliminary findings from the documents. Next is an in-person visit to the college, which includes meetings with faculty, staff, and students; tours of facilities; and verification of information presented in the self-study. After the visit, site visitors prepare a detailed report of observations and recommendations for the COE’s consideration.

Although site visitors do not attend Council on Education meetings or participate in accreditation decisions, their contributions are essential to the accreditation process.

What are the requirements?

In addition to attending the September training in Schaumburg, Illinois, site visitors typically participate in one site visit each year during their term of service. Visits typically last five to six days, including travel, with additional time required for preparation and report writing. All costs associated with attending a site visit are covered by the host institution.

Physical requirements

Site visits involve movement throughout college campuses, including academic buildings, teaching hospitals, and clinical areas. Site visitors should be comfortable walking moderate distances and navigating various environments.

Technical competency

Computer proficiency, access to a portable computer, and reliable internet connectivity are essential. Site visitors must be able to access and review digital materials, complete electronic forms, and use email and virtual meeting platforms.

Additional information about site visitor responsibilities and the application process is available on the application form, and COE rules governing the application and appointment of site visitors can be found in section 2.3.5 of the COE Policies and Procedures Manual.

Applications and all required materials must be submitted by January 15, 2026.

Questions? Email COEavma [dot] org.

Apply here