The first day of the orientation program for students newly enrolled in the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine took place on September 21, 2026, with the participation of students' families. Conducted by the In-Service Training and Orientation Commission, the program aimed to help students adapt to the faculty, familiarize themselves with academic and social opportunities, and gain information about the educational process.

At the opening of the program, Prof. Dr. Ülkü Gülcihan Şimşek, Head of the Orientation Commission, outlined the program's objectives. Subsequently, the Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Prof. Dr. Kazım Şahin, discussed the faculty's national and international accreditation and emphasized the importance of science and hard work during the students' academic journey. Following this, Veterinarian Cazim Bulut, President of the Elazığ Region Chamber of Veterinarians, congratulated the newly enrolled students on the start of the academic year.

The program continued with an introductory lecture by Prof. Dr. Abdullah Özen, a faculty member in the Department of History of Veterinary Medicine, Deontology, and Ethics.
The event proceeded with the white coat ceremony, a symbolic tradition of the veterinary profession. Donning their white coats, the students shared the excitement of taking the first steps in their professional education with their families. After putting on their coats, the students recited the Veterinarian's Oath with great enthusiasm.

During the afternoon session, information was provided regarding the faculty's academic and administrative structure, educational facilities, practical training areas, and services available to students. The program also included an awareness-raising session on maintaining a safe university environment.

Student clubs and social life opportunities were introduced to encourage students to actively participate in faculty life. In addition, information was provided regarding the psychological support process available at the faculty, outlining the support mechanisms students can access whenever needed.

The program continued with a session on the safety rules to be observed in laboratories and clinics. Students were informed about establishing a safe working environment, using personal protective equipment, and key considerations for clinical practice.

The first day of the orientation program concluded with a campus tour introducing the faculty's main building and the Veterinary Hospital. During the tour, students had the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the classrooms, laboratories, clinics, and practical training areas.

The program aimed to help new students understand the faculty's academic, professional, and social structure, facilitate their adjustment to university life, and strengthen their sense of belonging to the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.