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Course Enrollment

Process

To sign up for the VTPP 285 or VTPP 485 course, you must email exotic@cvm.tamu.edu to begin the process.

  • In your email, please explain why you are interested in the course and if you have any experience working with exotic animals.
  • You will receive a response with more details about the course so that you may consider whether you will be able to meet the necessary demands.
  • Registration occurs on a first-come, first-served basis. The course often has a waiting list for each semester. You will be asked to complete the required paperwork and register for either VTPP 285 or VTPP 485.

Note: You must complete time at the Wildlife Center as a student before you are able to volunteer.

Courses

VTPP 285 is generally offered for two credit hours. Proper time management is a huge part of being successful at the Wildlife Center. Newer college students should understand the time commitment and responsibilities required of them.

Requirements for VTPP 285

  • Freshmen or sophomores will be registered for the 285 course, regardless of major.
  • BIMS majors who have not finished their CBKs are only allowed to take the 285 courses. This is a BIMS program restriction.
    • Juniors and seniors who have not completed their CBKs will be given the option to take the 285 course for three credit hours. This is the only exception to the two-credit hour rule.
  • Students must have a GPA higher than 3.0.

VTPP 485 is offered as a two- or three-credit hour option. Students are expected to have a good understanding of time management and commitment. These students are expected to already have a good work ethic, work well on a team, and be self-motivating.

Requirements for VTPP 485

  • All juniors and seniors who have completed their CBKs will be allowed to register for a two- or three-credit hour course.
    • With special permission, some students are eligible for a four-credit hour course.
  • Students who have previously completed the 285 course are eligible for the 485 course.
a group of students pose with Gig'em hand signs on the steps of the main center building
a tortoise looks at the camera at the center
a handler and an ostrich at the center
a Serval cat rests in its habitat at the center
two images together of Milburn, a ring-tail lemur, a resident of the center
a handler feeds fruit to a deer at the center
a Przewalski's horse, one of several that call the center home
a peafowl displaying vibrant and abundant plumage
a peafowl displaying vibrant and abundant plumage
a handler making eye contact with a goat at the center
a baby goat engages with the camera at the center
two baby tortoises eat in their enclosure at the center

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