Hey guys. Congrats! Sorry things are so confusing. We have a new Admissions director this year and I think things are just working themselves out. I haven't heard exactly, but in the past...orientation is the week before classed start (Aug 16th.) You will be in planned activities everyday from 8am to about 4 or 5pm. These are team building type exercises and are really fun. Some are physical (rope climbing, ect..) and some are more group discussion type but you will have fun and get to know your classmates pretty well. You will also get to know about 10 upperclassmen who lead each freshman groups and some of the faculty. Lunch is included almost everyday (if I remember). I wont spoil the surprise, but the last day you will get to do something very fun. The white coat ceremony is the Sunday before classes start. You will all meet at the convention center and the powers that be will speak and then you will be presented with your Dr.s coat by a veterinarian from your state or parent (if you parent is a DVM). You get your picture taken with the Dean. You will then walk as a group from the convention center to the vetschool. This is a very prestigious event and all your family will be lined up on the street as you make the walk over to the school. (VERY COOL) Then they will take the class picture on the front steps of the school and then there is a luncheon social afterwards.
Okay, as far as supplies. Due to budget cuts and lack of student support (ie buying things online) the vet bookstore had to shut down. Unless something changes. You really only need a box of examination gloves and a basic dissection kit (scapel handle, scissors, forceps and you'll just need one box of size 10 blades per group. You may find some dissection kits being sold by your upperclassmen the first week or so. You wont need a stethoscope until second semester and the school will have a Littman rep come and talk with the freshman before that. You may also want to get a pair of scrubs for anatomy, something cheap you don't mind wasting and a pair of rubber boots ($20 from Walmart).
I can not post the book list here, but if you want me to email it to you then just send me a message. Its last years list, but it should be the same unless there are new editions. Mostly anatomy books and some histopath.
Other than those, I cant think of anything else. Most students bring a laptop to class, but its not required. Last year Hills gave us a free scrub top and backpack so those are well used and appreciated, but not guaranteed.
Hope that helps. I know you would prefer dates and times for orientation, but hang in there...it will come soon.
Cant wait to meet you guys!😀