PharmD Advising

How was my advisor assignment determined?
Your advisor is primarily based on your choices indicated on the post-acceptance form. If you selected multiple interests or did not indicate a specific advisor (or if your chosen advisor it not available for new advisees), other assignments were made.

Can I switch/change advisors?
No. You are assigned to one faculty advisor, but you are also encouraged to meet with other faculty members and seek advice from multiple sources. We do reassign advisors if accepted into a micro-credential or dual/collaborative degree program. We can also help facilitate meetings between you and faculty or alumni, so if you are having difficulty getting in touch with someone, ask us to help. Email pharm-advise@buffalo.edu.

How often do I have to meet with my advisor?
Students must meet with their advisor at least once per semester. Keeping in close contact with your advisor gives him/her the basis for any letters of reference or referrals in the future. Advising is more than just academic – it’s also about career advisement. Students should meet their advisor even if they are not having academic or personal issues.

Do I have to meet with my advisor even though I do not have any concerns?
Yes, we require students to meet with their advisor at least once a semester to discuss progress. It is the student’s responsibility to reach out to their advisor. Meetings are not only for students who have academic concerns – it is also about career advisement. Advisors can help you prepare and also forward opportunities to you. Also, it is important to meet regularly to establish a relationship so that if you do need help or a reference, it will be easier for advisors to help you. 

What should I expect in my advisor meeting?
Advising can help you explore career options, investigate postgraduate opportunities, choose appropriate electives and programs, identify research opportunities and find university resources and support. Your advisor will likely lead the discussion, but you should also come prepared with a list of questions.

What should I bring to my appointment?
Come prepared with questions about courses, special programs, career options, etc. Bring your grades if you have grade concerns, your updated CV, transcript, and/or CPD plan.

Do I have to meet with my advisor if I am a dual degree student in another program? 
Yes, you must check-in with your advisor at least once a semester – even if you are in the other school.  

Are P4’s required to meet with their advisor? 
Yes. One meeting for the year is required.  

Can my advisor help me with financial or tuition questions?
No, advisors will not be able to assist you in these matters. These questions can only be handled by the UB Office of Student Accounts. Questions related to applying for privately or publicly funded scholarships, however, are within the realm of what an advisor can assist you with.

How can my advisor help me with a personal concern? 
Your advisor is available to listen to any concerns you may have. They can provide some resources and advice to assist you. 

How can my advisor help me with an academic concern?
Advisors want to see you succeed and we know each and every one of you is capable of success in our program. If you think you're falling behind, please make an appointment with an advisor.

Who can I contact about the SPPS PharmD advising program or if I need additional information?
Please refer to the Student webpages. There, you will find class and exam schedules, study skills resources, financial resources and student accounts, career planning resources, research resources, UB services and resources and more.

For general questions, please email pharm-advise@buffalo.edu.

In order to benefit from faculty advising:

• Be proactive and seek help and advice early in the semester
  
• Do not wait to schedule mandatory advising meetings until the end
  
• Bring your updated CV, transcript, Continuous Professional Development (CPD) plan or any other documentation to assist with your discussions
• Be honest with your advisor about your academic performance
• Articulate your career goals and personal interests
  
• Utilize additional UB services and resources (see below)
• Come prepared with questions   
  
• Come prepared with answers  

Possible topics for advising meetings include:

• Educational background
• Career options, goals, and planning
• Course plans (including electives and microcredential programs)
• Grades, academic progression, academic probation and other school policies
  
• Preparation for postgraduate study 
• Resume/CV review
• Continuous Professional Development Plan
• Time log review for time management (ex. track hour by hour for two weeks then review how time was spent)
• Motivation, reading skills, note-taking skills, test-taking strategies, listening skills, memory/retaining information
• Behaviors including number of hours working, getting enough sleep, exercising, getting involved in clubs/organizations
  
• Available SPPS and UB resources

Example co-curricular questions to discuss during an advisement meeting:

• How has your experience with the program been so far?
  
• Tell me about your networking experiences.
• How are you pursing your career interests?
• What activity has had the most impact on you professionally?
• How have co-curricular and professional activities related to your coursework and IPPEs?
• Tell me about a professional experience that had a strong impact on you.
• What topics in your courses have interested you?