What is the Bulldawg Support Network?
The Bulldawg Support Network (BSN) is a network of trained peer volunteers at the College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) composed of veterinary students, graduate students, staff, faculty, and administrators. We are not counselors, but we are empathetic listeners ready to talk about the challenges you are facing with school, work, or life.
Our mission is to promote support, fellowship, and service between members of the CVM community through one-on-one peer conversations, facilitated open group discussions, and educational seminars.
Peer support groups
Support groups are facilitated by BSN peer volunteers who seek to provide a compassionate and confidential environment where people can openly share their experiences. Through peer-led discussion, we aim to foster a foundation for personal growth, resilience, and fellowship. Meetings are confidential and no sign-up is required.
Veterinary student support group meetings are Thursday, February 6 and February 20 at 5:30 PM in Room 2056 on the Classic Campus. The focus will be on sharing common struggles and coping strategies, both personal and school related. This semesters discussion leader will be third year veterinary student, Ben Randolph.
Peer support groups are formed based on community input and needs. If you would like BSN to facilitate a support group for your peer group (e.g., graduate student, faculty, staff), please email [email protected]
Peer-to-peer matching
Email BSN ([email protected]) to be matched with a BSN peer volunteer within 24-48 hours. You can also contact a peer volunteer directly from our contact list.
We understand that everyone has unique needs and preferences when it comes to peer support. Please let us know your preferences so that we can match you with a peer supporter who best meets your needs.
- Preferences (e.g., peer group, academic stress, life transitions, recovery, family/relationship concerns, grief/loss, LGBTQIA+, etc.)
- How you would prefer support (e.g., in-person meeting, email, phone call, etc.)
Educational seminars
Each semester, BSN hosts a seminar on topics related to mental health and wellbeing. Check out “Upcoming Events” for seminar dates and details.
Upcoming events
- Bulldawg Support Network Training Seminar
- Thursday, February 13, 2025 at 5:30 PM in Room 1915 at the Veterinary Education Center
- CVM counselors Liz Cheely, LCSW and Stevie Stigler, LPC will discuss how to recognize distress and provide peer support as a BSN volunteer. This seminar is required to become a BSN volunteer, but is open to any CVM community member that wants to learn more about BSN and providing peer support
Previous events:
- Pictures with Santa Paws, featuring Dr. Joe Bartges
- Friday, December 6, 2024 in the VTH/VEC Courtyard, during the Holiday Bazaar
- BSN invites all CVM community members or their pets to take photos with our own Santa, Dr. Joe Bartges! Santa will be accompanied by a festive backdrop, props, and professional photography provided by Class of 2027 President, Lulu Goodyear!
- National Suicide Prevention Week
- Sunday, September 8 through Saturday, September 14, 2024
- The SAVMA CVM Wellness Committee and BSN are partnering to inform and engage the CVM community about suicide prevention and warning signs of suicide
- Suicide Prevention Seminar, presented by Bethany Hight, the Interpersonal Violence Prevention and Well-Being Coordinator for Fontaine Center
- Thursday, September 12, 2024 at 5:30 PM in Room 2515 on the Classic Campus
- Bulldawg Support Network Training Seminar
- Monday, October 7, 2024 at 5:30 PM in Room 2515 on the Classic Campus
How do I volunteer?
If you would like to be a BSN peer volunteer, please attend the Bulldawg Support Network Training seminar. If you cannot make the Bulldawg Support Network Training seminar or have any questions, please email [email protected].
I need more support
For veterinary students, please refer to Health and Wellness.
For all CVM community members, please refer to Well-Being Resources.