The spring semester began with implementation of the new CAMS college software on January 26th. Paul van Rijn directed many faculty training sessions during the winter. Also in January, Dr. Robert Orsher of VSEC, together with several members of his staff, met with Dr. Bassert on campus to propose expansion of the Manor externship program at VSEC and collaboration in the establishment of a VSEC-Manor Continuing Education Lecture Series.

Dr. Bassert coordinated the formation of a new all-day laboratory held at the New Bolton Center to complement labs offered as part of VT105 in large animal clinical techniques. Barb Dugan, CVT and Dr. Natasha Kassel lead the equine laboratory at the Widener Center, while Dr. Darren Remsberg and Dr. Joanna Bassert offered instruction in dairy herd health at the Marshak Dairy. The morning groups switched in the afternoon so that each student spent half the day working with horses and the other half with dairy cows. Based on student and faculty feedback, the lab was very successful and will be continued in the fall.

PAACA loses its contract with the city of Philadelphia and closes. Dr. Komurek establishes a new relationship with PAWS and cats and dogs continue to be brought to Manor College for spay and neuter procedures as part of the VT226/VT218 laboratory. In March, Dr. Rubin of the USDA, inspects the College’s animal facilities and finds no deficiencies. Penn’s blood mobile continues to visit Manor College and collect blood donations from student, faculty and staff dogs. The College curriculum committee approves changes to the Vet Tech curriculum that includes the following

1. VT211 Animal Medicine is separated into two courses VT 227 Animal Medicine I and VT 228 Animal Medicine II
2. VT204 Small Animal Dentistry is established as a new spring course.
3. BI206 Microbiology for Veterinary Technicians is decreased to 3 credits from 4
4. VT109 Breeds, Behavior and Nutrition is split into two new courses: VT112 Breeds and Behavior and VT113 Animal Nutrition
5. VT210 Freshman Clinical Externship is deleted from the curriculum.
   
   

The 8th Edition of McCurnin’s Clinical Textbook for Veterinary Technicians is released in March with Dr. Bassert as lead editor. She honors Dr. McCurnin’s service to the professions of veterinary technology and veterinary medicine as he will retire as editor after this year. Also during the spring, Dr. Komurek establishes the first Facebook account for the College (specifically for Vet Tech alumni). Beverly Bisaccia is close on her heals by establishing a page for Vet Tech students. Beloved teaching horse Redds passes away on May 2 when he is 34 years old. Dr. Komurek develops a comprehensive faculty instruction manual with regard to establishing course goals and learning assessment tools.

During the summer, Dr. Komurek and Dr. Bassert meet individually with faculty to establish learning assessment strategies in each of the VT courses. Beverly Bisaccia, Dr. Komurek and Dr. Bassert attend the AVTE Symposium in Omaha, Nebraska. Dr. Bassert is re-elected to serve a second consecutive term (forth term in total) on the AVTE Executive Board.