Khazar University IVSA

Khazar University International Veterinary Student Association

Purpose of IVSA

The International Veterinary Students’ Association (IVSA) is a non‑profit, student‑run organisation founded in 1953.

Its mission is stated as:

“To benefit the animals and people of the world by harnessing the potential and dedication of veterinary students to promote the international application of veterinary skills, education and knowledge.”

1.1 Specific aims

According to IVSA’s mission statement, the Association aims to:

• Encourage veterinary students to apply their knowledge and abilities for the benefit of both animals and humans.
• Raise the overall standard of veterinary education worldwide.
• Actively support measures to improve global animal welfare standards.
• Provide veterinary students with opportunities in key areas outside traditional veterinary training.
• Foster cooperation among students, veterinary student associations and international organisations.

1.2 Key activities

To achieve these aims, IVSA undertakes the following principal activities:

• Promoting and facilitating professional and scientific exchanges, and projects or extracurricular training for veterinary students.
• Organising international Congresses and Symposia to promote international understanding, best practices, and to expose students to veterinary issues in varied environments.
• Supporting veterinary education especially in disadvantaged countries.
• Representing veterinary students’ professional interests via collaboration with various professional bodies and organisations in veterinary care and public health.
• Operating Committees and Networks addressing topical issues such as One Health, Animal Welfare, Wellness, Veterinary Education and Career Attributes, thereby creating resources and opportunities for student involvement.

2. Roles and Responsibilities of IVSA Member Bodies & Officials

The governance structure of IVSA comprises several tiers of bodies. The following describes the key bodies and their respective functions, as outlined on IVSA’s official site.

 

2.1 The General Assembly (GA)

• The General Assembly is the supreme decision‑making body of the Association.
• It comprises delegates from all Member Organisations (MOs) and meets biannually (at the annual Congress and Symposium).
• Among its functions are: election of the IVSA Officials, setting IVSA’s advocacy and strategic directions, approving hosts for future congresses/symposia, and broader governance oversight.

2.2 The Executive Committee (EXCO)

• The EXCO is the “supreme administrative body” of IVSA, responsible for day‑to‑day governance in the intervals between General Assemblies.
• The EXCO consists of the following office‑holders:
• President
• Secretary General
• Treasurer
• Member Organization Director (MOD)
• Development Aid Director
• Committee Coordinator
• Public Relations Coordinator
• External Relations Officer
• The EXCO members carry responsibility for vital tasks necessary to operate IVSA between assemblies, including project oversight, policy implementation, liaison with partner organisations, and communications.

2.3 The Secretariat

• The Secretariat is an administrative subsidiary body elected by the General Assembly to assist the EXCO in its tasks and project work.
• It typically comprises eight Secretaries (for the given year) each allocated to support one or more EXCO members.
• The Secretariat also functions as a traineeship programme for members interested in future EXCO roles.

2.4 The Trust

• The Trust comprises six Trustees, all of whom have previously held official roles within IVSA.
• The Trust’s role is advisory and supervisory: guiding, supporting and assisting the work of the EXCO and Secretariat, particularly during transitions between terms.
• Its presence ensures continuity, stability and institutional memory within IVSA’s governance.

2.5 Committees and Networks

• IVSA currently has five standing committees (e.g., Standing Committee on One Health (SCOH), Standing Committee on Veterinary Education (SCOVE), Standing Committee on Animal Welfare (SCAW), Standing Committee on Wellness (SCOW), Standing Committee on Career Attributes (SCOCA)) and three networks (Alumni Network, Equine Network, Wild & Exotic Animals Network).
• Chairs of each Committee and Network are elected leaders responsible for facilitating the functionality and work of their respective bodies, overseeing projects, promoting student involvement, and representing the relevant thematic area within IVSA.
• These bodies play a key role in generating activity, resources, training, opportunities, and discourse in their specific fields for IVSA members.

2.6 Regional Representatives

• To facilitate cooperation and communication between the global IVSA Secretariat and its Member Organisations, IVSA is divided into six regions: Asia; Europe; Middle East & North Africa (MENA); Pacific; Sub‑Saharan Africa; and the Americas.
• Regional Representatives act as liaisons for the Member Organisations within their region, strengthening communication, coordination, and representation of regional concerns within the global IVSA framework.

3. Summary

In summary, IVSA is a globally‑oriented, student‑governed association whose purpose is to leverage veterinary students’ skills and commitments in order to advance animal and human welfare, elevate veterinary education standards, and foster international collaboration. Governance is multi‑tiered: the General Assembly elects key officials and sets direction; the Executive Committee manages operations; the Secretariat and Trust support continuity and administration; and thematic Committees, Networks and Regional Representatives ensure topical, regional and project‑based responsiveness.

Should you require a detailed breakdown of the tasks of each individual office‑holder (e.g., President, Secretary General, Treasurer, etc.) or a précis of each Committee’s mandate and current projects, I can extract and compile that information as well.

 

 

President

Role: The President serves as the leader and representative of the local IVSA unit.
Responsibilities:

• Oversee all activities of the local unit.
• Represent the unit in communications with IVSA global and external organizations.
• Ensure compliance with IVSA policies and bylaws.
• Facilitate meetings and coordinate the work of all officers.
• Lead strategic planning and development initiatives for the unit.

2. Vice President

Role: The Vice President supports the President and assumes their duties when unavailable.
Responsibilities:

• Assist the President in overseeing operations and projects.
• Coordinate internal committees and initiatives.
• Monitor progress of ongoing activities and report to the President.
• Ensure smooth handover and continuity in case of absence of the President.

3. Secretary / Secretary General

Role: Chief administrative officer of the unit.
Responsibilities:

• Maintain official records, minutes of meetings, and correspondence.
• Handle communication between unit members and IVSA global.
• Notify members of meetings and events.
• Maintain membership lists and track participation.

 

4. Treasurer

Role: Responsible for financial management.
Responsibilities:

• Manage the unit’s budget and finances.
• Record all income, expenses, and prepare financial statements.
• Collect membership fees and allocate funds for events/projects.
• Ensure transparency and accountability in all financial matters.

5. Member Affairs / Membership Officer

Role: Focuses on member recruitment, engagement, and retention.
Responsibilities:

• Recruit new members and maintain engagement of current members.
• Organize orientation sessions for new members.
• Track member participation and maintain active communication.
• Ensure fair representation of members in unit activities.

6. Public Relations / Communications Officer

Role: Handles internal and external communication.
Responsibilities:

• Promote the unit’s activities via social media, newsletters, and posters.
• Maintain the unit’s image and visibility within the university and local community.
• Liaise with local media and external partners.
• Coordinate communications with IVSA global.

7. Exchange / Program Officer

Role: Manages IVSA exchange programs and educational initiatives.
Responsibilities:

• Coordinate student exchange programs with other IVSA units.
• Provide guidance to members on applications and requirements.
• Maintain records of ongoing and past exchange projects.
• Organize workshops, training, and learning opportunities.

8. Event / Project Coordinator

Role: Plans and executes events, workshops, and outreach programs.
Responsibilities:

• Organize local events aligned with IVSA’s mission.
• Collaborate with committees or working groups to implement projects.
• Manage logistics, budgeting, and volunteer coordination for events.
• Evaluate the impact of events and report outcomes to the EXCO or unit leadership.

9. Welfare / Community Service Officer

Role: Focuses on animal welfare and community engagement.
Responsibilities:

• Organize community service projects and animal welfare initiatives.
• Collaborate with local shelters, clinics, and NGOs.
• Raise awareness about animal welfare and One Health issues.
• Monitor and report outcomes of welfare activities.