Attention Students!
The U.S. Department of Education will offer Special Direct Consolidation Loans to eligible borrowers, beginning in January 2012. This is a short-term consolidation opportunity, ending June 30, 2012, for borrowers at least one loan owned by the Department of Education and at least one commercially-held FFEL loan to qualify for a Special Direct Consolidation Loan.
Special Direct Consolidation Loans are intended to help borrowers manage their debt by ensuring all of their federal loans are serviced by the same entity, resulting in one bill and one payment (borrowers repay loans to a loan servicer). Borrowers will also receive an interest rate reduction on Special Direct Consolidation Loans as a repayment incentive.
Your repayment term does not start over when you receive a SDCL — instead, each commercially-held FFEL loan that you consolidate will retain its original repayment term. This means that if you had made three years of loan payments on a 10-year standard repayment plan prior to consolidating a Federal Stafford Loan and you choose the Standard Repayment Plan for your SDCL, your remaining repayment term would continue to be 7 years
You should assess your personal student loan situation to determine if you should consolidate your loans into a Special Direct Consolidation Loan. While Special Direct Consolidation Loans offer certain benefits, such as a reduced interest rate, some borrowers may choose not to take advantage of this limited time offer because they are satisfied with the current repayment arrangements on their existing loans, or they wish to consolidate all of their federal loans (including those loans ineligible for this special consolidation opportunity) into a traditional Direct Consolidation Loan.
A Department of Education servicer will notify you if you meet the eligibility criteria for a Special Direct Consolidation Loan. When you are notified of your eligibility, you will also receive information on how to apply for a Special Direct Consolidation Loan. Notifications began January 17, 2012.
If you have further questions about Special Consolidation Loans, you can call 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243) for more information.
AVMA-GRD Externship 2012!
What a week! As someone who thought she knew DC pretty well, I had a lot to learn. Sure, I’ve ridden the Metro into the city to go to museums or other events hundreds of times. But the Metro at 7:45 in the morning is a totally different animal! Instead of being a few sauntering tourists, it is PACKED with people who have things to do, places to go and people to see! And that old saw about walking a mile in someone else’s shoes? You should walk a mile in ALL the shoes you plan to wear down here before you bother packing them. Shoes that I had pegged as comfortable and had been planning to wear on the clinic, I now dread wearing. Really though, everything is going smoothly. The two big events for my first week were attending a meeting on the Hill with one of the AVMA GRD’s assistant directors, and attending the State of American Business Address at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
The Hill meeting was important, because it was my chance to see what I’ll be doing next week. The take home point for me was that this job is really about education. Everyone who works in Congress—legislators and their staffers included—has to filter and sort through both the issues and the constituents’ comments on them. A lobbyist can summarize an issue and the argument for or against it—often more clearly and concisely than dozens of letters or phone calls from constituents. And hopefully, the legislator remembers that message when it comes time to vote.
The Chamber of Commerce address gave me a great opportunity to reflect on issues that were new to my mind, such as whether beige nylons or black ones are more appropriate for a 9:00 am address at the Chamber of Commerce, or how easily the news media can take a statement out of context. The first news article was already published (online) before I got back to the office. It was truly fascinating to watch the headlines pop up throughout the day, and be able to think, “I was there when he said that!”
As I wind up my first week here, I have to say I am very glad I made the decision to apply. I can tell this is going to be (and it already has been) an eye-opening experience on many levels!
2012 GRD Externs Announced
The AVMA GRD announced the 2012 candidates selected to participate in the Governmental Relations Division (GRD) extern program, which provides students with a four-week, hands-on introduction to public policy development and advocating for the veterinary profession.
The AVMA Externship program brings veterinary students to Washington, D.C. where they will work side-by-side with the AVMA GRD staff in educating congressional staffers on the organization’s legislative priorities; attend congressional hearings and briefings; and meet with a wide variety of veterinarians in all sectors of the federal government and non-profit organizations.
“The externship program is very competitive and we had an excellent pool of candidates to select from,” said Dr. Mark Lutschaunig, director of the AVMA Governmental Relations Division. “The program provides students with the opportunity to learn how veterinarians can impact public policy on a national level, and exposes students to alternative career paths in veterinary medicine. When they return to school, externs are encouraged to remain involved in the political process and to educate their colleagues about the importance of advocacy on a state and national level.”
The 2012 Externs are:
- Elsie Ackley, Louisiana State, Class of 2014
- Eric Deeble, University of Pennsylvania, Class of 2013
- Antonia Domino, Cornell University, Class of 2103
- Rachel Dory, Auburn University, Class of 2014
- Dana Koch, University of Pennsylvania, Class of 2013
- Joe Pluhar, Texas A&M University, Class of 2104
- Kristin Pufpaff, Ohio State University, Class of 2013
- Shoshana Sommer, Cornell University, Class of 2013
- Lacy Strom, University of Georgia, Class of 2013
- Jessica Watson, Michigan State University, Class of 2013
2012 VMLRP CYCLE BEGINS
Are you recent graduate who is interested in practicing in a designated shortage area?
A recently passed federal budget bill included funds for USDA and appropriated $4.7 million dollars for the implementation of the Veterinary Medical Loan Repayment Program (VMLRP ) in 2012. USDA NIFA will therefore begin to implement the third year of this critical program.
If you are not aware of the program, the VMLRP will pay up to $25,000 each year towards qualified educational loans of eligible veterinarians who agree to serve in a USDA designated veterinarian shortage situations for a period of three years.
The first step will be launch of the 2012 veterinary shortage situation nomination process. State Animal Health Officials (SAHO) from across the country will submit nominations for shortage sites. AVMA urges SAHO to collaborate with State VMAs, veterinary specialty groups and other allied veterinary organizations as well as veterinary colleges to identify shortages within their respective states.
You can find more information on applying here.
2012 Timeline
| November 3, 2011 | Solicitation of input from stakeholders (30-day comment period) |
| December 2011 | Publication in the Federal Register of the Solicitation for Veterinarian Shortage Situation Nominations from State and Insular Area Animal Health Officials or Designees (60-day solicitation period) |
| February 2012 | Submission deadline for Shortage Situation nominations |
| March 2012 | Posting of FY 2012 Designated Veterinarian Shortage Situations on NIFA Web site |
| April 2012 | Publication in the Federal Register of the Notice of Request for Applications (RFA) |
| June 2012 | Application period closes |
| August 2012 | Offers made to selected individual veterinarian applicants |
For further information about the program, contact: VMLRP.
The deadline to register for the 4th Annual Veterinary Student Legislative Fly In in Washington, D.C. is fast approaching!
December 15th is the last day to register for the Student Legislative Fly In!
Students will learn about the work conducted at the GRD, federal legislative issues impacting the profession and how they can be effective advocates for the veterinary profession.
Last year, fifty-three students representing 21 schools, participated Fly-In hosted by the AVMA’s Governmental Relations Division. The Veterinary Student Legislative Day is an example of what a big idea, encouragement, and enthusiastic students and supporters can achieve. Educate and empower yourself to become future political ambassadors and advocates for the veterinary profession.
Questions? PLEASE CONTACT:
Penny Coder
Email: pscrzf@mail.missouri.edu
Phone: 314-550-6010
Katie Zatroch
Email: zatroch.2@osu.edu
Phone: 216-409-610
Farewell DC!
Has it truly been four weeks? I feel as though I only arrived in DC yesterday, yet here I am cleaning out my office and trying desperately to fit everything back into my suddenly too small suitcase. It’s a bittersweet final day here at the GRD office as I make my final goodbyes and prepare for my travels back to Auburn.
I’ll definitely miss this city. It’s so remarkable and historical that you can’t help but feel inspired as you walk along the streets, surrounded by monuments and buildings of international importance and national pride. Yet it’s the people who live here who truly bring this city to life with a vibrant, young enthusiasm and idealism. There’s a sense of working towards something, of bettering this country and following your dreams, that no amount of political cynicism can damper.
My final week was spent racing around the city trying to squeeze as much DC as possible into my last days. I finally got around to being that gauche tourist with the over-sized camera trekking between monuments and national symbols. The pictures are lovely, even though I felt undeniably silly stopping in the middle of streets and bushes attempting to get that perfect shot.
But my dwindling time wasn’t just spent on the average Washingtonian experience. I had the great opportunity to attend the Republican National Committee annual gala. Regardless of your political leanings, it’s an experience not to be passed up. As I walked into the opening reception, I was keenly aware of the political power contained in that small ballroom. Political figures I’ve seen countless times in the media were suddenly standing before me, smiling and speaking to me. To describe the moment as surreal would be an understatement. Amidst my personal awe and inner geek out, I was somewhat rudely interrupted by a man running into me. To my great surprise, the sheepish face I found when I turned around belonged to none other than Mitt Romney, the republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney. That was only the beginning of a night filled with notable republican figures and presidential nominees.
I can’t even begin to describe the many amazing experiences and wonderful people I’ve met during my four weeks with the GRD. The opportunities and career paths opening up before me are staggering, I’ve never before felt such an excitement about what the future holds or where life will take me. The farewell hugs and gushing gratitude to the GRD staff will never fully express my thanks or my happiness for this wonderful opportunity.
Hillary Jarrett
The ABC’s of Washington DC.
Always have an umbrella and galoshes. Better learn your acronyms. Coffee. The three basic tips that permit survival in Washington DC. It rains a lot – and particularly when you are no where near a metro stop. Acronyms are thrown around casually during conversation and typically make up half the dialogue. And coffee, well, coffee makes policy possible.
One evening last week, when I was without galoshes and carrying an inside out umbrella, I traveled across town to a dinner hosted by the One Health Academy (or OHA) and the idea of Natural Security was presented by Rafe Sagarin, a marine ecologist. Now, security and defense issues are completely new to me. At heart, I am a science nerd that loved organic chemistry and used to dream of Jurassic Park coming true, but never once thought about how to tackle our country’s surveillance or preparedness needs. So this Darwinian approach to US security issues was intriguing, yet still suspiciously out of my comfort zone.
Over dinner, Rafe presented the theory that risk is inevitable and adaptation is key therefore making nature the best model to learn from and hence, the coined term, Natural Security. Drawing on his experience as a marine ecologist, Rafe collaborated with colleagues in a range of fields and together they applied the basics of natural adaptation to US security tactics. His topic was fascinating and fulfilled my nerdy science need by steering it in a completely new direction. So while hovering over my homemade pumpkin pie slice at a dinner table with some of the brightest minds in science, I realized just how thankful I was for the exposure to such people, places, and ideas all via the AVMA.
Rayne Johnson
We’re Half Way There!
Two dazzling weeks in and just two more to go! It’s hard to believe my time here is halfway finished. Each day flies by in a flurry of activity and bustling about the city. And every night when I collapse across my bed and think about all the amazing things I’ve been a part of, I’m left with one burning question: why can’t women’s shoes be cute and comfortable after trekking up and down the Hill all day?
But regardless of my podiatry issues, this externship is proving even more exciting and educational than I expected. Last week, Rayne and I attended several events covering an array of topics. Tuesday morning found us downtown attending the monthly Farm Foundation meeting discussing “The Future Role of Government in Agricultural Risk Management.” As someone who grew up in an urban area, I was relatively uninformed about the interaction of farms and the government, as well as the strengths and deficiencies of agricultural insurance. Two hours were certainly not enough to truly address such a complex issue, but I now have a greater understanding about the difficulties faced by farmers and the ways in which the government is attempting to respond. On Wednesday, Rayne and I traveled to the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine where we met with Dr. Gary Vroegindewey of the Center for Public and Corporate Veterinary Medicine. We had the opportunity to speak with his pre-vet class about the paths we took to veterinary school. It was incredibly refreshing to be with his students and to feel their passion about the profession, especially as the pressure for boards is building. While we were there, we also met Dr. Valerie Ragan and Dr. Stephen Sundlof, both of whom have led amazing careers in the public health sector. On Thursday night we attended a fascinating One Health Academy meeting with Dr. Rafe Sagarin discussing national security and defense based off of biological models.
Every day has been full of these amazing meetings and people. I can’t wait to see what the second two weeks will bring!
GRD Externships Application Deadline October 14
The AVMA is currently accepting applications for ten 2012 Governmental Relations Externships. The deadline for submission is October 14.
The AVMA Extern program pairs talented veterinary students together with the AVMA Governmental Relations Division for a four-week program that introduces Externs to the breadth of public policy issues facing the profession and provides hands-on lobbying experience with legislators and staffers on Capitol Hill.
It’s an opportunity to learn a facet of the profession that you won’t find in school – and make a difference in shaping the profession at the same time.
For more information and an application, click here.
Sweet Home Alabama and My Old Kentucky Home
My first week as an extern began a little untraditionally compared to previous extern experiences. Rayne, my extern partner in crime, and I were fortunate enough to arrive just in time for the first annual AVMA Fly-In. Along with various members of the AVMA from across the nation, we were briefed on critical legislative issues and trained in advocacy. Just how do you approach a member of Congress and discuss the issues? It’s simple, be yourself.
Armed with this basic truth, we stormed the Hill. Well, “storm” may be a bit too strong a description for a group of well-dressed veterinarians (minus the pet hair and questionable stains from the clinic), but we certainly used our numbers up at the House and Senate offices to divide and conquer. We each had the opportunity to meet with our Congressional representatives in the role of constituent and discuss legislation of concern to the AVMA and its members. Merely sharing our personal stories opened doors to real discussions with our representatives and their staff. Simply sharing that I’m a Kentucky girl temporarily transplanted to Alabama would spark their interest. It was natural and easy to share stories about growing up in Louisville surrounded by all things Kentucky Derby related or adjusting to rural Americana (who knew there were so many cows?) when I moved to Auburn. Once we had established common ground, it was a simple transition to the legislative issues.
Thus far during this crazy week, I’ve been fortunate enough to meet with Rep. Rokita (IN), Rep. Chandler (KY), Rep. Schrader (OR – and the only veterinarian currently serving in Congress), and staff for Senate Minority Leader McConnell (KY). I’ve also had the opportunity to attend meetings for the World Wildlife Fund’s conservation efforts, a Congressional hearing for the Peace Corp., and a webinar regarding food safety. Of course, Rayne and I haven’t been chained to our desks in the office. Random exploration has led to tourist site-seeing, completely unnecessary shopping, amazing restaurants, and in general just being awe-inspired. It’s been beyond wonderful so far, now if only I didn’t have to study for those pesky boards or return to my internal medicine rotation!
- Hillary Jarrett