KSU 2011 Questions

[alliecat44]

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Hi, guys,

I'm assuming everyone else got their info packets this weekend as well. Two questions:

1. I didn't realize there was a dress code. Anyone know how strictly this is enforced? I mean, to say that there is no formal dress code for first years and then to go on to say that women are expected to wear blouses/trousers/skirts or dresses....eep!!!

2. Anyone know anything about health insurance? I guess we should apply through the AVMA? Kind of crappy that the school doesn't provide any sort of insurance plan...!

That being said, I'm totally psyched and am sure you guys are, too. 🙂 Yay!!

 

[CookieBear]

The dress code sounds kind of scary to me, too. I was hoping my casual cargo pants and sweatshirts/sweaters and pullovers would be OK.

And, huge bummer about health insurance. It actually seems really crazy not to offer any kind of coverage to students. I'm admittedly concerned.



If anyone is still looking for housing, and you'd like to consider sharing my house-to-be with me, PM me.

 

[River5]

Yeah I am concerned about the dress code too. I understand it's professional but I want to be comfortable too. Anyone have any idea?

 

[River5]

The dress code sounds kind of scary to me, too. I was hoping my casual cargo pants and sweatshirts/sweaters and pullovers would be OK.

And, huge bummer about health insurance. It actually seems really crazy not to offer any kind of coverage to students. I'm admittedly concerned.



If anyone is still looking for housing, and you'd like to consider sharing my house-to-be with me, PM me.

Couldn't agree more cookiebear. Btw, LOVE the avatar! I am a HUGE LOR fan and I too find spongebob scary.

 

[doxiepup]

I found this on the KSU-SCAMA website. Here is the link for more info:

http://www.vet.ksu.edu/studentorgs/scavma/faqnew.htm

Dress code

• Dress code for classes is casual. You may wear whatever you would like to classes, including jeans, t-shirts, shorts, etc. However, keep in mind that visitors and tour groups routinely go through the vet school, and that you are representing your school to them in the way that you dress. (And you will make Dr. Elmore really happy if you dress professionally.)
  
• Dress code for anything over in the clinic that would have you interacting with clients (such as shadowing a senior) requires professional dress. Nice slacks and a nice shirt are acceptable. White coats are not necessary except for seniors. Scrubs are required only if you will be in surgery rooms at any point. Jeans are acceptable only in large animal areas (although khakis are preferred). If you aren’t sure, it is best to check with someone in the area you will be in.

 

[agr1365]

I think it is a little too early to be sweating the dress code. I have friends that have went through KSU's CVM and they didn't dress in skirts and slacks when attending class. I wear a long sleeve collared shirt everyday, but always wear jeans. If the faculty gives me too much grief I guess I'll have to bite the bullet and get some slacks.

The whole health insurance dilemma is something to be of concern. I am surprised that nothing is available through the university. Hopefully, some legitimate options will be available once we arrive either through the AVMA or some other agency.

Adios.

 

[alliecat44]

Thanks for your empathy and words of wisdom, guys--sounds like I don't need to sweat the dress code quite as much (but do need to be way worried about insurance, of course!). Thanks--if anyone finds out anything about insurance, I'd love it if you could post the info. Thanks!

 

[CookieBear]

Yes, don't sweat the dress code. I've heard from both an incoming junior and a graduated senior, and it's not a big deal. Blue jeans are worn to class... and you don't have to be wearing a blouse and slacks kind of thing.

Many vet students go with the AVMA (SCAVMA has info) health insurance. I looked it up, and it was a $250 annual deductible and something like $437 per quarter billed I think.

However, if you call the KSU Student Life office, they mentioned a "Mega" health plan which is somehow associated with United Healthcare.
I didn't look into it more, but the website starts with www.studentresources.net
The KSU rep on campus was Jeremy (?) and he was going to get back to me about whether or not vet students could be covered. I haven't heard yet.

 

[alliecat44]

Hi, Cookie,

Boss is on her honeymoon, so I have some additional time at work today. 🙂 Congrats on your upcoming marriage, btw!! Whoo-hoo!!!!!

I went to the AVMA website and downloaded/printed about 40 pages worth of stuff. The Student PPO plan does indeed have a $250 yearly deductible with an in-network co-pay of $20 (out of network varies). Co-pays for prescription drugs are $15 for generic on up to $35 for extra-special brand-name drugs. 🙂 They also offer long-term disability/term life insurance all in one package. I got an online quote (27, non-smoker) for about $143/month + $13/month for the disability/life...don't have any idea how "good" this is! But hope it helps!

If the school does indeed cover vet students under that "Mega Health Plan," please please let us know!! 🙂

One other thing: looks like coverage won't begin until about 45 days after we submit an application. And that we can't apply until we're actually physically in classes (though I could be wrong about this). My employer's coverage ends August 1st (business is closing as of July 1, so a one-month extension). No idea how such a lapse would screw me...I'm worried!

 

[runnerDC]

One other thing: looks like coverage won't begin until about 45 days after we submit an application. And that we can't apply until we're actually physically in classes (though I could be wrong about this). My employer's coverage ends August 1st (business is closing as of July 1, so a one-month extension). No idea how such a lapse would screw me...I'm worried!

Ask your employer about continuation of coverage for that gap month through COBRA. You have to pay for it, but going uninsured, even for a short period of time, is never a good idea! Here's some basic information about the law:
http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/faqs/faq_consumer_cobra.html

 

[alliecat44]

Thanks for the info, runnerdc!! 🙂 I unfortunately found this within the website: "To be eligible for COBRA coverage, you must have been enrolled in your employer's health plan when you worked and the health plan must continue to be in effect for active employees."

Since there will be no active employess as of July 1 (insured or no), I guess that still leaves me out. 🙁 But thanks!

 

[alliecat44]

Cookie, OMG--you bought my friend's house!!!! That's so funny! 😀 Just had to tell you...small world after all! 😍

(Probably something more for a PM, but it was too much of a coincidence not to make it public!)

 

[alliecat44]

So this is what my friend had to say re: the dress code--"The dress code thing is to be taken very loosely. They encourage people to
wear professional clothes just to get used to the idea of being a
professional, but people do that for about 3 weeks, before everyone is back
in their jeans. Also, nice dress for Kansas cowboys is VERY different than
for East Coast girls. Here dressing up means your fancy clean jeans and
your button down shirt. There was a girl in my class who came to class in
her sweats every day. There are some girls that dress nicely every day, and
every single one of them in my class was from the east coast. It's all
what you're used to I guess. In summary, don't sweat it."

So, good news! Not that I'm considered typical east coast fashion-wise by any means... 🙂

 

[CookieBear]

Cookie, OMG--you bought my friend's house!!!! That's so funny! 😀 Just had to tell you...small world after all! 😍

(Probably something more for a PM, but it was too much of a coincidence not to make it public!)

I know 😉 She mentioned previously that she knows you, etc. Pretty darn cool. Must've all been meant to be!


I haven't heard from the insurance guy. I'll have to extend another friendly call to him next week.

Yup, that squares with what I saw about the AVMA stuff.

Perhaps contact your insurance carrier? Perhaps by some luck they'd allow you to continue your benefits with them... the worst they can say is no...?

Re: dress codes... Although I'm from the East coast, I have a better sense of direction than I do of fashion. 😱

 

[CookieBear]

OK, now that I've gotten married and we're closing on a house (all within the same summer), I thought I'd post some pics of the place in case anyone comes by here and is interested in roommating.

I'm buying a three bedroom, 1.5 bath ranch which is close enough to walk (or bike!) to school, on Kimball Avenue, approximately 1.3 miles from Trotter Hall. The house is in a great neighborhood, with a big fenced backyard. I'm not against more pets, within reason. My two cats and Goffins Cockatoo are coming with me. Hubby and Cookie are staying here in NJ.

I'm seeking two roommates at $375/room + 1/3 utilities. OR, if someone wants to share the house with me alone, I'd roughly double that rent and we'd use the third bedroom as an office.

Here are house pics: http://community.webshots.com/album/559267871Aumafi?vhost=community&vhost=community

Wing me a private message if you're interested, etc.!